Contrast
/ˈkɒntræst/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association.
/ˈkɒntræst/
A difference between things
The dramatic contrast in the painting caught everyone's attention.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're looking at a black and white photo. The difference between the dark and light parts is the contrast! It helps us see the details.
👶 For kids: When two things are very different, like black and white, that's a contrast!
More Examples
The chef used a contrast of sweet and sour flavors in the sauce.
The contrast between the two candidates' political views was evident.
How It's Used
"The artist used a stark contrast of light and shadow in the painting."
"The contrast between the bright red dress and the black belt was striking."
The degree of difference between the lightest and darkest parts of an image.
/ˈkɒntræst/
The degree of difference between things
The artist used high contrast to create a bold effect.
💡 Simply: Imagine a photo. Contrast is how bright the bright parts are compared to the dark parts. If the brights are super bright and the darks are super dark, that's high contrast!
👶 For kids: How different bright things are from dark things in a picture is called contrast.
More Examples
Adjust the contrast on your TV to improve the picture.
The contrast of the fabric made the embroidery stand out.
How It's Used
"Increasing the contrast on the photo makes the colors more vibrant."
"The high contrast of the website's design makes the text easy to read."
To differ strikingly; be strikingly different from something else when put together or in comparison.
/kənˈtræst/
To differ strikingly
Her cheerful attitude contrasted with his gloomy demeanor.
💡 Simply: Imagine two things are next to each other, like two outfits. If they are super different, we can say they 'contrast'. For example, a bright yellow shirt and a dark blue jacket contrast each other.
👶 For kids: When two things are very different and you put them together, they contrast, like a sunny day and a rainy day!
More Examples
The new policies contrast significantly with the old ones.
The vibrant colors of the flowers contrasted with the gray background.
How It's Used
"The hero's courage contrasts sharply with the villain's cowardice."
"The lifestyles of the rich and poor often contrast greatly."
To compare or appraise in respect of differences.
/kənˈtræst/
To compare in order to show differences
The essay contrasts the benefits and drawbacks of both options.
💡 Simply: When you 'contrast' two things, you're looking at how they are different. It's like comparing a cat and a dog – you'd point out that one meows and the other barks!
👶 For kids: To compare two things and find out how they are different, that's to contrast them!
More Examples
The historian will contrast the two periods of rule.
She contrasted the two paintings to highlight their differing styles.
How It's Used
"The teacher asked the students to contrast the two poems."
"The report contrasts the economic conditions of the two regions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
in contrast
Used to show a difference between things.
"In contrast to the freezing weather outside, the room was warm."
by/in sharp contrast
To emphasize a significant difference between two things.
"In sharp contrast to her sister's outgoing personality, she was very shy."
From Middle French *contraster* (to show differences), from Old Italian *contrastare* (to withstand, oppose), from *contra-* (against) + *stare* (to stand).
The word 'contrast' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to opposing forces or appearances.
Memory tip
Think of two things placed side-by-side; the differences are the contrast.
Word Origin
"against + stand"