Word Direct Answers

What does "contrast" mean?

Contrast: 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.

Additional senses

  1. 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.
  2. 3.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.
  3. 4.Opposition or dissimilitude of things or qualities; unlikeness, esp. as shown by juxtaposition or comparison. The contrasts and resemblances of the seasons. Whewell.
  4. 5.(Fine Arts) The opposition of varied forms, colors, etc., which by such juxtaposition more vividly express each other's pecularities. Fairholt.

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