compare

Definition

Compare means to identify similarities and differences between two or more things. It is a way of finding out how things are alike and how they are different.

In science, comparing is a common way to learn about the world around us. For example, scientists might compare the properties of different types of rocks to learn about how they were formed. Or, they might compare the behaviour of different species of animals to learn about how they adapt to their environment.

There are many ways to compare things. One way is to make a list of the similarities and differences between them. Another way is to create a table or chart that shows the similarities and differences.

When comparing things, it is important to be as objective as possible. This means that you should try to avoid letting your personal opinions or biases influence your findings.

Here are some of the key things to know about comparison:

It means to identify similarities and differences between two or more things.
It is a way of finding out how things are alike and how they are different.
It is a common way to learn about the world around us.
There are many ways to compare things.
It is important to be as objective as possible when comparing things.

How can the word be used?

The two samples are comparable in terms of their quality.

Different forms of the word

Verb:

Compare: To examine two or more things to see how they are similar or different.

Noun:

Comparison: The act of comparing two or more things.

Adjective:

Comparable: Capable of being compared.

Etymology

The word "compare" comes from the Latin word "comparare", which means "to bring together". It is made up of the prefix "com-", which means "together", and the verb "parare", which means "to prepare".

Question

What do you regularly compare in everyday life?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

A student is investigating the effect of different types of fertiliser on the growth of bean plants. They have set up three groups of bean plants, each of which is receiving a different type of fertiliser. The student measured the height of the bean plants after 2 weeks.

What are the appropriate comparisons that the student can make?

Answer:

The student can make a number of comparisons between the three groups of bean plants. They can compare the height of the bean plants in each group, the rate of growth of the bean plants in each group, and the overall appearance of the bean plants in each group.

The student can also make comparisons between the different types of fertiliser. They can compare the effectiveness of each type of fertiliser, the cost of each type of fertiliser, and the availability of each type of fertiliser.

The student's results will allow them to make conclusions about the effect of different types of fertiliser on the growth of bean plants. They will also be able to make recommendations about the best type of fertiliser to use for growing bean plants.

Here are some specific comparisons that the student can make:

Height of the bean plants: The student can compare the height of the bean plants in each group to see which type of fertilizer is most effective at promoting growth.

Rate of growth of the bean plants: The student can compare the rate of growth of the bean plants in each group to see which type of fertiliser is causing the bean plants to grow the fastest.

The overall appearance of the bean plants: The student can compare the overall appearance of the bean plants in each group to see which type of fertiliser is causing the bean plants to look the healthiest.

Effectiveness of the different types of fertiliser: The student can compare the effectiveness of the different types of fertiliser by comparing the height, rate of growth, and overall appearance of the bean plants in each group.

Cost of the different types of fertiliser: The student can compare the cost of the different types of fertiliser to see which type of fertiliser is the most affordable.

Availability of the different types of fertiliser: The student can compare the availability of the different types of fertiliser to see which type of fertiliser is the easiest to find.