Contrast Definition
kən-trăst, kŏntrăst
contrasted, contrasting, contrasts
verb
contrasted, contrasting, contrasts
To compare so as to point out the differences; set off against one another.
Webster's New World
To show differences when compared; form a contrast.
Webster's New World
To evince a difference that can distinguish meaning.
Voiced and voiceless stops contrast in English but not in Cree.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
noun
contrasts
The act of contrasting; a setting off of dissimilar entities or objects.
American Heritage
A contrasting or being contrasted.
Webster's New World
A difference, esp. a striking difference, between things being compared.
Webster's New World
A person or thing showing differences when compared with another.
Webster's New World
The use of opposing elements, such as colors, forms, or lines, in proximity to produce an intensified effect in a work of art.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
Origin of Contrast
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French contraster from Italian contrastare from Medieval Latin contrāstāre Latin contrā- contra- Latin stāre to stand stā- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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From French contraster, from Italian contrastare (“to resist", "to withstand”), from Vulgar Latin, from Latin contra (“against”) + stare (“to stand”)
From Wiktionary
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