compare and contrast

American  

[kuhm-pair uhn kuhn-trast] / kəmˈpɛər ən kənˈtræst /

idiom

1. to consider (two or more objects, ideas, people, etc.) in a way that examines both similarities and differences.

   The presentation will compare and contrast the Canadian income tax system with the U.S. system.

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Etymology

Origin of compare and contrast

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

A new era of artificial-intelligence models mean the inevitable race to compare and contrast just how good they are.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

I think it might make sense to compare and contrast the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense a bit.

From Slate • Jun. 19, 2025

“We debate and disagree, we compare and contrast the character of the candidate, the records, the issues, the agenda, the vision for America,” Biden said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2024

The planets' near identical size and the system's undisturbed nature are gold dust for astronomers because they make it much easier to compare and contrast them.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2023

In terms of analysis, solfege instantly informs the listener or singer which lines of music are the same and helps them compare and contrast each line rather quickly!

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin