'Contrast' definitions:

Definition of 'contrast'

From: WordNet
noun
The opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared; "in contrast to", "by contrast" [syn: contrast, direct contrast]
noun
The act of distinguishing by comparing differences
noun
A conceptual separation or distinction; "there is a narrow line between sanity and insanity" [syn: line, dividing line, demarcation, contrast]
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; "the students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities" [syn: contrast, counterpoint]

Definition of 'Contrast'

From: GCIDE
  • Contrast \Con"trast\ (k[o^]n"tr[.a]st), n. [F. contraste: cf. It. contrasto.]
  • 1. The act of contrasting, or the state of being contrasted; comparison by contrariety of qualities. [1913 Webster]
  • place the prospect of the soul In sober contrast with reality. --Wordsworth. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Opposition or dissimilitude of things or qualities; unlikeness, esp. as shown by juxtaposition or comparison. [1913 Webster]
  • The contrasts and resemblances of the seasons. --Whewell. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Fine Arts) The opposition of varied forms, colors, etc., which by such juxtaposition more vividly express each other's peculiarities. --Fairholt. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Contrast'

From: GCIDE
  • Contrast \Con*trast"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Contrasted; p. pr. & vb. n. Contrasting.] [F. contraster, LL. contrastare to resist, withstand, fr. L. contra + stare to stand. See Stand.] To stand in opposition; to exhibit difference, unlikeness, or opposition of qualities. [1913 Webster]
  • The joints which divide the sandstone contrast finely with the divisional planes which separate the basalt into pillars. --Lyell. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Contrast'

From: GCIDE
  • Contrast \Con*trast"\, v. t.
  • 1. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (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. [1913 Webster]
  • the figures of the groups must not be all on side . . . but must contrast each other by their several position. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'contrast'

From: Moby Thesaurus