Comparative or Comparitive
Understanding the difference between "comparative" and "comparitive" is essential for clear communication. This guide will help you use the correct spelling in your writing.
Comparitive
Incorrect spelling - This word does not exist in English.
"Comparitive" is a misspelling of "comparative". It is not a valid English word and should never be used.
Comparative
Correct spelling - The proper way to spell this word.
"Comparative" is the correct spelling, which is the adjective form of "compare".
Definition of Comparative
Comparative (adjective): Relating to or involving comparison; measured or judged by comparison.
This adjective describes something that involves or is based on comparison. It is commonly used in academic writing, linguistics (for comparative forms of adjectives), and when describing studies or analyses that compare different things.
Synonyms for Comparative
- • Relative
- • Corresponding
- • Analogous
- • Equivalent
- • Parallel
- • Similar
- • Related
- • Proportional
- • Matching
- • Correspondent
Usage Examples
Correct: "The comparative study showed significant differences between the groups."
Incorrect: "The comparitive study showed significant differences between the groups."
Correct: "This analysis provides a comparative perspective on the issue."
Correct: "The comparative advantage of this approach is clear."
Notes:
- • "Comparative" is the adjective form of the verb "compare"
- • It ends with "ative", not "itive"
- • The word comes from Latin "comparativus"
- • Commonly used in academic and linguistic contexts
- • The pronunciation is /kəmˈperətɪv/ (kuhm-PAIR-uh-tiv)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "comparitive" ever correct?
No, "comparitive" is never correct. It is always a misspelling of "comparative". There is no valid English word spelled as "comparitive".
How do I remember the correct spelling?
Think of "comparative" as "compare" + "ative". Since "compare" ends with "e", the adjective form uses "ative" not "itive". Remember: compare → comparative.
What's the difference between comparative and comparison?
"Comparative" is an adjective that describes something involving comparison, while "comparison" is a noun that refers to the act or process of comparing. For example: "comparative analysis" vs "make a comparison".
Can comparative be used as a noun?
Yes, "comparative" can also be used as a noun in linguistics, referring to the comparative form of an adjective. For example: "Bigger is the comparative of big."
What are common phrases with comparative?
Common phrases include: "comparative analysis", "comparative study", "comparative advantage", "comparative literature", and "comparative method".
Is there an adverb form of comparative?
Yes, the adverb form is "comparatively". For example: "This method is comparatively more efficient" or "The results were comparatively better."
What's the plural form of comparative?
When used as a noun, the plural form is "comparatives". Example: "The study examined various comparatives between different languages."
Why do people misspell it as "comparitive"?
This misspelling likely occurs because people confuse it with words that end in "itive" like "definitive", "positive", or "relative". However, "comparative" follows a different pattern.
Summary
Comparative is the correct spelling, while comparitive is always incorrect. "Comparative" is the adjective form of "compare", ending with "ative" not "itive". Use it when describing something that involves or is based on comparison. This spelling mistake is common but easily avoidable by remembering the relationship to the base word "compare" and avoiding confusion with words that end in "itive".