Compara

Compara is a verb form found in Spanish and Portuguese, derived from the infinitive comparar, meaning to compare. It is used to express the act of examining similarities or differences between two or more items, ideas, or data. In everyday language it appears as a common word for evaluating options, features, or prices, among other comparisons.

In Spanish, compares (él/ella/usted compara) appears in the present indicative. It also serves as the affirmative tú imperative (compara). The corresponding forms for other persons are comparamos (nosotros/nosotras), comparáis (vosotros/vosotras), and comparan (ellos/ellas/ustedes). The gerund is comparando and the past participle is comparado. In Portuguese, compara is the present indicative form for ele/ela/você (he/she/you compare) and also the affirmative imperative for tu (compara) in some dialects; the gerund is comparando and the past participle is comparado. The full verb in both languages is comparar.

Etymology traces compara to Latin comparare, meaning to pair, match, or place side by side for evaluation. Related forms include comparar (to compare), comparação (comparison), and comparativo (comparative), which reflect the same root across Romance languages.

Usage notes: Compara is a versatile verb form used in discussions of prices, features, data, or opinions. It appears across formal and informal registers and can be found in instructions, guides, and everyday discourse. Examples include Spanish: Ella compara dos productos. Portuguese: Ela compara os preços de várias lojas.

See also: Comparar, comparação, comparativo, lenguaje and cognates in other Romance languages.