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When we juxtapose two things and compare them i.e 'Xbox and PS4 ; how do they compare?' are we looking for which one is better? Somewhat by the same token, when we say 'Mastercard and Visa card ; how do they contrast' what are we insinuating ?

I saw that compare doesn't necessarily mean that we look at similarities between the two/more things , so why use 'contrast' at all ?

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A quick dictionary search shows contrast means:

to set off in contrast : compare or appraise in respect to differences

Compare means:

to examine the character or qualities of especially in order to discover resemblances or differences

So while the two terms are similar, there are subtle differences between compare and contrast. Specifically, contrast deals only with the differences between things.

drewhart
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  • I understand but I saw in the question linked above as well as your provided definiton that compare doesn't only refer to looking at similarities. So why are we using contrast? So has the term 'compare been generalized and should be used only to refer to when looking at similarities between things to determine which is the best amongst them. –  Nov 15 '18 at 19:09
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    I'd argue both terms are essentially the same. However, some definitions of compare focuses only on similarities. Additional discussion from Merriam-Webster (cited above) states, "COMPARE is used for showing the likenesses between two or more things." Thus, compare AND contrast would remove any ambiguity. – drewhart Nov 15 '18 at 19:56
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    I might slightly suggest that 'contrast' might be used more to draw inferences about the ~nature~ of things ~how~ how thing differ for the purpose of noticing - while compare is more about ~alternatives~ Compare prices, compare travel routes. Comparing prices from store to store notices differences too. I can't put my finger on it precisely but the idea that contrast also refers to accentuating elements in art provides a clue. If one were to "contrast prices between stores" there would be a suggestion you were diving into a business model conversation, not bargain shopping. – Tom22 Nov 15 '18 at 20:43