Definitions
- Referring to breaking a law or rule, especially in a formal or legal context. - Talking about actions that go against established norms or conventions. - Describing situations where something conflicts with another thing.
- Referring to breaking a law, rule, or agreement, often in a more serious or severe manner. - Talking about actions that infringe on someone's rights or personal space. - Describing situations where something is damaged or destroyed.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to breaking a law, rule, or agreement.
- 2Both words imply a sense of wrongdoing or illegality.
- 3Both words can be used in formal or legal contexts.
- 4Both words have negative connotations.
What is the difference?
- 1Severity: Violate implies a more serious or severe offense than contravene.
- 2Scope: Contravene can refer to any type of conflict or violation, while violate is typically reserved for more significant breaches.
- 3Usage: Contravene is more commonly used in legal or formal contexts, while violate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- 4Connotation: Contravene has a more neutral connotation, while violate has a stronger negative connotation.
- 5Focus: Contravene focuses on the conflict between two things, while violate emphasizes the act of breaking a rule or law.
Remember this!
Contravene and violate are synonyms that both refer to breaking a law, rule, or agreement. However, violate implies a more serious or severe offense, while contravene can refer to any type of conflict or violation. Additionally, contravene is more commonly used in legal or formal contexts, while violate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.