Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Contravene: meaning, definitions and examples

⚖️
Add to dictionary

contravene

 

[ ˌkɒntrəˈviːn ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal

To contravene something means to do something that is not allowed by a law or rule.

Synonyms

breach, disobey, violate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
contravene

Used in legal and formal settings, often related to laws, regulations, or agreements.

  • He was fined for contravening the new building regulations
  • The company was found to contravene international trade laws
violate

Commonly used when talking about laws, rights, or moral and ethical standards. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • He was arrested for violating traffic laws
  • The company violated employees' privacy rights
breach

Commonly used in legal, formal, and business contexts to describe breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct.

  • The data breach affected millions of users
  • They were accused of breaching the contract
disobey

Used in general, everyday situations, often with children, pets, or when talking about rules and orders.

  • The child disobeyed his parents and stayed out late
  • Soldiers must not disobey orders from their superiors

Examples of usage

  • The company was fined for contravening environmental regulations.
  • He contravened the terms of his probation by leaving the country without permission.
Context #2 | Verb

formal

To contravene can also mean to conflict with or go against something, such as a principle or belief.

Synonyms

conflict with, defy, oppose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
contravene

This word is typically used in legal or formal contexts to describe actions that violate laws, rules, or agreements.

  • The new policy contravenes international trade agreements.
  • His actions contravened the terms of his employment contract.
conflict with

This phrase is often used to describe situations where ideas, interests, or actions are incompatible or directly opposed to each other. It can be used in various contexts, including personal, professional, and social scenarios.

  • Her schedule conflicts with mine, so we need to find a new time to meet.
  • The new project conflicts with our existing commitments.
oppose

This word is used to describe actions or attitudes that show disagreement or resistance to something. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • Several lawmakers opposed the new legislation.
  • Many residents oppose the construction of the new highway.
defy

This word is used to describe actions that openly resist or challenge authority, rules, or expectations. It often has a rebellious or daring connotation.

  • The protesters defied the curfew imposed by the government.
  • She defied her parents' wishes by pursuing her dream of becoming an artist.

Examples of usage

  • Her actions contravene the values of the organization.
  • The decision to cut funding contravenes the government's promise to support education.

Translations

Translations of the word "contravene" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contrariar

🇮🇳 उल्लंघन करना

🇩🇪 zuwiderhandeln

🇮🇩 melanggar

🇺🇦 порушувати

🇵🇱 naruszać

🇯🇵 違反する (ihan suru)

🇫🇷 enfreindre

🇪🇸 contravenir

🇹🇷 ihlal etmek

🇰🇷 위반하다 (wiban-hada)

🇸🇦 ينتهك

🇨🇿 porušit

🇸🇰 porušiť

🇨🇳 违反 (wéifǎn)

🇸🇮 kršiti

🇮🇸 brjóta

🇰🇿 бұзу

🇬🇪 დარღვევა

🇦🇿 pozmaq

🇲🇽 contravenir

Etymology

The word 'contravene' originated in the early 16th century from the Latin word 'contravenire', which means 'to oppose'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in English to describe actions or behaviors that go against laws, rules, or principles.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,973, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.