Com*par"a*tive (?), a. [L.
comparativus: cf. F. comparatif.]
1. Of or pertaining to comparison.
"The comparative faculty." Glanvill.
2. Proceeding from, or by the method of,
comparison; as, the comparative sciences; the
comparative anatomy.
3. Estimated by comparison; relative; not
positive or absolute, as compared with another thing or
state.
The recurrence of comparative warmth and
cold.
Whewell.
The bubble, by reason of its comparative
levity to the fluid that incloses it, would necessarily ascend to
the top.
Bentley.
4. (Gram.) Expressing a degree
greater or less than the positive degree of the quality denoted
by an adjective or adverb. The comparative degree is formed from
the positive by the use of -er, more, or
less; as, brighter, more bright, or less
bright.
Comparative sciences, those which are
based on a comprehensive comparison of the range of objects or
facts in any branch or department, and which aim to study out and
treat of the fundamental laws or systems of relation pervading
them; as, comparative anatomy, comparative
physiology, comparative philology.
Com*par"a*tive, n. (Gram.)
The comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs; also, the
form by which the comparative degree is expressed; as,
stronger, wiser, weaker, more stormy,
less windy, are all comparatives.
In comparatives is expressed a relation of
two; as in superlatives there is a relation of many.
Angus.
2. An equal; a rival; a compeer.
[Obs.]
Gerard ever was
His full comparative.
Beau. & Fl.
3. One who makes comparisons; one who
affects wit. [Obs.] "Every beardless vain
comparative." Shak.
