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comparative

adjective/kəmˈpærɪtɪv/

definition

relating to or denoting a comparison between two or more entities

example

In her thesis, she conducted a comparative analysis of the economic policies of two different countries.

synonyms
relativecomparative
word origin — From Middle English 'comparatif', from Old French 'comparatif', from Latin 'comparativus', from 'comparare' (to compare).

SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 3

Set 3 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: comparative, desperate, sensitive, divine, culinary. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. comparative · adjective/kəmˈpærɪtɪv/

    relating to or denoting a comparison between two or more entities

    In her thesis, she conducted a comparative analysis of the economic policies of two different countries.

    Synonyms: relative, comparative

    Origin: From Middle English 'comparatif', from Old French 'comparatif', from Latin 'comparativus', from 'comparare' (to compare).

  2. desperate · adjective/ˈdɛspərɪt/

    feeling or showing a hopeless sense that a situation is so bad that it is impossible to deal with

    After losing his job and facing overwhelming debt, he felt desperate for a solution to his financial problems.

    Synonyms: hopeless, despairing, frantic

    Origin: from Latin 'desperatus', the past participle of 'desperare' meaning 'to despair'

  3. sensitive · adjective/ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/

    capable of perceiving or feeling things easily

    She is very sensitive to the emotions of those around her, often picking up on their feelings without them saying a word.

    Synonyms: perceptive, responsive, empathetic

    Origin: Early 19th century: from Latin 'sensitivus', from 'sensit-' meaning 'felt', from the verb 'sentire'.

  4. divine · adjective/dɪˈvaɪn/

    relating to God or a deity or extremely good or wonderful

    The divine presence of the angel filled the room with an overwhelming sense of peace and comfort.

    Synonyms: heavenly, godly, superb

    Origin: from Latin 'divinus', from 'divus' meaning 'god' or 'deity'

  5. culinary · adjective/ˈkʌlɪˌnɛri/

    relating to cooking or the kitchen

    The restaurant is known for its exceptional culinary skills, which impress patrons from all over the city.

    Synonyms: cooking, gastronomic, kitchen-related

    Origin: from Latin 'culinarius' meaning 'of the kitchen', from 'culina' meaning 'kitchen'