Compare
/kəmˈpɛər/noun
To examine in relation to another thing so as to note similarities or differences.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Latin comparāre, built from com- (“together”) + par (“equal, match”), so comparison began as the act of bringing things into the same measure.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*per-
“To produce, procure; source of the idea of making something ready or equal in status.”
Latin
Latin
par
“Equal, of the same rank or value.”
Late Latin
Latin
comparāre
“To couple, match, or bring together as equal.”
Old French
Old French
comparer
“To liken, match, or set one thing against another.”
Middle English
English
compare
“To liken or estimate by placing side by side.”
Modern English
English
compare
“To note similarities and differences between things.”