Introduction
If you were to ask two people what the difference between comparing and contrasting was, chances are you’d get two different answers—and that’s because there isn’t just one answer. Comparing and contrasting are both ways of looking at things from two different perspectives, but there are some subtle differences between the two approaches that can make all the difference in your writing. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between comparing and contrasting to help you become an expert on these terms!
A comparison is often used to explain something better or make a distinction. A contrast, on the other hand, offers evidence to support an assertion about two things being fundamentally different. For example, The dog is a loyal companion; cats are aloof and compare loyalty to aloofness to draw distinctions. If you wanted to assert that dogs and cats are different in terms of their personalities, however, you would use a contrast; for example, While dogs have distinctive personalities, cats are indifferent toward their owners. In addition to making differences more explicit with contrasts, you can also demonstrate similarities between items more clearly by comparing them with one another. The following examples will give you an idea of how comparisons and contrasts work in various situations. Try writing your examples.
It’s useful to be able to distinguish between what separates people from one another (contrasts) and what unites them (comparisons). Being able to distinguish between these things helps us communicate more effectively when trying to get our point across or discuss something we want to be changed. Understanding how comparisons and contrasts work allows us not only to see ourselves as others but also to see others as individuals who differ from us but who still belong in our group. In short, being able to compare and contrast effectively allows us not only to acknowledge our similarities but also our differences—and doing so makes us more human.
Comparing vs Contrasting
What’s The Difference Between Compare and Contrast? A difference is often made between comparison and contrast. They are both useful ways of highlighting similarities and differences between two objects, phenomena, or ideas. However, in many instances, we use them interchangeably. When do we use ‘compare’ when we mean ‘contrast’ or vice versa, or is there any difference at all? To start with, let’s look at what comparison is and what a contrast is to understand their differences better. Both comparisons, as well as contrast, can be explained through metaphors of light as well as distance.
In comparison, things that are close together appear brighter than those that are far apart. This is because they reflect more light. In contrast, things that far apart appear darker than those that are close together because they reflect less light. So if you want to highlight how two things differ from each other (rather than how they’re similar), then you need to choose contrast over comparison. Now that we know about comparing and contrasting, it’s time to learn how to differentiate between comparing and contrasting. You can easily tell whether something is a comparison or a contrast by looking at its structure. If it has an X-Y format where X stands for one thing being compared with Y, then it is a comparison. For example, John is taller than Mary; Mary is shorter than John – here both John and Mary are compared using an X-Y format; so it’s clear that this sentence describes a comparison rather than a contrast.
Difference Between Comparing and Contrasting in Tabular Form
| Basic | Comparing | Contrasting |
| Define | Comparing is a rhetorical device in which two or more things are presented as being similar in some way | At the point when we use "contrast", we draw contrasts when we "contrast" something very similar. The strict interpretation of the word contrast is "rather than" or "dissimilar to". |
| Trademark | Draws matches between two circumstances. | Draws contrasts between two circumstances |
| Action word structure | Looking at, In contrast with, and so forth. | As opposed to, interestingly, with, and so on. |
| Model | To contrast is with weighing results. | To differentiate is to underline the distinctions. |
| Equivalent words | Action word structure: Weighing, coordinating, leading, and so forth. | Action word structure: To compare, not at all like, instead of, and so on |
What is Comparing?
Comparing is a rhetorical device in which two or more things are presented as being similar in some way. In some ways, it can be thought of as a special type of metaphor. An analogy is one example of comparing because it compares two things using like or as. For example, if you say that racing cars and sailboats have much in common—because they both utilize wind power to move forward—you're making an analogy. A simile is another example of comparing because it draws a clear parallel between two separate subjects. A metaphor, on the other hand, would compare racing cars with sailboats by saying something like racing cars move just like sailboats. Using an informal tone makes comparisons easier to understand. If you want to show your reader how one thing differs from another, however, then you should use contrasting. Read on for more information about contrasts.
For example, We are both physically fit, and we each spend 30 minutes per day working out, but he runs while I run on a treadmill
Examples on Comparing
Comparing means that two objects, people, or ideas are similar to each other in a specific way. To compare is to mention similarities between two people or things. When you say someone has the heart of a lion, you are saying that they are brave like a lion. That could be because they roar when they’re angry (like a lion), but it could also be because they act like one when they’re fighting for something important (like defending their pride). The most common way to compare things is by using like or as + an adjective. For example, I like her as I do my sister. Here, as serves as a comparison of similarities. Both sisters are mentioned so we can see how she compares to them. She is like them in many ways, including looks and personality traits. In another example, The winter was as cold as a Siberian winter makes it clear that Siberia was extremely cold during winter. Both words describe how cold Siberia was during winter; therefore, comparing helps show just how cold Russia was during its winter season. Another way to make comparisons is through metaphors. Metaphors compare two things without using any kind of word such as or like. Instead, metaphors rely on what readers already know about lions and Russians to make comparisons more memorable. Lions are strong and fierce animals while Siberians are known for being tough. Using these images together creates a memorable metaphor that shows us how cold Russia was last winter compared to how lions live in Siberia year-round!
What is Contrasting?
The difference between contrasting and comparing is that when you're contracting, you're taking two things that are very different from each other, looking at both things side by side in a list, for example. Contrast can be used as an adjective or a verb. You contrast ideas or colors. When something is in contrast to something else, it means that it's very different from it. So in comparison with or by contrast are phrases you might hear used as well. Contrast can also mean to set off against. If one thing stands out against another, it stands out because of its differences. For example, if you have dark hair and wear a bright red shirt, your hair will stand out against your shirt. It'll contrast with it. That said, when we talk about comparing and contrasting, we're talking about doing more than just saying how two things are different; we want to say how they relate to each other. We're trying to show their similarities and differences at once. We do that by using adjectives like similar, identical, or different. To compare is to point out similarities and dissimilarities between two or more people or things. Something you compare has some kind of quality that makes it similar to something else but not exactly like it. Let's look at some examples:
You can compare apples and oranges because they're both fruit but you wouldn't compare apples to bananas since they aren't even related fruits (they come from totally different plants). I think comparing apples and bananas would be difficult since they don't seem very similar! Comparing takes place when we look at objects individually before deciding which ones are alike and which ones aren't.
For example, We are both physically fit; however, I spend 30 minutes per day working out at home using my equipment while John does P90X3 at his local gym.
Examples of Contrasting
If we want to compare two things, we can say that a painting is more abstract than a sculpture, or that a trip to Paris is nicer than a trip to Tokyo. But if we want to contrast two things, we have to be specific about what they're not. It's important not only that you explain what differentiates one thing from another—but also why it makes them unique. To contrast Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art, it could be helpful to discuss when each style emerged and how they differ in their approach to form. Compare vs Contrast: So there are three parts in every difference or comparison essay; direct comparison (between these), indirect comparison (through these), and comparing through opposites. The introduction of a comparison/contrast essay should focus on your main idea, which is to compare/contrast two objects. The conclusion should summarize your points using some kind of transition back into your thesis statement. You should write an introduction paragraph for each object you will be comparing and contrasting, followed by body paragraphs containing examples of similarities or differences between the objects in question. Then conclude with a final paragraph summarizing all your points. In addition to being organized correctly, all components of your paper must be written clearly and concisely for readers to understand what you are trying to convey.
The Main Difference Between Comparing and Contrasting in Points
- It is important to know about the difference between comparing and contrasting when you are writing your school essay or professional assignment.
- comparing two ideas, facts, ideas, or things we find out how they are alike. On other hand, in contrasting two objects we find out how they are different from each other.
- If you want to be accurate when writing compare and contrast essay you must write both topics with their differences.
- We will talk about each topic separately so you can get an idea about it more clearly here below
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- Avoid superlatives like best or worst.
- Use parallel structure when describing similarities or differences.
- Be specific about your comparisons/contrasts—don’t just say different.
- Consider whether your point would be better made by making an analogy rather than comparing/contrasting.
- Use transition words such as although, even though, and despite when you move from one point to another within your piece of writing (See Transition Words for more information).
- If you're having trouble with transitions, try keeping track of where you want to go next and then return after you've made your point.
Conclusion
Usually, when students learn how to compare two items or more in an essay, they are also taught how to contrast them. It may seem like comparing is just another way of saying contrasting, but there is a difference between these two terms. Here we will focus on their similarities and differences. The purpose of the comparison is to focus on those elements that exist in two or more things being compared and point out how they are alike. In contrast, emphasis is placed on what makes one item different from others in comparison. When you want to make a comparison between two things, you need to use like or as. For example, The moon is like a big balloon. When you want to contrast two things, however, it is best to use but or although. For example, The moon is round but Earth is not. When making comparisons and contrasts in writing it can be helpful if you create your sentence starters.