Ask Difference

Compare vs. Contrast — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 24, 2023
Compare is to note the similarities, while Contrast is to highlight differences. Compare and Contrast are both tools used in descriptive and analytical language to draw attention to the details of subjects.

Difference Between Compare and Contrast

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Key Differences

Compare and Contrast are both tools used in descriptive and analytical language to draw attention to the details of subjects. Compare usually focuses on similarities between two or more things. For instance, one might compare two types of cars based on their efficiency. On the other hand, Contrast is utilized to bring out the differences between these subjects. If you were to contrast those same cars, you'd be looking at what makes each one unique.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023
When we Compare, we're finding common ground. It's like looking at two paintings and noting that both use the same shade of blue. But when we Contrast, we're delineating the distinct features or characteristics of each painting, like how one is a landscape while the other is a portrait.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023
To Compare is to find harmony, a meeting point, or a shared characteristic. For instance, in literature, an author might compare two characters' motivations if they're driven by similar goals. In Contrast, an author might want to show how these characters' backgrounds or approaches to reaching their goals are vastly different.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023
It's essential to understand that both Compare and Contrast serve to enrich our understanding of subjects. When we Compare, we see commonalities, and when we Contrast, we understand differences. Both are critical for a well-rounded perception.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023

Comparison Chart

Primary Focus

Highlights similarities
Highlights differences
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Sep 24, 2023
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Usage in Grammar

Used with “to” or “with”
Often used with “to”
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Sep 24, 2023

Function

Shows commonalities
Shows distinctions
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Sep 24, 2023

Contextual Emphasis

Unity or shared characteristics
Divergence or uniqueness
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Example Application

"She compares to her sister."
"They contrast in style."
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Sep 24, 2023

Definitions

Compare

To consider or describe something as similar.
Her singing voice is often compared to Adele’s.
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Sep 24, 2023
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Contrast

To compare to show differences.
The colors white and black contrast strongly.
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Sep 24, 2023

Compare

To set things side by side to see their relative qualities.
When you compare the two paintings, the differences are stark.
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Sep 24, 2023

Contrast

The degree of difference between things having similar or comparable natures.
The contrast between day and night is evident.
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Sep 24, 2023

Compare

To examine two or more things to find similarities.
I like to compare different brands before making a purchase.
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Sep 24, 2023

Contrast

To set in opposition to highlight differences.
He likes to contrast the old traditions with modern trends.
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Sep 24, 2023

Compare

To be as good as something else.
Nothing compares to homemade food.
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Sep 24, 2023

Contrast

To set in opposition in order to show or emphasize differences
An essay that contrasts city and country life.
Contrasted this computer with inferior models.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To make an analogy or metaphor, indicating resemblance.
Shakespeare compared life to a walking shadow in Macbeth.
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Sep 24, 2023

Contrast

To show differences when compared
Siblings who contrast sharply in interests and abilities.
A color that contrasted clearly with the dark background.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous; liken
Is it right to compare the human brain to a computer?.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

(Linguistics) To evince a difference that can distinguish meaning
Voiced and voiceless stops contrast in English but not in Cree.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To examine in order to note the similarities or differences of
We compared the two products for quality and cost. The article compares the recent recession with the one in the early 1990s.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

The act of contrasting; a setting off of dissimilar entities or objects.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

(Grammar) To form the positive, comparative, or superlative degree of (an adjective or adverb).
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

The state of being contrasted
Red berries standing in vivid contrast against the snow.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To be worthy of comparison; bear comparison
Two concert halls that just do not compare.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

A difference, especially a strong dissimilarity, between entities or objects compared
The contrast between Northern and Southern speech patterns.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To draw comparisons.
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Contrast

One thing that is strikingly dissimilar to another
My new school was a welcome contrast to the one before.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

Comparison
A musician beyond compare.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

The use of opposing elements, such as colors, forms, or lines, in proximity to produce an intensified effect in a work of art.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

(transitive) To assess the similarities and differences between two or more things ["to compare X with Y"]. Having made the comparison of X with Y, one might have found it similar to Y or different from Y.
Compare the tiger's coloration with that of the zebra.
You can't compare my problems and yours.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

The difference in brightness between the light and dark areas of a picture, such as a photograph or video image.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

(transitive) To declare two things to be similar in some respect ["to compare X to Y"].
Astronomers have compared comets to dirty snowballs.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

(Linguistics) A difference between units, especially one that distinguishes meaning.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To form the three degrees of comparison of (an adjective).
We compare "good" as "good", "better", "best".
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

(countable) A difference in lightness, brightness and/or hue between two colours that makes them more or less distinguishable.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

(intransitive) To be similar (often used in the negative).
A sapling and a fully-grown oak tree do not compare.
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Contrast

(uncountable) The degree of this difference.
The red and the orange don't have much contrast between them — I can hardly tell them apart.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

(obsolete) To get; to obtain.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

(countable) A control on a television, etc, that adjusts the amount of contrast in the images being displayed.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

(uncountable) Comparison.
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Contrast

(countable) A difference between two objects, people or concepts.
Israel is a country of many contrasts.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

An instruction or command that compares two values or states.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

(countable) Something that is opposite of or strikingly different from something else.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

Illustration by comparison; simile.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

Antithesis.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To examine the character or qualities of, as of two or more persons or things, for the purpose of discovering their resemblances or differences; to bring into comparison; to regard with discriminating attention.
Compare dead happiness with living woe.
The place he found beyond expression bright,Compared with aught on earth.
Compare our faces and be judge yourself.
To compare great things with small.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

(transitive) To set in opposition in order to show the difference or differences between.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To represent as similar, for the purpose of illustration; to liken.
Solon compared the people unto the sea, and orators and counselors to the winds; for that the sea would be calm and quiet if the winds did not trouble it.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

(intransitive) To form a contrast.
Foreground and background strongly contrast.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To inflect according to the degrees of comparison; to state positive, comparative, and superlative forms of; as, most adjectives of one syllable are compared by affixing "- er" and "-est" to the positive form; as, black, blacker, blackest; those of more than one syllable are usually compared by prefixing "more" and "most", or "less" and "least", to the positive; as, beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

To stand in opposition; to exhibit difference, unlikeness, or opposition of qualities.
The joints which divide the sandstone contrast finely with the divisional planes which separate the basalt into pillars.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To be like or equal; to admit, or be worthy of, comparison; as, his later work does not compare with his earlier.
I should compare with him in excellence.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

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.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To vie; to assume a likeness or equality.
Shall pack horses . . . compare with Cæsars?
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

To give greater effect to, as to a figure or other object, by putting it in some relation of opposition to another figure or object.
The figures of the groups must not be all on side . . . but must contrast each other by their several position.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To get; to procure; to obtain; to acquire
To fill his bags, and richesse to compare.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

The act of contrasting, or the state of being contrasted; comparison by contrariety of qualities.
Place the prospect of the soulIn sober contrast with reality.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

Comparison.
His mighty champion, strong beyond compare.
Their small galleys may not hold compareWith our tall ships.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

Opposition or dissimilitude of things or qualities; unlikeness, esp. as shown by juxtaposition or comparison.
The contrasts and resemblances of the seasons.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

Illustration by comparison; simile.
Rhymes full of protest, of oath, and big compare.
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

The opposition of varied forms, colors, etc., which by such juxtaposition more vividly express each other's peculiarities.
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May 06, 2020

Compare

Qualities that are comparable;
No comparison between the two books
Beyond compare
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

The opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared;
In contrast to
By contrast
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May 06, 2020

Compare

Examine and note the similarities or differences of;
John compared his haircut to his friend's
We compared notes after we had both seen the movie
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

The act of distinguishing by comparing differences
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May 06, 2020

Compare

Be comparable;
This car does not compare with our line of Mercedes
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

A conceptual separation or demarcation;
There is a narrow line between sanity and insanity
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May 06, 2020

Compare

Consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous;
We can compare the Han dynasty to the Romans
You cannot equate success in financial matters with greed
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Contrast

The perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colors
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May 06, 2020

Compare

To form the comparative or superlative form on an adjective or adverb
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

The range of optical density and tone on a photographic negative or print (or the extent to which adjacent areas on a television screen differ in brightness)
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

Put in opposition to show or emphasize differences;
The middle school teacher contrasted her best student's work with that of her weakest student
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Contrast

To show differences when compared; be different;
The students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities
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May 06, 2020

Contrast

A divergence or disagreement.
The contrast in their political beliefs is clear.
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Sep 24, 2023

Contrast

A distinct difference between things being compared.
The contrast in their personalities is like night and day.
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Sep 24, 2023

FAQs

When comparing, do I always need to contrast as well?

No, comparing can be done independently of contrasting.
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Sep 24, 2023

What is the primary focus of "Compare"?

The primary focus of "Compare" is to highlight similarities.
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Sep 24, 2023

How about an example for "Contrast"?

Of course! "The contrast between the desert's daytime heat and nighttime cold can be extreme."
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Sep 24, 2023

Are "Compare and Contrast" always used together?

No, they can be used independently but are often used together in analytical discussions.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023

Which prepositions are typically used with "Compare"?

"Compare" is often used with prepositions like "to" or "with."
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Sep 24, 2023

Are there any common phrases using "Compare or Contrast"?

Yes, "Beyond Compare" suggests something is so good it can't be equaled, and "In Stark Contrast" implies clear and evident differences.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023

Can you give an example sentence for "Compare"?

Sure! "When you compare apples to oranges, both are fruits but have different tastes."
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Sep 24, 2023

Can "Compare" imply superiority?

Yes, sometimes "Compare" is used to suggest that one thing is as good as or better than another.
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Sep 24, 2023

And "Contrast"?

"Contrast" primarily highlights differences.
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Sep 24, 2023

How do "Compare and Contrast" essays work?

These essays examine both the similarities (compare) and differences (contrast) between two subjects.
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Sep 24, 2023

What’s the antonym for "Compare"?

There isn't a direct antonym for "Compare," but "Differ" can be an antonym in certain contexts.
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Sep 24, 2023

Can "Compare" also mean to highlight differences?

While "Compare" primarily focuses on similarities, it can be used in contexts where both similarities and differences are discussed.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023

Is "Contrast" only about visual differences?

No, "Contrast" can refer to differences in any sensory perception or concept.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023

When should I use "Compare" vs. "Contrast"?

Use "Compare" when focusing on similarities and "Contrast" when highlighting differences.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023

Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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