Comparing

How to spell comparing

9 letters · 3 syllables

How to pronounce comparing

Say the part in capitals loudest.

What does comparing mean?

1. verbExamining two or more things to note their similarities and differences.

Comparing in a sentence

• She spent the afternoon comparing insurance quotes from three providers.

• Comparing the two contracts side by side revealed several hidden fees.

Where does comparing come from?

Language of origin: Latin

This is the present participle of the verb 'compare', which English took from the Old French 'comparer' in the late 1300s. The French form descends from the Latin 'comparare', meaning 'to pair together' or 'to liken', built from the prefix 'com-' (together) and 'par', the Latin word for 'equal'. The literal sense was therefore to bring things together as equals so they could be measured against one another. That same 'par' root for 'equal' survives in everyday words like 'par' in golf, 'parity', and 'peer', and it is the reason the middle of the word is spelled 'par' rather than the 'per' that many writers expect. When you add '-ing' the final silent 'e' of 'compare' is dropped, giving 'comparing', a small rule that trips people who instinctively keep the 'e'.

How the word is built

• com- (together)
• par (equal, from Latin par)
• -ing (present participle suffix)