Con vs. Pro: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Con refers to disadvantages or negative aspects, while Pro denotes advantages or positive aspects of a situation or argument.
Key Differences
Con represents the negative side of a debate, highlighting drawbacks or reasons against a choice. Pro, in contrast, emphasizes the benefits or reasons in favor of a choice, focusing on the positive aspects.
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Nov 14, 2023
In decision-making, a Con is a factor that counts against a decision, potentially leading to adverse outcomes. A Pro is a favorable factor that supports a decision, often associated with positive outcomes.
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When evaluating options, Cons are the risks or negative implications that must be considered. Pros are the positive attributes or advantages that make an option appealing.
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In a discussion, presenting the Cons of a topic means outlining its disadvantages or the arguments against it. Discussing the Pros means highlighting the positive points or arguments in support of the topic.
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In terms of usage, Con is often used to express skepticism or caution about an idea or plan. Pro, conversely, is used to express support or optimism about the feasibility or benefits of an idea or plan.
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Comparison Chart
Discussion
Outlines disadvantages or arguments against
Highlights positive points or arguments in support
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Con and Pro Definitions
Pro
In favor of, an advantage.
The main pro of the system is its efficiency.
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Con
Persuading someone to do something by lying or tricking.
She conned him into buying a fake painting.
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Pro
An argument or point in favor.
One pro of the policy is its positive environmental impact.
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Pro
An argument or consideration in favor of something
Weighing the pros and cons.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pro
An advantage of something, especially when contrasted with its disadvantages (cons).
What are the pros and cons of buying a car?
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Con
To swindle (a victim) by first winning the victim's confidence; dupe
A criminal who conned an unsuspecting tourist out of $5,000.
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Con
To cause (someone) to do something by lying, misrepresentation, or trickery
My roommate conned me into washing the dishes.
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Con
Of, relating to, or involving a swindle or fraud
A con artist.
A con job.
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Con
(rare) To study or examine carefully, especially in order to gain knowledge of; to learn, or learn by heart.
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Pro
A chemical prophylaxis taken after sex to avoid contracting venereal disease.
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Pro
In favor of.
He is pro exercise but against physical exertion, quite a conundrum.
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Oct 19, 2023
Con
A disadvantage of something, especially when contrasted with its advantages (pros).
Pros and cons
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Pro
For, on, or in behalf of, the affirmative side; - in contrast with con.
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Oct 19, 2023
Con
(informal) A fraud; something carried out with the intention of deceiving, usually for personal, often illegal, gain.
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Oct 19, 2023
Con
(informal) An organized gathering, such as a convention, conference, or congress.
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Con
(informal) The conversion of part of a building.
We're getting a loft con done next year.
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Oct 19, 2023
Con
Against the affirmative side; in opposition; on the negative side; - The antithesis of pro, and usually in connection with it. See Pro.
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Oct 19, 2023
Con
To know; to understand; to acknowledge.
Of muses, Hobbinol, I con no skill.
They say they con to heaven the highway.
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Con
To study in order to know; to peruse; to learn; to commit to memory; to regard studiously.
Fixedly did lookUpon the muddy waters which he connedAs if he had been reading in a book.
I did not come into Parliament to con my lesson.
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Oct 19, 2023
Con
To conduct, or superintend the steering of (a vessel); to watch the course of (a vessel) and direct the helmsman how to steer.
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Con
A swindle in which you cheat at gambling or persuade a person to buy worthless property
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Con
Deprive of by deceit;
He swindled me out of my inheritance
She defrauded the customers who trusted her
The cashier gypped me when he gave me too little change
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Con
Commit to memory; learn by heart;
Have you memorized your lines for the play yet?
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Oct 19, 2023
Con
Studying or examining something closely.
He conned the map before setting out.
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Nov 14, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "con" negative in all contexts?
Generally, yes. It denotes negative aspects or opposition.
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Nov 14, 2023
Are "con" and "pro" always used together?
They're often used together in comparisons but can be used separately.
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Is "pro" used to indicate a professional athlete?
Yes, "pro" is commonly used to refer to professional athletes.
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Is "pro" only used in debates?
No, "pro" is used in various contexts, including debates, sports, and professions.
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Nov 14, 2023
Does "pro" always imply expertise?
Often, but it can also simply mean in favor of something.
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Can "con" refer to a prison inmate?
Yes, "con" is also slang for a convict or prison inmate.
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Does "pro" imply a higher skill level?
In the context of professions or sports, yes, it implies higher skill or expertise.
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Can "pro" be used as a standalone term?
Yes, "pro" can be a standalone term indicating support or professionalism.
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Nov 14, 2023
Is "pro" always about advantages?
In debates and comparisons, yes, it refers to advantages or supportive arguments.
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Nov 14, 2023
Can "con" mean to study something?
Yes, "con" can also mean to study or examine closely.
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Nov 14, 2023
Does "con" always involve deception?
Not always. It can, but it also simply means a disadvantage or opposition.
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Nov 14, 2023
Is "con" used in legal contexts?
Yes, especially when discussing the disadvantages or opposing arguments in a case.
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Nov 14, 2023
Is "con" always a shorthand for 'against'?
In debates and comparisons, yes, it typically means against or disadvantage.
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Nov 14, 2023
Can "pro" be used in non-competitive contexts?
Yes, it can be used in various contexts, not just competitive ones.
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Nov 14, 2023
Does "con" have a positive connotation in any context?
Generally, no. It's mostly used in negative or opposing contexts.
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Nov 14, 2023
Does "pro" always mean 'in favor of'?
In debates, yes, but it can also refer to a professional or professional manner.
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Nov 14, 2023
Can "pro" mean proficient or expert?
Yes, "pro" can mean proficient, expert, or demonstrating high skill.
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Nov 14, 2023
Can "con" be used in formal debates?
Yes, "con" is often used in formal debates to represent the opposing side.
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Nov 14, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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