contravene

IPA/ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/
KK[kˈɑntrəvˌin]IPA/ˌkɑːntrəˈviːn/

contravene — verb

  • contravenepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • contraveneshe / she / it
  • contravenedpast simple
  • contravening-ing form

1. to act in a way that a law, rule, or official agreement clearly forbids — for ex

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to act in a way that a law, rule, or official agreement clearly forbids — for example, running a factory without an environmental permit, or ignoring a court order to stop work.

例句

The company contravened safety regulations by storing chemicals in an unventilated basement.

contravene + [regulation / law / rule]

Cyrus was fined for contravening the terms of his work visa.

同義詞
  • violate

    broader term — can describe physical, moral, or legal boundaries; more common than 'contravene'

  • breach

    specific to agreements, contracts, or obligations

  • infringe

    typically used with rights, patents, or freedoms

  • transgress

    more formal or literary, often with moral or religious overtones

反義詞
  • comply with

    to act in accordance with a rule or order

  • observe

    to follow a law, rule, or custom without violating it

文法句型

contravene + [legal noun phrase]

用法筆記

Frequently used in legal and regulatory writing. The subject is typically a person, company, or institution, and the object is a written law, regulation, order, treaty, or agreement. Less formal alternatives include 'break', 'violate', or 'go against'.

常見錯誤

❌He contravened the speed limit on his way to work.
✅He broke the speed limit on his way to work.
💡'contravene' is too formal for everyday traffic violations; use 'break' or 'exceed'.
❌She contravened her mother's wishes by staying out late.
✅She went against her mother's wishes by staying out late.
💡'contravene' is used for official laws and regulations, not personal or family rules.

2. to claim that a statement, argument, or interpretation is wrong or not valid in

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to claim that a statement, argument, or interpretation is wrong or not valid in a formal discussion — for example, disputing a witness's account during a cross-examination, or rejecting a long-held academic view.

例句

Putri's lawyer argued that the prosecution's version of events contravened basic logic.

contravene + abstract noun (logic / principle / theory)

Professor Ayesha's hypothesis contravenes a theory that biologists have accepted for decades.

同義詞
  • contradict

    more common and broader; used in everyday and formal contexts

  • dispute

    implies active challenge with reasoning or evidence

  • refute

    stronger — means to prove something wrong with evidence

反義詞
  • support

    to agree with and provide backing for a statement or argument

  • uphold

    to confirm or maintain a position, ruling, or principle

文法句型

contravene + [abstract noun / statement / claim]

用法筆記

Less common than sense 1. Used in formal argument, legal reasoning, and academic writing. The object is usually an abstract noun such as 'principle', 'logic', 'theory', 'interpretation', 'finding', or 'conclusion'.

常見錯誤

❌My brother contravened me when I said the film was boring.
✅My brother disagreed with me when I said the film was boring.
💡'contravene' in this sense belongs to formal argument or legal contexts, not everyday disagreement.
❌The new evidence contravenes the defendant's claim of innocence.
✅The new evidence contradicts the defendant's claim of innocence.
💡'contradict' is the more natural choice for evidence vs. a claim; 'contravene' sounds overly legalistic here.