1. A striking difference between two elements when compared or juxtaposed
   "The contrast between old and new buildings was dramatic"
    
2. The opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
   "by contrast"; "in contrast to";
   - direct contrast
    
3. A conceptual separation or distinction
   "The contrast between rich and poor became more apparent";
   - line, dividing line, demarcation
    
4. The perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colours
   "The stark contrast between the black text and white background made the sign easy to read"
    
5. (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)
   "The photographer adjusted the contrast to make the image more striking"

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. Set in opposition or juxtaposition to create balance or complementary effect
   "Soft lighting contrasted with sharp shadows";
   - counterpoint

Derived forms: contrasts, contrasting, contrasted

Type of: ambit, beholding, comparing, comparison, compass, differ, differentiate, differentiation, distinction, distinguish, oppositeness, opposition, orbit, range, reach, scope, secern [rare], seeing, separate, severalise [Brit, rare], severalize [rare], tell apart, visual perception

Encyclopedia: Contrast