contrast

/kˈɑntɹæst/ · 2 syllables

Meaning

noun

1. the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
   “in contrast to”
2. the act of distinguishing by comparing differences
3. a conceptual separation or distinction
   “there is a narrow line between sanity and insanity”
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)

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 for contrast

• direct contrast
• line
• dividing line
• demarcation
• counterpoint