compare

Everyday

1. To compare is to look at two or more things to see how they are the same and how they are different. tree →
2. To compare is also to say one thing is like another. tree →
3. «Compared with» or «compared to» means when you set one beside the other. tree →

In the lessons

maths: asks to look at two amounts, usually to find how many more or fewer one has than the other, or which is bigger (>, <, =); science: compare results, compare two plants; English: compare two stories or characters; everyday life: compare prices to save money

Examples

• Compare the number of apples and pears. tree →
• Compare 45 and 54: which is bigger? tree →
• Compared to Tom, Sara has 7 more stickers. tree →
• Compare the lengths of the two ropes. tree →
• Compare the two plants: which grew taller? tree →
• Compare prices before you buy. tree →
• The poem compares the moon to a balloon. tree →
• Compared with last year, it is warmer. tree →
• Nothing in the world can be compared with red shoes. tree →

Note

Usually points to subtraction (the difference) or to choosing the bigger or smaller amount. Trap: «compared to Tom, Sara has 7 more» means Sara = Tom + 7, not Tom + 7 for Tom. To compare numbers, look at the biggest place value first.

In Jewish tradition

In the Prophets and Writings, to compare means to say what is like something else. Isaiah asks what likeness anyone can compare to God, and Proverbs says nothing can be compared to wisdom.

Interpretation. Tradition teaches that God has no likeness and cannot be compared to anything. Wisdom is valued above all treasures.

Examples

• Compare also the Talmud treatise Chagigah p. 12. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• 35) Compare Chapter I, Section 3, Note, 8. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• God made them as this one compared with that one. [note 3: [Ecclesiastes 7:14]. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• Or what likeness will ye compare unto Him? (Prophets ISA.40.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• I have compared thee, O my love, to a steed in Pharaoh's chariots. (Writings SNG.1.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• For wisdom is better than rubies, and all things desirable are not to be compared unto her. (Writings PRO.8.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Usually points to subtraction (the difference) or to choosing the bigger or smaller amount. Trap: «compared to Tom, Sara has 7 more» means Sara = Tom + 7, not Tom + 7 for Tom. To compare numbers, look at the biggest place value first.