When several subjects are paired with several comparators, their order matters.
In grouped comparison (malfūf), several subjects are mentioned first and several comparators afterward; order or context identifies the pairings.
In separated or paired comparison (mafrūq), each subject appears with its comparator before the next pair.
TypeArrangement
MalfūfSubject A, subject B; then comparator A, comparator B
MafrūqSubject A–comparator A; then subject B–comparator B
This classification concerns the arrangement of terms, not whether the respect of likeness is sensory or conceptual.