contrasting

1. 1
   adjective

   Markedly different from one another, especially when set against each other for comparison.

   Like a spotlight and a deep shadow in the same photograph: each makes the other more obvious.

   The painting pairs contrasting shades of red and green to draw the eye.

   The debate exposed the candidates' contrasting views on taxation.

   Similardifferent, differing, opposing, conflicting, divergent

   Oppositesimilar, matching, harmonious

   Note

   Built from contrast plus -ing, the participle has settled into a true adjective. You can tell because it grades: things can be more contrasting or most contrasting, which the verb form never allows. It usually sits before a plural noun, as in contrasting debating styles or contrasting views, because a contrast needs at least two things held side by side.

2. 2
   verb

   Present participle of contrast.

   The essay spends a whole chapter contrasting the two economic systems.

   By contrasting the before and after photos, she made the change obvious.

   Note

   Here the word still works as a verb, and it works in two directions. Used transitively, it takes an object, often followed by with: contrasting Roman law with Greek custom. Used intransitively, the things themselves do the contrasting, as when white trim is contrasting sharply with dark brick. Unlike the adjective, it cannot take more or most.

   She spent the lecture contrasting Roman law with Greek custom.

   The white trim, contrasting sharply with the dark brick, makes the house stand out.

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