Here's a breakdown:
* Compare: Identify similarities between things.
* Contrast: Identify the differences between things.
Think of it like this:
* Compare: "Both apples and oranges are fruits, but they have different flavors."
* Contrast: "Apples are crisp and sweet, while oranges are juicy and tangy."
In essence, contrasting helps to show how things are different, while comparing shows how they are alike.
This process is often used in academic writing, essays, and even everyday conversations to help understand and explain things better.