The imported fabric is 30% cheaper and compares favourably (=is as good) in quality.

[kadioguy]

On LDOCE online, it says:

compare verb

The imported fabric is 30% cheaper and compares favourably (=is as good) in quality.
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I wonder if 'compare favourably' is equal to 'is as good'.

'compare favourably' means 'to be better than something else'; however, 'is as good' means something is equal to something else in quality.

It seems that the two phrases are not equal in meanings.

Is my understanding correct?

Thanks!

PS I also posted the same question in this, but all of your answers are unique to me. Thank you.

 

[bhaisahab]

No, it doesn't mean the same. To say that something 'compares favourably' in quality with another, similar, item, is saying that it is close in quality. It may be slightly better, it may not be quite as good. To say it is 'as good' means that it is equal in quality.

 

[kadioguy]

I found this in Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary just now:

favourable adj.

definition:
If you make a favourable comparison between two things, you say that the first is better than or as good as the second.