Comparing notes is a common practice among people who are working together on a project or task. It involves talking to each other, comparing ideas and opinions, and consulting with one another in order to come to a consensus. The term COMPARE NOTES can be broken down into three words: TALK (4 letters), RIVAL (5 letters), and CONSULT (7 letters). Talking is the act of exchanging information and ideas, while rivaling is the act of competing against one another in order to come up with the best solution. Consulting is the act of seeking advice from someone else in order to make an informed decision. Together, these three words form the phrase COMPARE NOTES, which is used to describe the process of discussing and collaborating in order to reach a conclusion.