contravene

What does “contravene” mean?

verb.to violate the prohibition or order of (a law, treaty, or code of conduct).

SAT Usage

Contravene often appears in passages discussing legal issues, ethics, or moral dilemmas. It emphasizes a deliberate disregard for rules or authority, highlighting the consequences of such actions, which sets it apart from similar terms like "violate," as it suggests a broader context of defiance rather than mere noncompliance.

Common Confusions

Contravene implies a deliberate defiance of laws or rules, while violate usually suggests a breach that may not involve intent or awareness of wrongdoing.

Example Sentences

• The new policy would contravene the terms of the agreement.

• The new rule would contravene the city ordinance.

Word Parts: How to Remember “contravene”

Break “contravene” into its parts: contra- (against) + -ven- (come). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: contra- against (Latin)
• Root: -ven- come (Latin)