Comparative describes something that is judged in relation to something else, not on its own. In grammar, it refers to forms of adjectives or adverbs that show a higher degree, like “bigger” or “more interesting.”
From Late Latin *comparativus* “relating to comparison,” from Latin *comparare* “to compare,” from *com-* “together” + *par* “equal.” It points to setting things side by side to see differences and similarities.
A lot of our thinking is comparative—we don’t just ask ‘Is this good?’ but ‘Is this better than before or than other options?’ Even feelings like happiness are often comparative, which is why your mood can shift just by changing what you compare yourself to.
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