compare and contrast

[ kuhm-pair uhn kuhn-trast ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of compare and contrast¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Forecasters also often encourage readers to look at multiple forecasts and compare and contrast them.

From Salon

“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

It's compare and contrast as the former England opener swipes horribly at the next one, but it misses the edge.

From BBC

Scientists are excited to have images of both supermassive black holes in polarized light because these images, and the data that come with them, provide new ways to compare and contrast black holes of different sizes and masses.

From Science Daily

Then, I’ll truly go to the Santa Monica Erewhon just to kind of compare and contrast.

From Los Angeles Times