comparable
What does "comparable" mean?
The word "comparable" describes things that are similar enough in size, quality, or value that they can be reasonably measured against one another. The mental image is of two objects placed side-by-side on a scale; if they are comparable, the scale remains relatively balanced, meaning they belong in the same category of importance or scale. Use this word to highlight equivalence or similarity when making an evaluation. It is frequently paired with the preposition "to," as in "comparable to," and is common in business, academic, and technical contexts where you are justifying a decision based on similar past experiences or standard benchmarks.
"comparable" in conversation
Discussing salary
We are offering a starting salary that is comparable to other firms in the city.
We are offering a starting salary that is comparable to other firms in the city.
That sounds fair, as long as the benefits package matches.
That sounds fair, as long as the benefits package matches.
Used here to establish a baseline of market fairness.
Comparing phones
Is this new model really better than your old one?
Is this new model really better than your old one?
Not really, the performance is mostly comparable.
Not really, the performance is mostly comparable.
Used to downplay a perceived difference between two items.
"comparable" in a sentence
The two apartments are comparable in size.
The two apartments are comparable in size.
Our quarterly profits are comparable to last year's figures.
Our quarterly profits are comparable to last year's figures.
The athlete's speed is comparable to that of a professional sprinter, despite his lack of formal training.
The athlete's speed is comparable to that of a professional sprinter, despite his lack of formal training.
