compared

word · lemma: compare

/kəmˈpɛɹd/
kuhm-PAIRD
/kəmpˈeəd/
kuhm-PAIRD

Definition

The past form or past participle of 'compare', meaning to examine two or more things to see how they are similar or different. It can also appear in phrases like 'compared to' or 'compared with' to show a contrast or likeness.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used in the patterns 'compared to' and 'compared with'. In everyday English, both are common, though 'compared with' often sounds more neutral for direct comparison, while 'compared to' can sound more figurative in some contexts. 'Compared' can also be part of passive structures like 'The two products were compared'.

Example Sentences

The teacher compared the two pictures in class.

basic

This car is cheap compared to that one.

basic

She compared her answer with mine.

basic

The article compared city life with life in the countryside.

natural

Compared to last year, business has been much slower.

natural

Honestly, nothing compared to how good that meal was.

natural