Definitions for: Contrast


[n] the act of distinguishing by comparing differences
[n] (photography) 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)
[n] the perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colors
[n] a conceptual separation or demarcation; "there is a narrow line between sanity and insanity"
[n] the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared; "in contrast to", "by contrast"
[v] put in opposition to show or emphasize differences; "The middle school teacher contrasted her best student's work with that of her weakest student"
[v] to show differences when compared; be different; "the students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities"



Webster (1913) Definition: 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.

The joints which divide the sandstone contrast finely
with the divisional planes which separate the basalt
into pillars. --Lyell.


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.

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.

the figures of the groups must not be all on side .
. . but must contrast each other by their several
position. --Dryden.


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.

place the prospect of the soul In sober contrast
with reality. --Wordsworth.

2. Opposition or dissimilitude of things or qualities;
unlikeness, esp. as shown by juxtaposition or comparison.

The contrasts and resemblances of the seasons.
--Whewell.

3. (Fine Arts) The opposition of varied forms, colors, etc.,
which by such juxtaposition more vividly express each
other's peculiarities. --Fairholt.

Synonyms: counterpoint, demarcation, direct contrast, dividing line, line

See Also: ambit, beholding, comparing, comparison, compass, conflict, counterbalance, differ, differentiate, differentiation, distinction, distinguish, foil, oppose, oppositeness, opposition, orbit, point of no return, range, reach, Rubicon, scope, secern, secernate, seeing, separate, severalise, severalize, tell, tell apart, turn the scales, visual perception

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