Word
comparable
Meanings
similar enough in relevant ways to allow a fair comparison
roughly equal in quality, level, or size
Definition
Comparable means similar enough to be fairly compared, or of a similar standard or size.
If two things are comparable, they are similar in important ways, so it makes sense to compare them. The word is often used when discussing data, prices, results, or performance across different options. It can also mean roughly equal in quality, level, or scale.
Examples
- The two reports use comparable methods, so their conclusions can be weighed against each other with confidence.
- I looked for a comparable apartment in the same neighborhood to judge whether the rent increase was reasonable.
- She argued that his workload was comparable to hers, even though their job titles sounded different.
- They selected a comparable sample of participants to reduce the risk of distorted results.
Common mistake
Learners often use comparable when they mean identical; comparable means similar enough to compare, not exactly the same.
More at C1 level
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More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.