contrast

(noun) the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared. Synonyms: direct contrast. Example: "In contrast to", "by contrast."

(noun) the act of distinguishing by comparing differences.

(noun) a conceptual separation or distinction. Synonyms: line, dividing line, demarcation. Example: "There is a narrow line between sanity and insanity."

(noun) the perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colors.

(noun) the range of optical density and tone on a photographic negative or print (or the extent to which adjacent areas on a television screen differ in brightness).

(verb) put in opposition to show or emphasize differences. Example: "The middle school teacher contrasted her best student's work with that of her weakest student."

(verb) to show differences when compared; be different. Synonyms: counterpoint. Example: "The students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities."