com|par´a|tive|ness

com|par|a|tive «kuhm PAR uh tihv», adjective, noun.

–adj.

1. of or having to do with comparison.

2. that compares; involving comparison: »

A course in comparative literature emphasizes the differences and similarities among the writings and writers of two or more countries. Comparative anatomy compares the structure of the bodies of different animals.

3. measured by comparison with something else; not positive or absolute; relative: »

Screens give us comparative freedom from flies.

4. second degree of comparison of an adjective or adverb. Better is the comparative form of good.

–n.

1. the second degree of comparison of an adjective or adverb.

2. a form or combination of words that shows this degree. Fairer, better, and more slowly are the comparatives of fair, good, and slowly.

–com|par´a|tive|ness, noun.