contrast

A noticeable difference between two people, things, or ideas.

• The contrast between the two rooms was striking.
• His calm voice was a contrast to her anger.
• The book explores contrasts between city and country life.

How to use it: a contrast between A and B (There is a sharp contrast between their lifestyles.); in contrast to someone/something (In contrast to her brother, she enjoys cooking.)

Similar words: difference, distinction

Opposites: similarity

Common phrases: sharp contrast, in contrast, contrast between things, contrast with something

How much two things differ, especially the light and dark areas of an image.

• This photo needs more contrast.
• She adjusted the contrast on the screen.
• There is little contrast between these two shades.

Common phrases: high contrast, low contrast, adjust the contrast, color contrast

To compare two things in order to show how they are different.

• Contrast the two pictures.
• She contrasted their different approaches to teaching.
• The article contrasts today's prices with those of last year.

How to use it: contrast A with B (The report contrasts village life with city life.)

Similar words: set against, juxtapose

Common phrases: contrast two things, contrast with something, compare and contrast

To be noticeably different from something else.

• Their styles contrast sharply.
• Her bright scarf contrasted with her black coat.
• The peaceful garden contrasts with the noisy street.

How to use it: contrast with something (The white walls contrast with the dark floor.)

Similar words: differ

Opposites: match

Common phrases: contrast sharply, contrast with something, contrast strongly