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How to understand "against something"?

English Language & Usage Asked by skytree on August 22, 2021

In a code comment:

# The code will first check if it's running under benchmarking mode
# or evaluation mode, depending on 'eval':
# Under the evaluation mode, this script will read a saved model,
#   and compute the accuracy of the model **against** a validation dataset.

I cannot understand its usage even after reading the dictionary.

One Answer

This usage can be found in Macmillan sense 6:

against: used for comparing one thing or amount with another

  • This year’s profits amounted to only $35 million, against $52 million last year.

Collins Cobuild (sense 11) gives a clearer example:

If something is measured or valued against something else, it is measured or valued by comparing it with the other thing.

  • Our policies have to be judged against a clear test: will it improve the standard of education?

Check your answers against the answer-sheet (= Check your answers against those on the answer-sheet.) [HMHCO]

Answered by Edwin Ashworth on August 22, 2021

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