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Why ever use "contradistinguish" instead of "distinguish," since contrast is inherent in the idea of distinguishing two or more items?
Last edited by merphd; 03/18/2011 4:40 PM. Reason: remove excess words
Welcome merphd
----please, draw me a sheep----
Thank you.
an interesting question, this. I think contradistinguish is used in a more specific (pedantic?) and narrower sense; i.e., there are more senses given for distinguish (W3 gives five and OED nine, whereas contradistinguish has just the one).
I find contradistinguish contraindicative and a mouthful too.
I find contradistinguish contraindicative
Contradistinguish carries a heavier weight that the two objects being compared have an opposite quality.
My height distinguishes me from my coworkers because I am a little above average height (6'4")
Shaquille O'Neal's height (7'2") is contradistinguished from that of Verne Troyer (Mini-Me)(2'8").
Okey dokey.
----please, draw me a sheep----
Originally Posted By: obihave......
Shaquille O'Neal's height (7'2") is contradistinguished from that of Verne Troyer (Mini-Me)(2'8").
either would be a distinct quality
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