compare, contrast

compare, contrast
These words are often confused, perhaps because they aire related in meaning. To compare is to examine in order to note similarities more than differences; to contrast is to set in opposition in order to show differences more than similarities. Idioms are compare to and compare with. As a verb, contrast is usually followed by with; as a noun, contrast often takes between. The phrase "in contrast" may be followed by to or with. Examples: "How can you compare a man with (or to) a mouse?" "It is easy to contrast one's life in peace with that in war." "Let's compare this hat with that one." "The contrast between yesterday and today is astonishing."

Dictionary of problem words and expressions. . 1975.

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  • compare — compare, contrast, collate mean to set two or more things side by side in order to show likenesses and differences. Compare implies as an aim the showing of relative values or excellences or a bringing out of characteristic qualities, whether… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • compare — I. verb (compared; comparing) Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo French comparer, from Latin comparare to couple, compare, from compar like, from com + par equal Date: 14th century transitive verb 1. to represent as similar ; liken …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • contrast — See compare. See compare, contrast …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • compare — See compare, contrast …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • compare — [kəm per′] vt. compared, comparing [ME comparen < OFr comparer < L comparare < com , with + parare, to make equal < par: see PAR1] 1. to regard as similar; liken (to) [to compare life to a river] 2. to examine in order to observe or… …   English World dictionary

  • contrast — I verb appose, bring into comparison, comparare, compare by observing differences, compare to, compare with, confront, differ, differentiate, discrepare, discriminate, distinguish, distinguish between, draw a comparison, exhibit the differences… …   Law dictionary

  • compare — [v1] examine in contrast analyze, approach, balance, bracket, collate, confront, consider, contemplate, contrast, correlate, divide, equal, examine, hang, hold a candle to*, inspect, juxtapose, match, match up, measure, observe, oppose, parallel …   New thesaurus

  • contrast — [kən trast′; ] for n. [ kän′trast΄] vt. [Fr contraster < It & VL * contrastare, to withstand < L contra, against + stare, to STAND] to compare so as to point out the differences; set off against one another vi. to show differences when… …   English World dictionary

  • Contrast — Con*trast , v. t. 1. To set in opposition, or over against, in order to show the differences between, or the comparative excellences and defects of; to compare by difference or contrariety of qualities; as, to contrast the present with the past.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • contrast — n *comparison, collation, parallel, antithesis Analogous words: distinction, difference, divergence, divergency, *dis similarity, unlikeness: conflict, *discord contrast vb *compare, collate …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

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