Definition of: contrast

(kən·trast′) v.t.
1. To place or set in opposition so as to show dissimilarities.
2. To set off; afford a contrast to.
—v.i.
3. To manifest dissimilarities when placed or set in opposition.
—noun (kon′trast)
1. The unlikeness between two or more things or persons, as revealed by comparison.
2. A person or thing that shows unlikeness to another. [<OF contraster <Ital. contrastare <LL <L contra- against + stare stand]
—con·trast′a·ble adjective Synonyms (verb): compare, differentiate, discriminate, oppose. To compare is to place together in order to show likeness or unlikeness; to contrast is to set in opposition in order to show unlikeness. We contrast objects that have been already compared. We must compare them, at least momentarily, even to know that they are different. We contrast them when we observe their unlikeness in a general way; we differentiate them when we note the difference exactly and point by point. See DIFFERENCE.