'Compare to' v/s 'Compare with'

How do you define the term 'Comparison'?

It basically refers to pointing out the similarities as well as differences between any two things.

In this sense 'Compare with' actually refers to 'Comparison' as defined above whereas 'Compare to' is only used to state that one thing is similar to the other (usually to emphasize that particular thing or person).

Hence,

'Compare to' is used to point out the similarity between two unrelated things. More than a comparison, it's actually just a statement stating that one thing is similar to another to emphasize that particular thing.

For example:

John compared his wife's face to the moon.

In the above sentence John is not actually pointing out the similarities and differences between his wife's face and the moon, but is rather empahisizing his wife's beauty by comparing her to the moon.

'Compare with' is used to actually compare two things by pointing out the similairites as well as differences between them.

For example:

Jerry is comparing a Toyota with a Honda.

In the above sentence Jerry is actually comparing the similarities & differences between the two brands so as to be able to decide which one is better.


To Sum it Up:

1. Use 'Compare to' to show how two things are similar and to emphasize one of them.
   
   
2. Use 'Compare with' to actually compare the similarities & differences between two things.
   
   
3. Usually if the two things are similar go with 'compare with' and if they are dissimilar go with 'compare to'.