contrast

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Definition of 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
contrastive

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'

contrast in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of contrast in the US English dictionary

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Other

contrast

noun

verb

Derivatives

contrastingly

contrastive

Origin:

contrast in other Oxford dictionaries

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