contrast
contrast
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "contrast" varies slightly depending on whether it's used as a noun or a verb.
Noun: /ˈkɒntræst/
ˈkɒn: /k/ (voiceless velar stop), /ɒ/ (open back rounded vowel), /n/ (alveolar nasal)
træst: /t/ (voiceless alveolar stop), /r/ (voiced alveolar approximant), /æ/ (near-open front unrounded vowel), /s/ (voiceless alveolar fricative), /t/ (voiceless alveolar stop)
Verb: /kənˈtræst/
kən: /k/ (voiceless velar stop), /ə/ (schwa), /n/ (alveolar nasal)
ˈtræst: /t/ (voiceless alveolar stop), /r/ (voiced alveolar approximant), /æ/ (near-open front unrounded vowel), /s/ (voiceless alveolar fricative), /t/ (voiceless alveolar stop)
Word Form Variations
Contrast" functions as both a noun and a verb.
Noun Forms:
Singular: contrast (e.g., "The contrast between them was stark.")
Plural: contrasts (e.g., "The painting displayed strong color contrasts.")
Verb Forms:
Base Form: contrast (e.g., "Let's contrast the two arguments.")
Third-person singular present: contrasts (e.g., "He often contrasts his ideas with mine.")
Present participle: contrasting (e.g., "She is contrasting the data.")
Past tense: contrasted (e.g., "They contrasted the old methods with the new.")
Past participle: contrasted (e.g., "The two theories were contrasted.")
Related Forms:
Adjective: contrasting (e.g., "Contrasting opinions.")
Adjective: contrastive (e.g., "A contrastive analysis.")
Adverb: contrastingly (e.g., "The two approaches performed contrastingly.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun Definitions
The state of being strikingly different from something else, typically something in close association.
Synonyms: Difference, dissimilarity, distinction, divergence, opposition, juxtaposition
Antonyms: Similarity, likeness, resemblance, conformity, harmony, agreement
A difference in luminance or color that makes an object (or its representation in an image or display) distinguishable.
Synonyms: Sharpness, clarity, definition (in image quality)
Antonyms: Blur, faintness, muddiness
Verb Definitions
To compare in such a way as to show unlikeness or differences.
Synonyms: Differentiate, distinguish, oppose, juxtapose, set against
Antonyms: Compare (in the sense of finding similarities), equate, liken
To be strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association.
Synonyms: Differ, conflict, diverge, stand out, set off
Antonyms: Harmonize, align, resemble, match
Examples of Use
Books
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..." (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, 1859) – This famous opening highlights the stark contrast of an era.
"The author effectively used light and shadow to create a dramatic contrast in the landscape descriptions." (Common in literary analysis or art history books)
Newspapers and Online Publications
"The stark contrast between the rich and the poor continues to be a major societal challenge." (The Guardian)
"Experts contrast the two economic models, highlighting their divergent impacts on employment." (The Wall Street Journal)
"Photographers often adjust the contrast of images to enhance visual appeal." (Digital Photography Review)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Film: In Parasite (2019), the film's narrative brilliantly uses contrast to explore themes of class and privilege.
Television: "The show's dramatic tension arises from the sharp contrast between the two main characters' personalities." (Heard in TV show reviews or analyses)
Music: Musicians might talk about how a song uses "dynamic contrast" (loud vs. soft) to create emotional impact.
Video Games: Game designers often use color and lighting contrast to guide players through levels or highlight important objects.
General Public Discourse
"The contrast between their political views couldn't be more apparent." (Everyday conversation about disagreements)
"I love the subtle contrast of colors in this painting." (Commenting on art)
"Can you contrast the benefits of working from home versus working in the office?" (Asking for a comparative analysis)
"Her quiet demeanor was in sharp contrast to his boisterous personality." (Describing people's differences)
10 Quotes Using Contrast
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..." (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities) - This famous opening highlights the stark contrast of an era.
"Light and shadow are two sides of the same coin." (Unknown) - This proverb suggests a fundamental contrast inherent in perception.
"The stronger the light, the darker the shadow." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) - This speaks to the direct relationship and contrast between opposing elements.
"What makes life so interesting is the possibility of fulfilling a dream. What makes life so difficult is the fear of not fulfilling it." (Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist) - This creates a contrast between hope and fear.
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." (Often attributed to John A. Shedd) - This implies a contrast between safety and purpose.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." (Leonardo da Vinci) - This aesthetic principle emphasizes a desirable contrast with complexity.
"To be oneself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) - This highlights the contrast between authenticity and conformity.
"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like." (Lao Tzu) - This urges acceptance of life's flow, often in contrast to resisting change.
"The beauty of art lies in its ability to present sharp contrasts." (Original)
"We learn most from things that stand in sharp contrast to our expectations." (Original)
Etymology
The word "contrast" comes from the Latin verb "contrastare," meaning "to stand against" or "to resist." This Latin word is formed from "contra" (meaning "against") and "stare" (meaning "to stand").
So, at its root, "contrast" is about things standing opposite each other or being distinctly different.
The first known use of "contrast" in English, appearing around the late 16th century, referred to the act of setting one thing against another to show differences, especially in art or rhetoric. The noun form meaning a "difference" or "opposition" followed shortly after.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Contrast
In contrast to: Showing a striking difference when compared with.
Example: "In contrast to his quiet brother, he was always the life of the party."
By contrast: Used to introduce a point that is strikingly different from what has just been mentioned.
Example: "The north of the country is very fertile; by contrast, the south is barren."
Sharp contrast: A very clear and noticeable difference.
Example: "There's a sharp contrast between their public statements and private actions."
Striking contrast: A highly noticeable and often surprising difference.
Example: "The new architecture stands in striking contrast to the historic buildings."
Day and night: (An idiom for a stark contrast).
Example: "Their work ethics are like day and night."
Chalk and cheese: (An idiom meaning two things are completely different from each other).
Example: "Despite being siblings, they are chalk and cheese."
Worlds apart: (An idiom meaning very different; having little in common).
Example: "Their opinions on the matter are worlds apart."
Polar opposites: (Meaning two things that are completely contrary to each other).
Example: "They are polar opposites in terms of personality."
Draw a distinction: (Meaning to identify a difference between things, similar to contrasting).
Example: "It's important to draw a distinction between intention and outcome."
Stand out: (To be clearly noticeable or different from others).
Example: "Her bright red coat made her stand out in the crowd."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of contrast from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
