contradistinction

C2 Topic:Abstract Ideas

US /ˌkɑntɹədɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ UK /ˌkɒntɹədɪˈstɪŋkʃn̩/ See IPA manual

Freq #521555

Meanings

1

noun
a distinction made by directly contrasting one thing with another

The essay defines civic freedom in contradistinction to freedom from all restraint.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · a distinction made by... contrast distinction differentiation

Opposites

similarity equivalence identity

Word family

Derived forms contradistinctivecontradistinctively

Related forms contradistinguish contrast distinction

Etymology

Formed in English from contra- ("against, opposite") + distinction. Its usual construction, in contradistinction to, signals that a difference is being established specifically through contrast with another case.

Topics

Abstract Ideas Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

markdown