[v. kuhn-trast, kon-trast; n. kon-trast]
verb (used with object)
1. to compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc., of: Contrast the political rights of Romans and Greeks.
verb (used without object)
2. to exhibit unlikeness on comparison with something else; form a contrast.
3. Linguistics . to differ in a way that can serve to distinguish meanings: The sounds ( p ) and ( b ) contrast in the words “pin” and “bin.”
noun
4. the act of contrasting; the state of being contrasted.
5. a striking exhibition of unlikeness.
6. a person or thing that is strikingly unlike in comparison: The weather down here is a welcome contrast to what we're having back home.
7. opposition or juxtaposition of different forms, lines, or colors in a work of art to intensify each element's properties and produce a more dynamic expressiveness.
8. Photography . the relative difference between light and dark areas of a print or negative.
Origin:
1480–90; (v.) < Middle French contraster < Italian contrastare to contest < Latin contrā- contra- 1 + stāre to stand; (noun) earlier contraste < French < Italian contrasto conflict, derivative of contrastare.
1480–90; (v.) < Middle French contraster < Italian contrastare to contest < Latin contrā- contra- 1 + stāre to stand; (noun) earlier contraste < French < Italian contrasto conflict, derivative of contrastare.
