Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - compare

v. & n. --v. 1 tr. (usu. foll. by to) express similarities in; liken (compared the landscape to a painting). 2 tr. (often foll. by to, with) estimate the similarity or dissimilarity of; assess the relation between (compared radio with television; that lacks quality compared to this). Usage In current use to and with are generally interchangeable, but with often implies a greater element of formal analysis, as in compared my account with yours. 3 intr. (often foll. by with) bear comparison (compares favourably with the rest). 4 intr. (often foll. by with) be equal or equivalent to. 5 tr. Gram. form the comparative and superlative degrees of (an adjective or an adverb). --n. literary comparison (beyond compare; without compare; has no compare). Phrases and idioms compare notes exchange ideas or opinions. Etymology: ME f. OF comparer f. L comparare (as COM-, parare f. par equal)