Definition of contrast
transitive verb
: to set off in contrast : compare or appraise in respect to differences Contrast European and American manners. Contrast the two major characters of the novel. —often used with to or with contrasting the painter with her contemporaries
intransitive verb
: to form a contrast
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Examples of contrast in a Sentence
Her black dress and the white background contrast sharply.
We compared and contrasted the two characters of the story.
Origin and Etymology of contrast
French contraster, from Middle French, to oppose, resist, alteration of contrester, from Vulgar Latin *contrastare, from Latin contra- + stare to stand — more at stand
Synonym Discussion of contrast
Definition of contrast
1a : juxtaposition of dissimilar elements (such as color, tone, or emotion) in a work of artb : degree of difference between the lightest and darkest parts of a picture
2a : the difference or degree of difference between things having similar or comparable natures the contrast between the two forms of governmentb : comparison of similar objects to set off their dissimilar qualities By contrast with newer models, the computer operates slowly. : the state of being so compared In contrast to the other estimates, his was very high.
3 : a person or thing that exhibits differences when compared with another The gentle girl is a contrast to the arrogant woman.
Examples of contrast in a Sentence
I observed an interesting contrast in the teaching styles of the two women.
Careful contrast of the twins shows some differences.
In contrast to last year's profits, the company is not doing very well.
The queen's wit and humor made the prince seem dull by contrast.
They spent millions of dollars on advertising. By way of contrast, our small company spent under 5,000 dollars.
Origin and Etymology of contrast
see 1contrast
CONTRAST Defined for English Language Learners
contrast
playDefinition of contrast for English Language Learners
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: to be different especially in a way that is very obvious
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: to compare (two people or things) to show how they are different
contrast
playDefinition of contrast for English Language Learners
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: something that is different from another thing
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: a difference between people or things that are being compared
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: the act of comparing people or things to show the differences between them
CONTRAST Defined for Kids
Definition of contrast for Students
contrasted
;contrasting
1 : to show noticeable differences Red contrasts with black.
2 : to compare two persons or things so as to show the differences between them Contrast the styles of these two authors.
Definition of contrast for Students
1 : something that is different from another Today's weather is quite a contrast to yesterday's.
2 : difference or the amount of difference (as in color or brightness) between parts a photo with good contrast
3 : difference or amount of difference between related or similar things the contrast between summer and winter
Learn More about contrast
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See words that rhyme with contrast Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for contrast Spanish Central: Translation of contrast Nglish: Translation of contrast for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of contrast for Arabic speakers
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