Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. 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)
2. the perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colors
3. a conceptual separation or distinction
   • there is a narrow line between sanity and insanity
4. the act of distinguishing by comparing differences
5. the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
   • in contrast to, by contrast

Verb

1. to show differences when compared; be different
   • the students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities
2. put in opposition to show or emphasize differences
   • The middle school teacher contrasted her best student's work with that of her weakest student