—n.
1 a a juxtaposition or comparison showing striking differences. b a difference so revealed.
2 (often foll. by to) a thing or person having qualities noticeably different from another.
3 a the degree of difference between tones in a television picture or a photograph. b the change of apparent brightness or colour of an object caused by the juxtaposition of other objects.
—v. (often foll. by with)
1 tr. distinguish or set together so as to reveal a contrast.
2 intr. have or show a contrast.
Derivatives:
contrastingly adv. contrastive adj.
Etymology: F contraste, contraster, f. It. contrasto f. med.L contrastare (as CONTRA-, stare stand)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.