contrasts

noun

the range of optical density and tone on a photographic negative or print (or the extent to which adjacent areas on a television screen differ in brightness)

the perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colors

a conceptual separation or distinction

the act of distinguishing by comparing differences

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

verb

to show differences when compared

put in opposition to show or emphasize differences

Roots

contracontra- · Latin · against, opposite sto-st · Latin · stand

Synonyms & related words for contrasts

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Words related to contrasts

Explore words related to contrasts — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include contrastable, contrasted, contrastingly, contrasting, contradistinctive, antithet, counterpoint, contrastively. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Where does contrasts come from?

The word contrasts breaks down into 2 roots of Latin origin: contra-, from Latin contra (“against, opposite”); and -st, from Latin sto (“stand”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.