contrasts

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of contrast.

   The painting's sharp contrasts between light and shadow draw the eye.

   She pointed out several contrasts between the two cultures.

   Note

   Only the countable meanings of contrast take a plural: differences between two things, things strikingly unlike each other, rhetorical antitheses, and the control that adjusts a screen. The uncountable uses, the degree of difference and a contrast medium, stay singular. An image has strong contrast overall, but it shows sharp contrasts when distinct pairs are meant, such as light against shadow. The same spelling also serves as the present-tense verb.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present indicative of contrast.

   The dark trim contrasts sharply with the pale stone of the building.

   His relaxed attitude contrasts with the tension filling the room.

   Note

   Two constructions share this form. Used transitively, someone contrasts one thing with another, setting them side by side to bring out the difference: the essay contrasts city life with country life. Used intransitively, the thing itself stands apart and usually takes with: the trim contrasts with the stone. A person as subject usually signals the first pattern. A color, object or quality as subject usually signals the second.

   The essay contrasts city life with country life.

   The author contrasts the two brothers throughout the novel.

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