contrast
/'kɔntræst/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A striking difference between two or more things: "Contrast" refers to the state of being noticeably different from something else when compared.
- The enhancement of difference for effect: In art and photography, "contrast" is the difference in visual properties (like color or brightness) that makes an object distinguishable.
- A person or thing showing differences when compared: "Contrast" can also refer to the thing that is strikingly different from another.
Verb:
- To show differences when compared: To set two or more things in opposition in order to show their differences.
- To be strikingly different: To differ in a way that is very noticeable when placed together.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The contrast between the ancient ruins and the modern city was breathtaking.
- Adjust the contrast on your monitor for a clearer picture.
- Her cheerful personality was a complete contrast to his serious demeanor.
Verb:
- The report contrasts the economic policies of the two countries.
- His casual style contrasts sharply with the formal office dress code.
Advanced Usage
"By contrast" / "In contrast": These phrases are used to introduce a comparison that highlights a difference.
- The northern region is cold and mountainous. By contrast, the south is warm and flat.
- In contrast to his earlier optimism, he now feels quite pessimistic.
"Stark contrast": Used to emphasize a very clear and strong difference.
- The luxury of the hotel stood in stark contrast to the poverty of the surrounding neighborhood.
Variants and Related Words
Contrasting (adj): Showing a marked difference.
- She wore a jacket of a contrasting color.
Contrastive (adj): Pertaining to or showing contrast.
- A contrastive analysis of the two languages.
Synonyms
- Difference: The state or condition of being dissimilar.
- Disparity: A great difference, often implying inequality.
- Divergence: The process or state of separating or differing.
- Juxtaposition: The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
Antonyms
- Similarity: The state or fact of being similar.
- Resemblance: The state of resembling or being alike.
- Uniformity: The quality or state of being uniform.
Related Phrases
"Stand in contrast to": To be very different from something else.
- His actions stand in stark contrast to his promises.
"For the sake of contrast": Done in order to highlight differences.
- The artist placed the red dot for the sake of contrast against the blue background.
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