B1noun 2K

Contrast

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈkɒntrɑːst/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈkɑːntræst/"]/

Meaning of Contrast

a difference between two or more people or things that you can see clearly when they are compared or put close together; the fact of comparing two or more things in order to show the differences between them

In simple words: The difference between two things.

Contrast in a sentence

• The contrast between the two paintings was striking, as one was vibrant and the other was dull.
• In this essay, I will discuss the contrast in strategies between the two teachers.
• You can see a sharp contrast in personality between my brother and me.
• The film used light and shadow to create a beautiful contrast.
• Her cheerful demeanor was in stark contrast to the gloomy weather outside.

How to use Contrast

Use 'contrast' when comparing two items to show how they are different. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, especially in essays and discussions.

Grammar pattern

contrast + object

Memory hint

Think of 'contrast' as 'con-TRASTing' colors — one is usually darker and the other brighter.

Related words

Collocations with Contrast

• clear
• marked
• sharp
• make
• offer
• present
• by contrast
• in contrast
• in contrast to
• stand in… contrast to somebody/​something
• clear
• marked
• sharp
• make
• offer
• present
• by contrast
• in contrast
• in contrast to
• stand in… contrast to somebody/​something

Synonyms for Contrast

• differ
• distinguish
• counter
• oppose
• dispute

Opposites of Contrast

• similarity
• agreement

Common mistakes with Contrast

• Confused with 'compare' — 'compare' highlights similarities, while 'contrast' focuses on differences.
• Using 'contrast' without specifying what is being contrasted.
• Incorrectly using 'contrast' as a noun instead of a verb.

Frequently asked questions about Contrast

What does Contrast mean?

The difference between two things.

What is the definition of Contrast?

a difference between two or more people or things that you can see clearly when they are compared or put close together; the fact of comparing two or more things in order to show the differences between them

How do you use Contrast in a sentence?

The contrast between the two paintings was striking, as one was vibrant and the other was dull.

Can you give another example of Contrast?

In this essay, I will discuss the contrast in strategies between the two teachers.

What are synonyms for Contrast?

Common alternatives include differ, distinguish, counter, oppose, dispute.

What is the opposite of Contrast?

Opposite meanings include similarity, agreement.

What words go with Contrast?

It commonly pairs with clear, marked, sharp, make, offer, present, by contrast, in contrast, in contrast to, stand in… contrast to somebody/​something, clear, marked, sharp, make, offer, present, by contrast, in contrast, in contrast to, stand in… contrast to somebody/​something.

What are common mistakes when using Contrast?

Confused with 'compare' — 'compare' highlights similarities, while 'contrast' focuses on differences. Using 'contrast' without specifying what is being contrasted. Incorrectly using 'contrast' as a noun instead of a verb.

How do you pronounce Contrast?

US: /["/ˈkɑːntræst/"]/, UK: /["/ˈkɒntrɑːst/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Contrast?

Use 'contrast' when comparing two items to show how they are different. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, especially in essays and discussions.

What CEFR level is Contrast?

"Contrast" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.