\Com*par"a*tive\, a. [L. comparativus: cf. F.
comparatif.]
1. Of or pertaining to comparison. ``The comparative
   faculty.'' --Glanvill.
2. Proceeding from, or by the method of, comparison; as, the
   comparative sciences; the comparative anatomy.
3. Estimated by comparison; relative; not positive or
   absolute, as compared with another thing or state.
         The recurrence of comparative warmth and cold.
                                               --Whewell.
         The bubble, by reason of its comparative levity to
         the fluid that incloses it, would necessarily ascend
         to the top.                           --Bentley.
4. (Gram.) Expressing a degree greater or less than the
   positive degree of the quality denoted by an adjective or
   adverb. The comparative degree is formed from the positive
   by the use of -er, more, or less; as, brighter, more
   bright, or less bright.
{Comparative sciences}, those which are based on a
   comprehensive comparison of the range of objects or facts
   in any branch or department, and which aim to study out
   and treat of the fundamental laws or systems of relation
   pervading them; as, {comparative anatomy}, {comparative
   physiology}, {comparative philology}.

\Com*par"a*tive\, n. (Gram.)
The comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs; also, the
form by which the comparative degree is expressed; as,
stronger, wiser, weaker, more stormy, less windy, are all
comparatives.
      In comparatives is expressed a relation of two; as in
      superlatives there is a relation of many. --Angus.
2. An equal; a rival; a compeer. [Obs.]
         Gerard ever was His full comparative. --Beau. & Fl.
3. One who makes comparisons; one who affects wit. [Obs.]
   ``Every beardless vain comparative.'' --Shak.