contrast

Noun

• the range of optical density and tone on a photographic negative or print (or the extent to which adjacent areas on a television screen differ in brightness)

• the perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colors

• a conceptual separation or distinction
  • there is a narrow line between sanity and insanity
    

• the act of distinguishing by comparing differences

• the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
  • in contrast to, by contrast
    

Verb

• to show differences when compared; be different
  • the students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities
    

• put in opposition to show or emphasize differences
  • The middle school teacher contrasted her best student's work with that of her weakest student
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  line , dividing line , demarcation , direct contrast , counterpoint