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
Table of Contents
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Primary Focus
Highlights similarities
Highlights differences
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Usage in Grammar
Used with “to” or “with”
Often used with “to”
Function
Shows commonalities
Shows distinctions
Contextual Emphasis
Unity or shared characteristics
Divergence or uniqueness
Example Application
"She compares to her sister."
"They contrast in style."
Compare with Definitions
Compare
To consider or describe something as similar.
Her singing voice is often compared to Adele’s.
Contrast
To compare to show differences.
The colors white and black contrast strongly.
Compare
To set things side by side to see their relative qualities.
When you compare the two paintings, the differences are stark.
Contrast
The degree of difference between things having similar or comparable natures.
The contrast between day and night is evident.
Compare
To examine two or more things to find similarities.
I like to compare different brands before making a purchase.
Contrast
To set in opposition to highlight differences.
He likes to contrast the old traditions with modern trends.
Compare
To be as good as something else.
Nothing compares to homemade food.
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.
Compare
To make an analogy or metaphor, indicating resemblance.
Shakespeare compared life to a walking shadow in Macbeth.
Contrast
To show differences when compared
Siblings who contrast sharply in interests and abilities.
A color that contrasted clearly with the dark background.
Compare
To consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous; liken
Is it right to compare the human brain to a computer?.
Contrast
(Linguistics) To evince a difference that can distinguish meaning
Voiced and voiceless stops contrast in English but not in Cree.
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.
Contrast
The act of contrasting; a setting off of dissimilar entities or objects.
Compare
(Grammar) To form the positive, comparative, or superlative degree of (an adjective or adverb).
Contrast
The state of being contrasted
Red berries standing in vivid contrast against the snow.
Compare
To be worthy of comparison; bear comparison
Two concert halls that just do not compare.
Contrast
A difference, especially a strong dissimilarity, between entities or objects compared
The contrast between Northern and Southern speech patterns.
Compare
To draw comparisons.
Contrast
One thing that is strikingly dissimilar to another
My new school was a welcome contrast to the one before.
Compare
Comparison
A musician beyond compare.
Contrast
The use of opposing elements, such as colors, forms, or lines, in proximity to produce an intensified effect in a work of art.
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.
Contrast
The difference in brightness between the light and dark areas of a picture, such as a photograph or video image.
Compare
(transitive) To declare two things to be similar in some respect ["to compare X to Y"].
Astronomers have compared comets to dirty snowballs.
Contrast
(Linguistics) A difference between units, especially one that distinguishes meaning.
Compare
To form the three degrees of comparison of (an adjective).
We compare "good" as "good", "better", "best".
Contrast
(countable) A difference in lightness, brightness and/or hue between two colours that makes them more or less distinguishable.
Compare
(intransitive) To be similar (often used in the negative).
A sapling and a fully-grown oak tree do not compare.
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.
Compare
(obsolete) To get; to obtain.
Contrast
(countable) A control on a television, etc, that adjusts the amount of contrast in the images being displayed.
Compare
(uncountable) Comparison.
Contrast
(countable) A difference between two objects, people or concepts.
Israel is a country of many contrasts.
Compare
An instruction or command that compares two values or states.
Contrast
(countable) Something that is opposite of or strikingly different from something else.
Compare
Illustration by comparison; simile.
Contrast
Antithesis.
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.
Contrast
(transitive) To set in opposition in order to show the difference or differences between.
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.
Contrast
(intransitive) To form a contrast.
Foreground and background strongly contrast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compare
To vie; to assume a likeness or equality.
Shall pack horses . . . compare with Cæsars?
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.
Compare
To get; to procure; to obtain; to acquire
To fill his bags, and richesse to compare.
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.
Compare
Comparison.
His mighty champion, strong beyond compare.
Their small galleys may not hold compareWith our tall ships.
Contrast
Opposition or dissimilitude of things or qualities; unlikeness, esp. as shown by juxtaposition or comparison.
The contrasts and resemblances of the seasons.
Compare
Illustration by comparison; simile.
Rhymes full of protest, of oath, and big compare.
Contrast
The opposition of varied forms, colors, etc., which by such juxtaposition more vividly express each other's peculiarities.
Compare
Qualities that are comparable;
No comparison between the two books
Beyond compare
Contrast
The opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared;
In contrast to
By contrast
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
Contrast
The act of distinguishing by comparing differences
Compare
Be comparable;
This car does not compare with our line of Mercedes
Contrast
A conceptual separation or demarcation;
There is a narrow line between sanity and insanity
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
Contrast
The perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colors
Compare
To form the comparative or superlative form on an adjective or adverb
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)
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
Contrast
To show differences when compared; be different;
The students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities
Contrast
A divergence or disagreement.
The contrast in their political beliefs is clear.
Contrast
A distinct difference between things being compared.
The contrast in their personalities is like night and day.
Common Curiosities
When comparing, do I always need to contrast as well?
No, comparing can be done independently of contrasting.
What is the primary focus of "Compare"?
The primary focus of "Compare" is to highlight similarities.
How about an example for "Contrast"?
Of course! "The contrast between the desert's daytime heat and nighttime cold can be extreme."
Are "Compare and Contrast" always used together?
No, they can be used independently but are often used together in analytical discussions.
Which prepositions are typically used with "Compare"?
"Compare" is often used with prepositions like "to" or "with."
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.
Can you give an example sentence for "Compare"?
Sure! "When you compare apples to oranges, both are fruits but have different tastes."
Can "Compare" imply superiority?
Yes, sometimes "Compare" is used to suggest that one thing is as good as or better than another.
And "Contrast"?
"Contrast" primarily highlights differences.
How do "Compare and Contrast" essays work?
These essays examine both the similarities (compare) and differences (contrast) between two subjects.
What’s the antonym for "Compare"?
There isn't a direct antonym for "Compare," but "Differ" can be an antonym in certain contexts.
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.
Is "Contrast" only about visual differences?
No, "Contrast" can refer to differences in any sensory perception or concept.
When should I use "Compare" vs. "Contrast"?
Use "Compare" when focusing on similarities and "Contrast" when highlighting differences.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer 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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
