contrast

Syllabification: (con·trast)

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Definition of contrast

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkänˌtrast/

the state of being strikingly different from something else, typically something in juxtaposition or close association:the day began cold and blustery, in contrast to almost two weeks of uninterrupted sunshine a contrast between rural and urban trends
the degree of difference between tones in a television picture, photograph, or other image.
enhancement of the apparent brightness or clarity of a design provided by the juxtaposition of different colors or textures.
the action of calling attention to notable differences:use knowledge of other languages for contrast and comparison with English
[in singular] a thing or person having qualities noticeably different from another:the castle is quite a contrast to other places where the singer has performed

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈkänˌtrast, kənˈtrast/

[no object]

differ strikingly:his friend’s success contrasted with his own failure (as adjective contrasting)a contrasting view
[with object] compare in such a way as to emphasize differences:people contrasted her with her sister

Derivatives

contrastingly
contrastive

Origin:

late 17th century (as a term in fine art, in the sense 'juxtapose so as to bring out differences in form and color'): from French contraste (noun), contraster (verb), via Italian from medieval Latin contrastare, from Latin contra- 'against' + stare 'stand'

Contrast means ‘note the differences,’ whereas compare means ‘note the similarities’ (or, in some cases, inconsistencies). See also compare (usage).

contrast in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of contrast in the British & World English dictionary

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Other

contrast

noun

verb

Derivatives

contrastingly

contrastive

Origin:

contrast in other Oxford dictionaries

Nearby words

More results for contrast

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