What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contravention
Example
The company's actions were in contravention of the environmental regulations. [contravention: noun]
Example
He was found guilty of contravening the terms of his contract. [contravening: verb]
infringement
Example
The company was sued for infringement of a patent. [infringement: noun]
Example
Copying someone else's work without permission is an infringement of their intellectual property rights. [infringement: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Infringement is more commonly used than contravention in everyday language, particularly in legal contexts. Contravention is less common and may be used more in formal or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contravention and infringement?
Both contravention and infringement are formal words that are typically used in legal or technical contexts. However, infringement is more commonly used in everyday language and may be more familiar to ESL learners.
