Definition

Noun: A distinction or difference that is made by directly contrasting two things. It emphasizes how one thing is set apart from another specifically through opposition or marked difference.

Usage

The word "contradistinction" is a formal noun used to highlight a clear, often deliberate, contrast between two items, concepts, or categories. It is almost always used in the phrases "in contradistinction to" or "in contradistinction with."

Examples

• He discussed the role of instinct in contradistinction to learned behavior.
• The author defines liberty in contradistinction with mere license.
• The report treats urban and rural development in contradistinction.

Advanced Usage

• "In contradistinction from": A less common but acceptable variant of "in contradistinction to."
  • Modernist architecture is defined in contradistinction from classical styles.

Variants and Related Words

• Contradistinguish (verb, rare): To distinguish by contrasting.
  • The philosopher sought to contradistinguish the two ethical systems.

Synonyms

• Contrast
• Distinction
• Differentiation
• Opposition

Antonyms

• Similarity
• Likeness
• Equivalence

Related Phrases

• In contradistinction to: This is the most common construction.
  • She argued for cooperation in contradistinction to competition.
• In contradistinction with: Functionally identical to "in contradistinction to."
  • The theory is presented in contradistinction with the prevailing view.

Noun

1. a distinction drawn on the basis of contrast
   • sculpture in contradistinction to painting