contrast Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
direct contrast.
- in contrast to", "by contrast
noun the act of distinguishing by comparing differences
noun a conceptual separation or distinction
line; dividing line; demarcation.
- there is a narrow line between sanity and insanity
noun the perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colors
noun 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)
verb put in opposition to show or emphasize differences
- The middle school teacher contrasted her best student's work with that of her weakest student
verb to show differences when compared; be different
counterpoint.
- the students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities

F. contraster, LL. contrastare to resist, withstand, fr. L. contra + stare to stand. See Stand.

imperfect & past participle Contrasted; present participle & verbal noun Contrasting

To stand in opposition; to exhibit difference, unlikeness, or opposition of qualities.
The joints which divide the sandstone contrast finely with the divisional planes which separate the basalt into pillars. Lyell.

To set in opposition, or over against, in order to show the differences between, or the comparative excellences and defects of; to compare by difference or contrariety of qualities; as, to contrast the present with the past.
(Fine Arts) To give greater effect to, as to a figure or other object, by putting it in some relation of opposition to another figure or object.
the figures of the groups must not be all on side . . . but must contrast each other by their several position. Dryden.