Infraction: Definition and Synonyms
infraction – Definition and Part of Speech
Infraction is a noun referring to a breach or violation of a law, agreement, code, or standard. It implies an infringement that often results in minor penalties compared to more severe violations.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violation | A broader term for any breach, including laws and rules. It may imply a wider range of seriousness than infraction. | “The company faced several regulatory violations this year.” | Formal/Academic |
| Breach | Often implies breaking an agreement or law; can be more severe depending on context. | “The data security breach compromised thousands of accounts.” | Business/Formal |
| Transgression | Usually conveys a moral or ethical violation, often used in religious or philosophical contexts. | “Her actions were seen as a transgression against cultural norms.” | Literary/Formal |
| Offense | Can refer to both legal and personal violations; sometimes implies a minor breach depending on context. | “The remark was an offense to some members of the group.” | Casual/Formal |
| Contravention | Legal term for violating a law, rule, or agreement; more formal usage. | “His actions constituted a contravention of company policy.” | Formal/Legal |
Usage Notes
- Violation is often used in both legal and non-legal contexts to denote any kind of breach, making it versatile across different fields like business, law, and everyday conversations.
- Breach carries a more serious tone and is frequently utilized in formal writing or speech when referring to agreements or security matters.
- Transgression is preferred in literary and philosophical discussions where moral or ethical implications are being considered. It may be less common in casual conversation.
- Offense has dual usage: it can denote both legal violations and personal affronts, making it suitable for social situations as well as official reports.
- Contravention is a technical term often reserved for legal contexts; its use indicates a formal discussion about rules or laws being broken.
Common Pitfalls (Optional)
Synonyms like “violation” and “breach” might be used interchangeably, but their nuances are important. A “breach” can imply seriousness and specificity, especially in contexts like data security or contractual agreements. Meanwhile, “offense” could easily confuse learners since it also means causing personal upset or anger. The context will guide which synonym is most appropriate.
Final Recap
In summary, while all these synonyms relate to breaking rules or standards, they vary in their severity and specific usage:
- Violation: General breach of a rule.
- Breach: Serious violation, especially concerning agreements or security.
- Transgression: Moral or ethical infraction.
- Offense: Can be minor or personal affronts as well as legal breaches.
- Contravention: Strictly refers to the act of going against laws or rules.
Learners are encouraged to practice using these synonyms in writing and conversation, tailoring their choice based on the context and desired formality. Experiment with crafting sentences using each synonym to better grasp their specific nuances.