compared

IPA/kəmˈpeər/
KK[kəmpˈɛrd]IPA/kəmˈper/

compared — verb

  • comparedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • compareds3rd person singular
  • compareding-ing form
  • comparededpast simple

1. to examine several items alongside each other so that you can see the ways they

1.動詞及物A2
釋義

to examine several items alongside each other so that you can see the ways they are alike and the ways they are different.

例句

Kasia compared the prices at three different stores before she bought the laptop.

compare + noun + at + [place]

The teacher asked the class to compare the two poems and write down any similarities.

compare + noun + and + noun

同義詞
  • contrast

    contrast emphasises differences; compare looks at both similarities and differences

  • juxtapose

    more formal and literary; focuses on placing things side by side for effect

  • weigh

    suggests carefully considering pros and cons, often before a decision

文法句型

compare + noun + with + noun

compare + noun + to + noun

compare + noun + and + noun

用法筆記

Use 'compare A with B' when the focus is on finding differences, and 'compare A to B' when pointing out similarities, though many speakers use both patterns interchangeably.

常見錯誤

Compare between these two options.
Compare these two options.
💡'compare between' is not standard in modern English.

2. to say or believe that one person or thing is like another, especially in terms

2.動詞及物B1
釋義

to say or believe that one person or thing is like another, especially in terms of quality or ability — for example, comparing a young athlete to a famous champion, or a new film to a classic movie.

例句

Critics have compared the young singer to a legendary pop star from the 1990s.

passive: has been compared to [famous person]

Diya did not like it when other people compared her to her older sister.

compare + someone + to + family member

同義詞
  • liken

    more formal; used mainly in literary or academic contexts

  • equate

    stronger — suggests the two things are of equal value or importance

  • parallel

    emphasises a matching pattern or structure rather than general similarity

反義詞
  • distinguish

    to point out the differences rather than the similarities

文法句型

compare + noun + to + noun

be compared to + noun (passive)

用法筆記

The pattern 'compare A to B' is standard for this sense — it suggests a likeness. When the focus is on finding overall similarity in quality or status, 'compare A with B' is also possible but less common.

常見錯誤

She compared her boss as a dictator.
She compared her boss to a dictator.
💡use 'to', not 'as', to introduce the thing something is likened to.

3. to be much worse than another thing when the two are put side by side; used almo

3.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to be much worse than another thing when the two are put side by side; used almost always in negative statements to stress that something is far superior.

例句

The homemade pizza was good, but it does not compare with the one from Luigi's restaurant.

does not compare with + [superior item]

Eitan said that no other city can compare to Tokyo for its public transport system.

cannot compare to + [superior example]

同義詞
  • match

    'cannot match' has the same meaning but is more direct; 'does not compare' is more emphatic

  • measure up

    phrasal verb; used in 'cannot measure up to' — suggests falling short of a standard

反義詞
  • rival

    to be as good as; the opposite of being much worse

文法句型

does not compare with + noun

cannot compare to + noun

nothing compares to + noun

用法筆記

Almost always used in negative constructions. 'Nothing compares to X' is a fixed expression meaning X is uniquely superior.

常見錯誤

This car does not compare from that one.
This car does not compare with that one.
💡use 'with' or 'to', not 'from'.

4. to be judged as better or at least as good as another thing of the same type whe

4.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to be judged as better or at least as good as another thing of the same type when the two are measured against each other.

例句

The new hospital compares favourably with similar facilities in neighbouring towns.

compare favourably with + [group]

Indra's cooking compares well against any professional chef's dishes.

同義詞
  • rival

    more active — suggests competing closely; 'compares favourably' is more neutral and evaluative

  • match

    implies being equal; 'compares favourably' can mean being either equal or better

  • stack up

    informal phrasal verb; 'how it stacks up against' is common in spoken English

文法句型

compare favourably with + noun

compare well with + noun

compare unfavourably with + noun

用法筆記

Often used with degree adverbs such as favourably, unfavourably, well, poorly, or badly. The phrase 'compares favourably with' is a standard collocation in formal reports and evaluations.

常見錯誤

Our product compares favourable to theirs.
Our product compares favourably with theirs.
💡use the adverb form (favourably), not the adjective (favourable).