Talk:compare

The example given under "Intransitive verb" is actually an example of a "Reciprocal verb". The multiple subjects are their own / each other's own objects. &mdash; Hippietrail 10:13, 18 Aug 2004 (UTC)

compare to vs compare with
The traditional rule about which preposition to use after compare states that compare should be followed by to when it points out likenesses or similarities between two apparently dissimilar persons or things: She compared his handwriting to knotted string. Compare should be followed by with when it points out similarities or differences between two entities of the same general class: The critic compared the paintings in the exhibit with magazine photographs. Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English Does this rule have to do with any meanings of the prepositions themselves?--Backinstadiums (talk) 16:45, 5 December 2019 (UTC)


 * Probably impossible to know. Perhaps "compare to" invokes ideas of "similar to". Equinox ◑ 16:48, 5 December 2019 (UTC)

beyond compare
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/beyond+compare --Backinstadiums (talk) 11:06, 9 January 2021 (UTC)

Idiom compared with or to
Idiom compared with or to: in comparison or contrast with; as opposed to --Backinstadiums (talk) 10:27, 13 February 2021 (UTC)

intransitive meanings
to be equal or similar in quality or standing, especially to be as good as another : As an athlete she can compare with the best in the sport. to have a particular relationship with something or somebody else: Its performance compares badly with that of rival engines. Maybe the current definitions need rewording? --Backinstadiums (talk) 18:35, 31 May 2021 (UTC)