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v. con·trast·ed, con·trast·ing, con·trasts v.tr. To set in opposition in order to show or emphasize differences: an essay that contrasts city and country life; contrasted this computer with inferior models. v.intr. 1. To show differences when compared: siblings who contrast sharply in interests and abilities; a color that contrasted clearly with the dark background. 2. Linguistics To evince a difference that can distinguish meaning: Voiced and voiceless stops contrast in English but not in Cree. n. (kŏntrăst′) 1. a. The act of contrasting; a setting off of dissimilar entities or objects. b. The state of being contrasted: red berries standing in vivid contrast against the snow. 2. A difference, especially a strong dissimilarity, between entities or objects compared: the contrast between Northern and Southern speech patterns. 3. One thing that is strikingly dissimilar to another: My new school was a welcome contrast to the one before. 4. The use of opposing elements, such as colors, forms, or lines, in proximity to produce an intensified effect in a work of art. 5. The difference in brightness between the light and dark areas of a picture, such as a photograph or video image. 6. Linguistics A difference between units, especially one that distinguishes meaning. [French contraster, from Italian contrastare, from Medieval Latin contrāstāre : Latin contrā-, contra- + Latin stāre, to stand; see stā- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] con·trasta·ble adj. con·trasting·ly adv. |
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