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contrast

/kˈɑntɹæst/noun, verb2 syllables

Contrast means: a conceptual separation or distinction.

Synonyms for contrast5

noun, as in a conceptual separation or distinction

line, dividing line, demarcation

noun, as in the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

direct contrast

verb, as in to show differences when compared; be different

counterpoint

What does contrast mean?7

noun

1

a conceptual separation or distinction“there is a narrow line between sanity and insanity”

2

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared“in contrast to”

3

the act of distinguishing by comparing differences

4

the perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colors

5

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

1

to show differences when compared; be different“the students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities”

2

put in opposition to show or emphasize differences“The middle school teacher contrasted her best student's work with that of her weakest student”

Definitions from the Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Contrast in a sentence

  • In contrast to the dog, the cat has become domesticated only in recent times.shekitten
  • In contrast to her, her husband didn't seem to be enjoying the shopping.unknown
  • In contrast to his frightening looks, his voice was kind and calm.unknown
  • In contrast to yesterday, it isn't hot at all today.unknown
  • In contrast with many of his contemporaries, he’s not brash and boastful.Cangarejo
  • The contrast between the sky and the mountain is striking.Zifre
  • He painted the front door black for contrast.Amastan
  • The dress has a beautiful contrast between red and white.mamat

Sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR, credited to their authors.

Forms of contrast

as a noun

plural
contrasts

as a verb

past tense
contrasted
present participle
contrasting
third-person singular
contrasts