direct contravention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "direct contravention" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate a clear violation of a rule, law, or agreement. Example: "The company's actions were in direct contravention of the established safety regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, the very fact that the Assad government is in a position to allow or deny humanitarian aid is because it is using besiegement as a weapon of war - in direct contravention of UN Security Council directives and the Geneva Conventions.

Huffington Post

"His continued detention is still in direct contravention of international standards for child asylum seekers".

The New York Times

She added that the decision was "in direct contravention to longstanding Arkansas law".

The New York Times

The three were being detained with adults in direct contravention of international law, the report says.

The Guardian

It also provides access, in direct contravention of a UN legal counsel statement from 2002, to Western Sahara's waters.

Independent

For China, the choice is whether to modify its policies, or continue them in direct contravention of international law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Does Cameron agree that the Crimean referendum was illegal, illegitimate and in direct contravention of the Ukrainian constitution.

The Guardian

Iran's ongoing arms exports to, and support for, terrorists in direct contravention of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Cornell University

But Parks Australia says that leaving the climb open is not a direct contravention of the act.

The Guardian

No 10 said the behaviour shown was in "direct contravention of all policy under which the coalition operates".

The Guardian

The lawsuit claims that selling the works to private collectors would remove them "from public access and viewing in direct contravention of Dia's entire intent and purpose".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "direct contravention" to clearly and formally indicate that a rule, law, or agreement has been violated. This phrase is stronger than simply saying something is "against" a rule.

Common error

Avoid using "direct contravention" in casual conversation. It's a formal phrase best suited for legal, official, or serious contexts. Opt for simpler terms like "violation" or "disagreement" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

Direct contravention functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a prepositional complement (e.g., "in direct contravention of"). It signifies a state of clear opposition or violation of a rule, law, or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "direct contravention" is a formal phrase used to indicate a clear violation or breach of a rule, law, or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "blatant violation" or "flagrant breach" exist, "direct contravention" carries a specific weight and formality. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the context is appropriate and that the violation is indeed direct and evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blatant violation

Focuses on the obvious and intentional nature of the violation.

flagrant breach

Emphasizes the shocking and disrespectful nature of the violation.

outright defiance

Highlights the act of openly resisting or disobeying.

clear infringement

Stresses the act of trespassing or violating a right or law.

explicit non-compliance

Emphasizes a deliberate failure to adhere to requirements.

open disregard

Focuses on the lack of respect or attention given to a rule or law.

patent contradiction

Highlights the obvious inconsistency or opposition.

plain opposition

Emphasizes a straightforward act of resistance.

severe infraction

Focuses on the serious nature of the violation or breach.

major transgression

Highlights the significant departure from what is acceptable or legal.

FAQs

How to use "direct contravention" in a sentence?

You can use "direct contravention" to indicate a clear violation of a rule or law. For example: "The company's actions were in "direct contravention" of the safety regulations."

What can I say instead of "direct contravention"?

You can use alternatives like "blatant violation", "flagrant breach", or "outright defiance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "direct contravention" or "indirect contravention"?

"Direct contravention" is used to describe a clear, obvious violation. "Indirect contravention" is less common, but could refer to a violation that isn't immediately apparent or is a consequence of other actions.

What's the difference between "direct contravention" and "violation"?

"Direct contravention" is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "violation". A "direct contravention" suggests a deliberate and obvious breach, whereas "violation" can be more general.