comparable

UK: ˈkɒmp(ə)rəb(ə)l | US: ˈkɑːmp(ə)rəb(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. able to be likened to another; similar in quality or nature

  2. adj. suitable for comparison; admitting of comparison

Structure
com <together>par <equal>able <capable of>
Etymology

comparable = com<together> + par<equal> + able<capable of>

  • com (from Latin cum): "together" or "with"
  • par (from Latin parare): "equal" or "prepare"
  • able (from Latin -abilis): suffix meaning "capable of"

Etymology Origin:
The word "comparable" traces back to Latin comparabilis, derived from comparare ("to pair, match, or bring together"). The root par (meaning "equal") is central to its meaning, as comparison inherently involves assessing equality or similarity. Over time, the suffix -able was added to denote the capacity for such assessment. The word entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core logic of "fit to be compared."

Examples

  1. The two products are comparable in quality but differ in price.

  2. Her achievements are hardly comparable to those of a seasoned professional.

  3. The study used comparable data sets to ensure fairness.

  4. No other country offers a comparable standard of living.

  5. The results were comparable across all test groups.