comparable

Everyday

1. Similar in size, amount or quality, so it makes sense to compare them: «two schools of comparable size». tree →
2. Able to be compared: «These results are not comparable». tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science, fair tests need comparable conditions; results are comparable only if the same units and methods are used. In shopping, comparable products can be compared by price. Formal exam questions use it. Phrases: comparable to, comparable with.

Examples

• The two towns are comparable in size. tree →
• Is a cat's speed comparable to a dog's? tree →
• To make it a fair test, the plants need comparable amounts of water. tree →
• This cheap bike is comparable with the expensive one. tree →
• Prices in the two shops are comparable. tree →
• The numbers are not comparable because one is in metres and one in feet. tree →

Note

Stress: «KOM-pruh-bul» (common) or «kom-PAIR-uh-bul». In maths, two quantities must be in the same units to be comparable.

In Jewish tradition

In Lamentations the precious people of Zion are called comparable to fine gold, to show how valuable they were before the fall of Jerusalem. In the primary lessons: In maths and science, fair tests need comparable conditions; results are comparable only if the same units and methods are used. In shopping, comparable products can be compared by price. Formal exam questions use it. Phrases: comparable to, comparable with.

Examples

• The Samaritans still to this day preserve a tradition allowing Resh to occur in both single and double forms, bearing a distinction comparable to the difference between the Spanish single r of pero and double rr of perro.] Taw-Thaw. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter! (Writings LAM.4.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Stress: «KOM-pruh-bul» (common) or «kom-PAIR-uh-bul». In maths, two quantities must be in the same units to be comparable.