comparo

Comparo is a Latin verb of the first conjugation, used in classical and late Latin with several related senses. Its primary meanings include to obtain, procure, or prepare; in other contexts it can mean to bring together, unite, or set alongside. In some contexts, comparare also carries the sense of making a comparison, though this sense is often expressed with related forms such as conparāre or comparāre in constructed phrases.

Etymology and form: Comparo derives from com- (with, together) and parāre (to prepare, provide). As a non-deponent active verb, it appears in standard first-conjugation endings. The present indicative forms are comparō, comparās, comparat, comparāmus, comparātis, comparant; imperfect forms include comparābam, comparābās, comparābat, comparābāmus, comparābātis, comparābant. Perfect forms include comparāvī, comparāvistī, comparāvit, comparāvimus, comparāvistis, comparāvērunt.

Usage and scope: In Latin texts, comparō is used for obtaining or procuring things, preparing or equipping, and sometimes for bringing items together in preparation or juxtaposition. The sense of making a comparison exists in the broader semantic field and is reinforced by related compounds such as conparāre or comparison-oriented constructions. The verb also contributes to the formation of several Latin derivatives found in Romance languages and in English via the root compar- found in words like comparison, comparative, and comparator.

Cognates and descendants: The root appears in Romance languages, with verbs such as Italian comparare and French comparer, meaning “to compare” or, in some contexts, “to obtain” or “to procure” in older or specialized usages. The noun comparatio (a bringing together, comparison) and related terms are common scholarly forms in Latin.

See also: comparatio, conparāre, comparison, comparative.