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contrast Definition

con·trast (kən trast′; for n. kän′trast′)

transitive verb

to compare so as to point out the differences; set off against one another

Etymology: Fr contraster < It & VL *contrastare, to withstand < L contra, against + stare, to stand

intransitive verb

to show differences when compared; form a contrast

noun

  1. a contrasting or being contrasted
  2. a difference, esp. a striking difference, between things being compared
  3. a person or thing showing differences when compared with another
  4. the effect of a striking difference, as in color or tone, of adjacent parts of a painting, photograph, video-screen image, etc.

contrast Related Forms
con·trast′·able adjective con·trast′·ive adjective
contrast Synonyms

contrast

n.

  1. The state of being sharply different

    divergence, incompatibility, disparity, variation, variance, dissimilarity, inequality, distinction, incongruousness, heterogeneity, oppositeness, contradiction, dissimilitude, diversity, unlikeness, disagreement, opposition; see also difference 1.

    Antonyms agreement*, similarity, uniformity.

  2. A contrasting effect

    contrariety, antithesis, contradiction, inconsistency, foil, reverse, contraposition, inverse, adverse, converse, opposition; see also difference 2, opposite.

    Antonyms equality*, unity, oneness, sameness.

contrast Synonyms

contrast

v.

  1. To provide a contrast

    contradict, disagree, conflict, set off, be contrary to, diverge, depart from, deviate from, differ from, mismatch, vary, show difference, stand out, be dissimilar, be diverse, be variable, be unlike, be a foil to; see also differ 1, oppose 1.

    Antonyms agree*, concur, be identical.

  2. To indicate a contrast

    oppose, differentiate, set over, set off against; see compare 2, distinguish 1. See syn. study at compare.

contrast Usage Examples

Object

  • color: Wherever possible we have edged the steps with a contrasting color.
  • texture: I delight in experimenting with the surface of the metals, contrasting fine textures with highly polished areas.
  • color: In his experiment, he added two chemicals of contrasting colors to opposite ends of a gel-filled tube.
  • mood: The finale plays on the juxtaposition of two contrasted moods, first reflective and then happier.
  • perspective: Order this book These books offer an analysis of the ' new ' Russia from contrasting perspectives.

Preposition: between

  • foreground: Download Browsealoud Design We have tried to use combinations of colors that provide sufficient contrast between foreground and background across the sites.

Adjective modifier

  • stark: In stark contrast to its coverage of the Mayor the media has not focused very much on the workings of the assembly?
  • sharp: In sharp contrast, Glasgow has the highest spend on roads per capita.
  • striking: Like many sisters, they offer a striking contrast in personalities.
  • refreshing: Spectacular jumps and imaginative ambushes give you plenty to chew on, but also provide refreshing contrast to other sections of the game.
  • pleasing: This green surrounding of the village forms a pleasing contrast to this otherwise bleak, barren, heathy district.

Modifies a noun

  • china: On sinacom online will be hosting in contrast china 's the company's range.
  • ratio: There is thus no point in comparing monitors ' contrast ratios.
  • prwora: Controls of the in contrast prwora the few years.
  • enhancement: SonoVue should only be used in patients where study without contrast enhancement is inconclusive.
  • this: Contrast this to the passive responder, who finds out very little about the position and company.
  • medium: In some procedures, IV contrast media may be injected.

Modifying Another Word

  • sharply: These writings contrast sharply with Mill's history from a dominant colonial perspective, well established by the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Noun used with modifier

  • color: Black on yellow provides the most easily seen color contrast.