Contrast

v. t. [imp. & p. p. CONTRASTED; p. pr. & vb. n. CONTRASTING.] [See infra.] 1. To set in opposition, or over against; to compare by difference or contrariety of qualities. A writer whose dexterity in the arts of controversy was so remarkably contrasted by his abilities in reasoning and literature. Warburton. 2. (Fine Arts.) To place, as figures, in such opposition or dissimilitude, that the one shall give greater effect to the other. Du Fresnoy tells us that the figures of a group must not all be on a side, . . . but must contrast each other by their several positions. Dryden.

v. i. [Fr. contraster, Pr., Sp., & Pg. contrastar, It. & L. Lat. contrastare, to resist, withstand, from Lat. contra, against, and stare, to stand.] To stand in contrast or opposition; to exhibit contrast.

The joints which divide the sandstone contrast finely with the divisional planes which separate the basalt into pillars. Lyell.

n. [Fr. contraste, Pr. contrast, Sp. & Pg. contraste, It. contrasto.]

1Sense 1. Opposition of things or qualities; comparison by contrariety of qualities. “The contrasts and resemblances of the seasons.” Whewell.

2Sense 2. (Fine Arts.) The opposition of varied forms, colors, &c., which by such juxtaposition more vividly express each other’s peculiarities. Fairholt.

☞ Contrast, in this sense, is applicable to things of a similar kind. We never speak of a contrast between a man and a mountain, or between a dog and a tree; but we observe the contrast between an oak and a shrub, and between a palace and a cottage.