1[countableC, uncountableU]DIFFERENT a difference between people, ideas, situations, things etc that are being compared 差异,差别
While there are similarities in the two cultures, there are also great contrasts.
这两种文化虽然有许多相似之处,但也存在巨大的差异。
contrast between
the economic and social contrasts between the poor and the rich
贫富之间的经济和社会差异
contrast with
The marble is smooth and polished, making a strong contrast with the worn stonework around it.
大理石平滑光洁,和周围破旧的石结构形成了强烈的对比。
by contrast (to/with)
The birth rate for older women has declined, but, by contrast, births to teenage mothers have increased.
较大年龄女性的生育率已有下降,但相比之下少女妈妈的生育率却上升了。
in contrast (to/with)
The stock lost 60 cents a share, in contrast to last year, when it gained 21 cents.
该股票每股跌了60美分,和去年上涨21美分形成了对比。
(in) stark/marked/sharp etc contrast to something
The winter heat wave in California is a stark contrast to the below-freezing temperatures on the East Coast.
加州的冬季热浪与东海岸的零下气温形成了鲜明的对比。
The spirited mood on Friday was in sharp contrast to the tense atmosphere last week.
星期五的高涨情绪与上周的紧张气氛形成了明显的对比。
The approach to learning at this school stands in marked contrast to the traditional methods used at other schools nearby.
这所学校的学习方法和附近其他学校所用的传统方法有着明显的不同。
2[countableC]DIFFERENT something that is very different from something else 对照物,明显的对比物
The sauce is quite sweet, so add dried thyme as a contrast.
这调味汁很甜,所以要加点干百里香作为陪衬。
contrast to
The red stems of this bush provide a contrast to the drab brown of the winter garden.
这种灌木红色的茎和冬天里这座花园乏味的棕色形成了对比。
3[uncountableU]TCB the degree of difference between the light and dark parts of a television picture, X-ray, photocopy etc 〔电视画面、X光、复印件等的〕对比度,反差
This button adjusts the contrast.
这个按钮调节对比度。
4[uncountableU]AV the differences in colour, or between light and dark, that an artist uses in paintings or photographs to make a particular effect 〔绘画、照片中颜色、明暗的〕反差,对比
The artist has used contrast marvellously in his paintings.
画家在他的画作中出色地运用了色彩的对比。
nCOLLOCATIONS
adjectives
a complete/total contrast
A complete contrast in building style can be seen in Commercial Road.
a sharp/stark/strong contrast (=very great)
There is a sharp contrast between the type of people who read the two newspapers.
a marked/striking contrast (=very noticeable)
I noticed a marked contrast in his behaviour before and after treatment.
a startling contrast (=very noticeable and surprising)
The big modern factories make a startling contrast to the opposite side of the road.
a dramatic contrast (=great and surprising)
Alaska is a land of dramatic contrast.
an interesting contrast
the interesting contrast between his early and later paintings
a clear/obvious contrast
There was a clear contrast between the father and the son.
verbs
make a contrast
The fruit and the meat make a delicious contrast of flavours.
draw a contrast (=say there is a contrast)
It is tempting to draw sharp contrasts between religion and science.
provide/offer contrast
The plant is very attractive, and provides excellent contrast to other plants.
highlight a contrast (=make a contrast very obvious)
The research will highlight the contrasts between different approaches to taxation.
stand in sharp/stark etc contrast to something
The mountains stand in stark contrast to the area around them.
phrases
in direct contrast to something/somebody (=completely different to something or someone)
She’s fun and warm and amusing – in direct contrast to James.
in sharp/stark etc contrast
We are still getting some sun, in marked contrast to last year’s everlasting grey skies.
Examples from the Corpus
contrast• Personalselling and salespromotion activities, by contrast, tend to be more effective from Stage 3 onwards. 4.• By contrast, his present legislation is expected to sail through with little more than some scatteredshots from the Parti Québécois.• By contrast, the medianincome of those with IRAs, savings and pension plans is $ 44,500.• The non-Communist forces, in contrast, are scattered.• In contrast to Seldane, Claritin is still considered a very safe drug.• In contrast to the life the researchers had witnessed during their descent, the view was now a barrenmoonscape.• He's known for his use of contrast in his paintings.• What surprised me was the contrast between Picasso's early style and his later work.• The contrasts between the two men are far more telling.