suffer by comparison

present singular third person suffers by comparison · participle present suffering by comparison · participle past suffered by comparison · past suffered by comparison

1. To appear lesser in quality once compared to another.

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

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

   2 more examples

   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.

   1714, Joseph Ritson, Scotish Song, volume 1, page viii

   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.

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