contravened

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "contravened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an act that is in direct violation of a law, rule, or agreement. For example, "The company was fined for contravening the local environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Refugee advocates said the substandard conditions in PNG's Manus Island detention centre, the very high crime rates in the country and "daily pervasive human rights abuses" were evidence the new arrangements contravened Australia's basic obligations to help refugees who come here.

The Guardian

The general said he had not lobbied in a way that contravened rules and would regard any such claim as "seriously defamatory".

The Guardian

Not least because of last year's series of The Jump, a television programme of such blistering disappointment that it may very well have contravened a slew of trade descriptions acts.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They argued that the law contravened two articles in Singapore's constitution: Article 9, which guarantees that "no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with the law", and Article 12, the first section of which states, "All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law .The result was not entirely surprising.

The Economist

The ministry denies this, and prosecutors argue that the post contravened so-called "cyber-slander" legislation, and caused so much currency turmoil that the government had to spend the equivalent of $2 billion to support the won.

The Economist

In particular, the Italian justices rejected the immunity bill because it contravened the well-understood principle that everybody should be equal under the law.

The Economist

One ICMI board member, Amien Rais, deeply offended Suharto when he suggested that his family's scramble for shares in a goldfield might have contravened the constitution.

The Economist

Officials said that the very existence of a VIE contravened Chinese management and public policies.

The Economist

All this was later found to have contravened the CIA's founding charter.

The Economist

Such behaviour contravened an AAOIFI standard demanding that assets be bought back at market prices, in line with the sharia principle of risk-sharing.

The Economist

An enterprising London barrister succeeded in forcing Westminster City Council to drop a parking fine after he complained that its automatic doubling of the fine if he did not admit the offence contravened his right to a fair trial.Several challenges are also being prepared by civil-liberties groups on issues such as the punishment of children, immigration and equal opportunity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contravened", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific rule, law, or principle that was violated.

Common error

Avoid using "contravened" in casual conversation or informal writing. It's a formal term best suited for legal, official, or academic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "contravened" functions as the past tense and past participle of the verb "contravene". It indicates an action that has already occurred, where a rule, law, or agreement has been violated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contravened" is the past tense of the verb "contravene", signifying a violation of a rule, law, or principle. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. It is predominantly used in formal contexts like news reports, encyclopedias, and official documents. While "contravened" is appropriate for such settings, simpler alternatives like "violated" might be preferable in casual conversation. When using "contravened", ensure the context clearly specifies what rule was broken. Given its common occurrence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist, mastering its usage is essential for effective formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violated

Directly indicates a breach or infringement of a law or rule.

breached

Implies a breaking of a formal agreement or established standard.

infringed upon

Suggests a more subtle encroachment or violation of rights or boundaries.

transgressed against

Carries a stronger connotation of moral or ethical violation.

defied

Implies a deliberate act of resistance or disobedience to a rule or authority.

disregarded

Suggests a neglect or ignoring of rules or regulations.

flouted

Indicates an open and contemptuous disregard for a rule or law.

contested

Implies a dispute or challenge to the validity or application of a rule.

failed to comply with

Specifically denotes a lack of adherence to a requirement or standard.

acted in defiance of

Highlights the oppositional nature of the action taken.

FAQs

How can I use "contravened" in a sentence?

Use "contravened" to indicate a direct violation of a rule, law, or agreement. For example, "The company was fined for contravening the local environmental regulations."

What are some alternatives to "contravened"?

You can use alternatives like "violated", "breached", or "infringed upon" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "contravened" in everyday speech?

While grammatically correct, "contravened" is a formal term and may sound out of place in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "violated" or "broke" in informal settings.

What's the difference between "contravened" and "contradicted"?

"Contravened" implies a violation of a rule or law, while "contradicted" suggests a statement or action that is opposite or inconsistent with something else. The terms are not interchangeable.