Comp Is Short for Half a Dozen Different Words
Comp is an informal clipping. Which longer word it stands for depends entirely on the trade using it.
Comp is an informal shortening whose meaning depends on the trade. In hospitality it is *complimentary*, a free room or meal; in property it is a *comparable*, a similar sale used to set a price; in music it is *accompany*, playing chords behind a soloist; in printing it was a *compositor*, and in schools a *comprehensive*. One syllable carrying five unrelated jobs is unusual, and only context tells you which is meant.
- Complimentary. *A comp ticket.*
- A comparable sale. *Pull the comps.*
- To accompany. *Comping behind the solo.*
- A compositor. *A comp.*
- A comprehensive school (British). *The local comp.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | comp | A comp. |
| Plural | comps | Comps. |
| Verb | comp | Comped. |
| Full form | complimentary | Complimentary. |
| Full form | comparable | A comparable. |
- The hotel comped the room.Free.
- Check the comps before pricing.Property.
- The pianist comped behind her.Music.
Trades that clip differently
- Hospitality — complimentary
- Real estate — comparable
- Music — accompany
- Printing — compositor
- British schooling — comprehensive
A clipping of several words beginning *comp-*, all ultimately from Latin *com-*, meaning together.
What does it mean to comp a meal?
To provide it free of charge. Comp here is short for complimentary.
What are comps in property?
Comparables, meaning recent sales of similar properties used to estimate a value.