compararon

Compararon is the preterite indicative form of the Spanish verb comparar, meaning to compare. It is used with third-person plural subjects (ellos, ellas, or ustedes) to describe a completed action of comparing in the past. As a regular -ar verb, compararon follows the standard preterite endings: comparé, comparaste, comparó, comparamos, comparasteis, compararon.

Etymology and form: comparar derives from Latin comparare, meaning to bring together or to compare. The preterite form compararon is regular and adheres to the typical -ar conjugation pattern, making it common in both written and spoken Spanish.

Usage and examples: In practice, compararon introduces statements about assessments, analyses, or evaluations that have already occurred. Examples include: "Los investigadores compararon los resultados de ambos grupos" and "Compararon los precios entre las tiendas." The form appears in journalism, academic writing, and everyday narration to report past comparative actions. It should not be confused with compararán (future tense) or comparando (gerund).