contrast/compare

[Nathan Mckane]

What difference the words ''contrast'' ans ''compare'' make in the following sentence?

If you contrast/compare her first writing to latest work, you will see how much she has improved.

Special thanks.

[Barb_D]

Generally, if you contrast things, you are looking for differences.

[Nathan Mckane]

Thanks, but what would you prefer in the context above?

[Barb_D]

Either one. I'd probably say "compare" in that, but "contrast" would work, especially because you are looking for differences in the writing.