▲comparison的意思是“比较”，其主动性较强，指通过比较来观察其区别、异同、优劣等。表示进行比较，通常搭配动词 draw, make 等。如：

I don’t know enough history to make a comparison. 我对历史还不够精通，无法加以比较。

It is often useful to make a comparison between two things. 将两件事物相比较往往是有益的。

You can’t really draw a comparison between the two cases—they’re entirely different. 你不能拿这两个案子相比较——因为它们完全不同。

You can’t make a comparison between American and Japanese schools—they’re too different. 不能将美国的学校和日本的学校相比较，它们太不一样了。

The author draws a comparison between East andWest Germanyand the North-South divide inEngland. 作者把东、西德和英格兰的南北差异作了比较。

It is difficult to make a comparison with her previous book—they are completely different.  这很难与她以前的书相比 —— 两者是截然不同的。

▲contrast的意思是“对比”，其被动性较强，指不同人或事物因客观上的区别、异同、优劣等而形成“对比”，让人一目了然。表示“形成对比”，通常搭配的动词有 make, offer, provide, pose 等。如：

These two leaders posed a great contrast in appearance. 这两位领导人的外貌有很大的不同。

The white walls make a contrast with the black carpet. 白色的墙壁与黑色的地毯形成了鲜明的对照。

The fresh fruit provides a contrast to the rich chocolate pudding. 新鲜的水果同油腻的巧克力布丁形成对比。

A wool jacket complements the silk trousers and provides an interesting contrast in texture. 毛料上衣配真丝长裤，质地上的差异非常有趣。

The red stems of this bush provide a contrast to the drab brown of the winter garden. 这种灌木红色的茎和冬天里这座花园乏味的棕色形成了对比。