Synonyms:
| compare, | differentiate, | discriminate, | oppose. |
To compare (L. con, together, and par, equal) is to place together in order to show likeness or unlikeness; to contrast (L. contra, against, and sto, stand) is to set in opposition in order to show unlikeness. We contrast objects that have been already compared. We must compare them, at least momentarily, even to know that they are different. We contrast them when we observe their unlikeness in a general way; we differentiate them when we note the difference exactly and point by point. We distinguish objects when we note a difference that may fall short of contrast; we discriminate them when we classify or place them according to their differences.
Preposition:
We contrast one object with another.
CONVERSATION.
Synonyms:
| chat, | communion, | converse, | intercourse, |
| colloquy, | confabulation, | dialogue, | parley, |
| communication, | conference, | discourse, | talk. |
Conversation (Latin con, with) is, etymologically, an interchange of ideas with some other person or persons. Talk may be[119] wholly one-sided. Many brilliant talkers have been incapable of conversation. There may be intercourse without conversation, as by looks, signs, etc.; communion is of hearts, with or without words; communication is often by writing, and may be uninvited and unreciprocated. Talk may denote the mere utterance of words with little thought; thus, we say idle talk, empty talk, rather than idle or empty conversation. Discourse is now applied chiefly to public addresses. A conference is more formal than a conversation. Dialog denotes ordinarily an artificial or imaginary conversation, generally of two persons, but sometimes of more. A colloquy is indefinite as to number, and generally somewhat informal. Compare [BEHAVIOR].