Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - comparative

 I. adjective  Date: 15th century  1. of, relating to, or constituting the degree of comparison in a language that denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by an adjective or adverb  2. considered as if in comparison to something else as a standard not quite attained ; relative a ~ stranger  3. characterized by systematic comparison especially of likenesses and dissimilarities ~ anatomy  • ~ly adverb  • ~ness noun  II. noun  Date: 15th century  1.  a. one that compares with another especially on equal footing ; rival  b. one that makes witty or mocking comparisons  2. the ~ degree or form in a language