contrast meaning and definition

CONTRAST noun

Definition of contrast (noun)

1. the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
   • "in contrast to", "by contrast"
   • synonyms: direct contrast
2. the act of distinguishing by comparing differences
3. a conceptual separation or distinction
   • "there is a narrow line between sanity and insanity"
   • synonyms: demarcation, dividing line, line
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)

CONTRAST verb

Definition of contrast (verb)

1. put in opposition to show or emphasize differences
   • "The middle school teacher contrasted her best student's work with that of her weakest student"
2. to show differences when compared; be different
   • "the students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities"
   • synonyms: counterpoint