suffer by comparison

English

Verb

suffer by comparison (third-person singular simple present suffers by comparison, present participle suffering by comparison, simple past and past participle suffered by comparison)

1. To appear lesser in quality once compared to another.
   • 1714, Joseph Ritson, Scotish Song, volume 1, page viii:

     Without discussing this question, the editor has only to observe that diligent enquiry, extensive reading, and unwearyed assiduity, added to the strictest integrity, and most disinterested views, have possibly tended to lessen the disadvantages of an English birth; and that he is persuaded the present collection, such as it is, will not suffer by comparison with any thing of the kind hitherto published in either country.

   • 1998, Jonathan Brown, Painting in Spain: 1500-1700, page 79:

     In art, as in politics, the reign of Philip III (1598-1621) seems to suffer by comparison with those that came before and after.

   • 2010, Iris J. Arnesen, Nine Famous Operas: What's Really Going On!, page 89:

     Rigoletto tells himself that he keeps Gilda hidden away so that evil men like the courtiers will not be able to seduce her, but his primary motivation for keeping her isolated and ignorant is that he fears that if Gilda meets other people, especially other men, he will suffer by comparison and she will cease to love him wholeheartedly.