contrast

 

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒntrɑːst/
[mass noun]
  • the state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association: the day began cold and blustery, in contrast to almost two weeks of uninterrupted sunshine [count noun]: a contrast between rural and urban trends Kos is an island of contrasts
  • differences in colour, tone, or shape that contribute to the visual effect of a design or image: match the trimming with one of the stronger colours in the pattern to provide contrast
  • the difference between tones in a television picture, photograph, etc.: careful adjustment of the contrast to suit the prevailing light is critical [in combination]: high-contrast images
  • [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: /kənˈtrɑːst/
[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

Pronunciation: /kənˈtrɑːstɪŋli/
adverb

contrastive

Pronunciation: /kənˈtrɑːstɪv/
adjective

Origin:

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