contrast
/ˈkɒntrɑːst/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɑːntræst/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈtrast ˈkän-ˌtrast/ (ame, mw) · /kənˈtrɑːst/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtræst/ (ame, ipa)
contrast — noun
- contrastsingular
- contrastsplural
1. A noticeable difference that appears when you compare people, objects, or ideas
A noticeable difference that appears when you compare people, objects, or ideas directly.
There is a striking contrast between Pim's relaxed teaching style and his brother's strict methods.
contrast + between + noun + and + noun
Iris prefers working outdoors, a sharp contrast to her sister who likes office jobs.
contrast + to + noun
The contrast between the old neighborhood and the new shopping district surprised the visitors.
Christopher's old apartment was tiny; by contrast, his new house feels huge and open.
- difference
more general; contrast implies a difference that stands out when things are compared directly
- distinction
focuses on a fine or subtle separating feature rather than a broad opposition
- disparity
suggests inequality or unfair imbalance, e.g. wealth disparity
- similarity
shared qualities between two things
文法句型
contrast + between + noun + and + noun
contrast + of + noun
contrast + to + noun
用法筆記
Often paired with adjectives like 'striking', 'sharp', 'marked', or 'clear' before the word. 'In contrast to' and 'by contrast' are common fixed phrases used to introduce a comparison.
常見錯誤
2. The level of separation between bright and shadowed parts of an image, whether o
The level of separation between bright and shadowed parts of an image, whether on a screen, in a photo, or in a painting.
Ryo raised the contrast on his screen to make the small text easier to read.
contrast + on + [device]
The photographer raised the contrast so the white flowers stood out against the dark background.
Old films often have lower contrast than modern digital movies, giving them a softer look.
Andrei set the screen contrast to maximum so that the night scenes looked more realistic.
- brightness range
a more technical term for the span between lightest and darkest tones
- tonal range
broader term covering all shades between black and white
文法句型
contrast + of + noun
high/low contrast
用法筆記
Used as an uncountable noun in photography and design contexts. Can be modified with 'high' or 'low' to describe the degree of separation between light and dark.
常見錯誤
contrast — verb
- contrastpresent simple I / you / we / they
- contrasts3rd person singular
- contrasting-ing form
- contrastedpast simple
1. To examine two or more things side by side and point out what makes them differe
To examine two or more things side by side and point out what makes them different from each other.
The article contrasts the school systems in Japan and Finland.
contrast + noun + and + noun
Contrast Faisal's early stories with his recent novel to see how his style matured.
contrast + noun + with + noun
Historians often contrast the political ideas of ancient Greece with those of ancient Rome.
The documentary contrasts life in a small fishing village with city living.
- compare
more general; 'compare' can look for both similarities and differences, while 'contrast' focuses on differences
- set against
places one thing next to another for comparison, often in a narrative
- liken
to point out similarities rather than differences
文法句型
contrast + noun + with/and + noun
用法筆記
Typically used in the pattern 'contrast X with Y' or 'contrast X and Y.' The focus is on deliberate comparison to highlight differences, unlike 'compare' which can also look for similarities.
常見錯誤
2. When one person or thing is clearly different from another, especially in a way
When one person or thing is clearly different from another, especially in a way that is easy to notice.
Bilal's calm voice contrasted sharply with the loud shouting from the crowd all around him.
contrast sharply with
The bright red flowers contrasted beautifully with the green leaves in the garden.
Rafael's modern style contrasts strongly with the classical works in other rooms of the gallery.
Andrei's quiet personality contrasts with his brother Christopher's outgoing nature.
- differ from
more general and less formal; does not imply the difference is striking
- stand out against
emphasises visibility against a background rather than simple difference
文法句型
contrast with + noun
contrast + adverb + with
用法筆記
Cannot take a direct object. The pattern is always 'X contrasts with Y.' Adverbs such as 'sharply', 'strongly', 'strikingly', and 'clearly' are commonly placed before 'contrasts' to intensify the difference.