From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
contrast
n 1: the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are
compared; "in contrast to", "by contrast" [syn: contrast,
direct contrast]
2: the act of distinguishing by comparing differences
3: a conceptual separation or distinction; "there is a narrow
line between sanity and insanity" [syn: line, {dividing
line}, demarcation, contrast]
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)
v 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"
[syn: contrast, counterpoint]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Contrast \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.
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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.
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the figures of the groups must not be all on side .
. . but must contrast each other by their several
position. --Dryden.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Contrast \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.
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place the prospect of the soul
In sober contrast with reality. --Wordsworth.
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2. Opposition or dissimilitude of things or qualities;
unlikeness, esp. as shown by juxtaposition or comparison.
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The contrasts and resemblances of the seasons.
--Whewell.
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3. (Fine Arts) The opposition of varied forms, colors, etc.,
which by such juxtaposition more vividly express each
other's peculiarities. --Fairholt.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Contrast \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.
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The joints which divide the sandstone contrast finely
with the divisional planes which separate the basalt
into pillars. --Lyell.
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