"compare him to" vs "compare him with"

Question

"compare him to" vs "compare him with"

Both 'compare him to' and 'compare him with' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Compare him to' is used when highlighting similarities between two things, while 'compare him with' is used when examining differences or similarities in a more neutral way.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Use 'compare him to' when you want to point out similarities between the person being compared and someone or something else. It implies a more figurative or metaphorical comparison.

Examples:

She compared him to a lion in battle, fierce and fearless.
The teacher compared him to a young Einstein for his exceptional problem-solving skills.

Alternatives:

liken him to
analogize him to
draw a parallel between him and
equate him with
match him to

Use 'compare him with' when you want to analyze differences or similarities between the person being compared and someone or something else. It implies a more objective comparison.

Examples:

Let's compare him with his brother to see how they differ in their approach.
She compared him with the other candidates to assess his qualifications.

Alternatives:

contrast him with
evaluate him against
measure him against
weigh him against
juxtapose him with

Answer 1

compare him to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when highlighting similarities between two things.

Answer 2

compare him with

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when examining differences or similarities in a more neutral way.

"compare him to" vs "compare him with"

compare him to

compare him with

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