Compare, Contrast, Distinguish, Differentiate

Know what each comparison word asks you to do.

These four words all involve looking at two or more things, but they point you in different directions. 'Compare' traditionally means to examine both similarities and differences, though in everyday use it often stresses likeness. 'Contrast' means to focus on differences. 'Distinguish' means to recognize or show the difference between things that might be confused, such as a fact and an opinion. 'Differentiate' means nearly the same as distinguish, often with the idea of telling items apart by their features.

Consider a science prompt: 'Distinguish between weather and climate. ' The answer should show the dividing line: weather is short-term conditions; climate is the long-term pattern. If the prompt said 'compare weather and climate', you would also mention what they share, such as both involving temperature and rainfall. Before you start any answer, underline the comparison word, because it tells you whether to hunt for sameness, difference, or both.

• 1Compare: similarities and differences.
• 2Contrast: differences.
• 3Distinguish and differentiate: show what separates easily confused things.