contrastar
verbCEFR B2
What does “contrastar” mean in English?
to contrast, to juxtapose
to contrast, to juxtapose (contrastar A con B — highlighting differences; sharper than comparar, focuses on divergence rather than similarity)
Example sentences
Al contrastar los dos modelos, se aprecian diferencias sustanciales en cuanto a eficiencia y coste.
When contrasting the two models, substantial differences in terms of efficiency and cost become apparent.
El informe contrasta la situación actual con la de hace una década para ilustrar el retroceso experimentado.
The report contrasts the current situation with that of a decade ago to illustrate the decline experienced.
Es preciso contrastar estas afirmaciones con las fuentes primarias antes de aceptarlas como hechos probados.
It is necessary to cross-check these assertions against primary sources before accepting them as established facts.
How to use it
Contrastar means 'to contrast', 'to juxtapose' — specifically highlighting differences between two elements. The frame 'contrastar A con B' or 'al contrastar A con B se pone de manifiesto que…' is standard in academic and debate registers. Contrastar foregrounds divergence; comparar is neutral (covers both similarity and difference). It also collocates with 'datos' in a research sense: contrastar los datos (to cross-check data), which is a related but distinct B2 sense.
Common mistake
Don't confuse contrastar (highlight differences / cross-check) with contrastado, which means 'proven' or 'established' (información contrastada = verified information). The cross-checking sense (contrastar datos) is distinct from the comparative-contrast sense (contrastar dos propuestas) but both are B2-relevant.