—v.
1 tr. (usu. foll. by to) express similarities in; liken (compared the landscape to a painting).
2 tr. (often foll. by to, with) estimate the similarity or dissimilarity of; assess the relation between (compared radio with television; that lacks quality compared to this).
Usage:
In current use to and with are generally interchangeable, but with often implies a greater element of formal analysis, as in compared my account with yours.
3 intr. (often foll. by with) bear comparison (compares favourably with the rest).
4 intr. (often foll. by with) be equal or equivalent to.
5 tr. Gram. form the comparative and superlative degrees of (an adjective or an adverb).
—n. literary comparison (beyond compare; without compare; has no compare).
Phrases and idioms:
compare notes exchange ideas or opinions.
Etymology: ME f. OF comparer f. L comparare (as COM-, parare f. par equal)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.