[con.trast] vb [F contraster, fr. MF, to oppose, resist, alter. of contrester, fr. (assumed) VL contrastare, fr. L contra- + stare to stand--more at stand] vt (1695): to set off in contrast: compare or appraise in respect to differences "~ European and American manners"--often used with to or with "~ing her with other women --Victoria Sackville-West" ~ vi: to form a contrast syn see compare -- con.trast.able adj
[2]con.trast n (1711) 1 a: juxtaposition of dissimilar elements (as color, tone, or emotion) in a work of art b: degree of difference between the lightest and darkest parts of a picture
2. a: the difference or degree of difference between things having similar or comparable natures "the ~ between the two forms of government" b: comparison of similar objects to set off their dissimilar qualities: the state of being so compared "the enforced simplicity in this diary ... is in ~ to the intensity of his former life --Times Lit. Supp."
3: a person or thing that exhibits differences when compared with another