Contrary vs. Contrast — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 21, 2024
"Contrary" refers to something that is opposite in nature, direction, or meaning, while "contrast" involves comparing two or more items to highlight differences between them.
Difference Between Contrary and Contrast
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Key Differences
"Contrary" indicates something that is diametrically opposed to another in terms of nature or characteristics. For example, if one idea is conservative, its contrary would be liberal. "Contrast," on the other hand, is the act of comparing two or more things to identify differences. When you contrast two ideas, you are noting how they diverge in various aspects.
When discussing perspectives, "contrary" represents opposing viewpoints, such as in debates where one person might take a contrary position to another's argument. "Contrast" involves a detailed examination of the differences between the viewpoints, helping to elucidate the distinctions.
In behavior, "contrary" can describe someone who consistently goes against the norm or prevailing opinion, whereas "contrast" would involve highlighting how this person's actions differ from those of others.
In language usage, "contrary" is often used to describe statements or beliefs that are in direct opposition to each other, such as "His opinion is contrary to the popular view." "Contrast" would be used to compare these opinions, as in "In contrast, her view offers a different perspective."
When used in literature, "contrary" characters are those whose traits are opposite to others, creating conflict. "Contrast" in literature involves comparing these characters to highlight their differing qualities and the resulting impact on the narrative.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Opposite in nature or character
Act of comparing to highlight differences
Usage
Describes opposition or opposition's nature
Describes the act of comparison
Contextual Example
"His opinion is contrary to hers."
"In contrast, her opinion differs significantly."
Behavioral Aspect
Describes someone going against the norm
Highlights differences in behavior
Literary Use
Describes characters with opposing traits
Involves comparing characters to highlight differences
Compare with Definitions
Contrary
Opposing or resisting.
She has a contrary attitude.
Contrast
To compare to show differences.
The report contrasts the two proposals.
Contrary
Against the rules.
His actions were contrary to company policy.
Contrast
Difference between things.
There is a stark contrast between the two paintings.
Contrary
Completely different.
The results were contrary to expectations.
Contrast
To set in opposition in order to show or emphasize differences
An essay that contrasts city and country life.
Contrasted this computer with inferior models.
Contrary
Opposed, as in character or purpose
Contrary opinions.
Acts that are contrary to our code of ethics.
Contrast
To show differences when compared
Siblings who contrast sharply in interests and abilities.
A color that contrasted clearly with the dark background.
Contrary
Opposite in direction or position
Our boat took a course contrary to theirs.
Contrast
(Linguistics) To evince a difference that can distinguish meaning
Voiced and voiceless stops contrast in English but not in Cree.
Contrary
(Music) Moving in the opposite direction at a fixed interval
Playing scales in contrary motion.
Contrast
The act of contrasting; a setting off of dissimilar entities or objects.
Contrary
Adverse; unfavorable
A contrary wind.
Contrast
The state of being contrasted
Red berries standing in vivid contrast against the snow.
Contrary
(also kən-trârē) Given to recalcitrant behavior; willful or perverse.
Contrast
A difference, especially a strong dissimilarity, between entities or objects compared
The contrast between Northern and Southern speech patterns.
Contrary
Something that is opposite or contrary.
Contrast
One thing that is strikingly dissimilar to another
My new school was a welcome contrast to the one before.
Contrary
Either of two opposing or contrary things
"Truth is perhaps ... a dynamic compound of opposites, savage contraries for a moment conjoined" (A. Bartlett Giamatti).
Contrast
The use of opposing elements, such as colors, forms, or lines, in proximity to produce an intensified effect in a work of art.
Contrary
(Logic) A proposition related to another in such a way that if the latter is true, the former must be false, but if the latter is false, the former is not necessarily true.
Contrast
The difference in brightness between the light and dark areas of a picture, such as a photograph or video image.
Contrary
In an opposite direction or manner; counter
The judge ruled contrary to all precedent in the case.
Contrast
(Linguistics) A difference between units, especially one that distinguishes meaning.
Contrary
Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.
Contrary winds
Contrast
(countable) A difference in lightness, brightness and/or hue between two colours that makes them more or less distinguishable.
Contrary
Opposed; contradictory; inconsistent.
Contrast
(uncountable) The degree of this difference.
The red and the orange don't have much contrast between them — I can hardly tell them apart.
Contrary
Given to opposition; perverse; wayward.
A contrary disposition; a contrary child
Contrast
(countable) A control on a television, etc, that adjusts the amount of contrast in the images being displayed.
Contrary
Contrarily
Contrast
(countable) A difference between two objects, people or concepts.
Israel is a country of many contrasts.
Contrary
The opposite.
Contrast
(countable) Something that is opposite of or strikingly different from something else.
Contrary
(logic) One of a pair of propositions that cannot both be simultaneously true, though they may both be false.
Contrast
Antithesis.
Contrary
(obsolete) To oppose; to frustrate.
Contrast
(transitive) To set in opposition in order to show the difference or differences between.
Contrary
(obsolete) To impugn.
Contrast
(intransitive) To form a contrast.
Foreground and background strongly contrast.
Contrary
(obsolete) To contradict (someone or something).
Contrast
To stand in opposition; to exhibit difference, unlikeness, or opposition of qualities.
The joints which divide the sandstone contrast finely with the divisional planes which separate the basalt into pillars.
Contrary
(obsolete) To do the opposite of (someone or something).
Contrast
To set in opposition, or over against, in order to show the differences between, or the comparative excellences and defects of; to compare by difference or contrariety of qualities; as, to contrast the present with the past.
Contrary
(obsolete) To act inconsistently or perversely; to act in opposition to.
Contrast
To give greater effect to, as to a figure or other object, by putting it in some relation of opposition to another figure or object.
The figures of the groups must not be all on side . . . but must contrast each other by their several position.
Contrary
(obsolete) To argue; to debate; to uphold an opposite opinion.
Contrast
The act of contrasting, or the state of being contrasted; comparison by contrariety of qualities.
Place the prospect of the soulIn sober contrast with reality.
Contrary
(obsolete) To be self-contradictory; to become reversed.
Contrast
Opposition or dissimilitude of things or qualities; unlikeness, esp. as shown by juxtaposition or comparison.
The contrasts and resemblances of the seasons.
Contrary
Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds.
And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me.
We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way.
Contrast
The opposition of varied forms, colors, etc., which by such juxtaposition more vividly express each other's peculiarities.
Contrary
Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.
Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed,And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds.
The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred Scripture.
Contrast
The opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared;
In contrast to
By contrast
Contrary
Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
Contrast
The act of distinguishing by comparing differences
Contrary
Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions.
Contrast
A conceptual separation or demarcation;
There is a narrow line between sanity and insanity
Contrary
A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
No contraries hold more antipathyThan I and such a knave.
Contrast
The perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colors
Contrary
An opponent; an enemy.
Contrast
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)
Contrary
See Contraries.
Contrast
Put in opposition to show or emphasize differences;
The middle school teacher contrasted her best student's work with that of her weakest student
Contrary
To contradict or oppose; to thwart.
I was advised not to contrary the king.
Contrast
To show differences when compared; be different;
The students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities
Contrary
A relation of direct opposition;
We thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
Contrast
To set in opposition.
Contrast the old methods with the new.
Contrary
Exact opposition;
Public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty
Contrast
Distinguishing by comparison.
Her calm demeanor contrasts with his fiery temper.
Contrary
Two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
Contrast
Visual difference in brightness or color.
The dark sky provided a sharp contrast to the white snow.
Contrary
Very opposed in nature or character or purpose;
Acts contrary to our code of ethics
The facts point to a contrary conclusion
Contrary
Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false;
`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms
Contrary
Resistant to guidance or discipline;
Mary Mary quite contrary
An obstinate child with a violent temper
A perverse mood
Wayward behavior
Contrary
In an opposing direction;
Adverse currents
A contrary wind
Contrary
Opposite in nature.
His views are contrary to common belief.
Contrary
In conflict with.
This result is contrary to our hypothesis.
Common Curiosities
How is "contrast" different from "contrary"?
"Contrast" involves comparing two or more items to highlight differences, while "contrary" refers to something that is opposite.
Can "contrary" be used to describe people?
Yes, it can describe someone who consistently goes against the norm or prevailing opinion.
What is an example of "contrary" in a sentence?
"His opinion is contrary to the popular view."
What does "contrary" mean?
"Contrary" means opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
Is "contrast" only used in visual contexts?
No, "contrast" can be used in various contexts, including literature, behavior, and ideas.
Can "contrary" and "contrast" be used interchangeably?
No, they have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts.
What is an example of "contrast" in a sentence?
"In contrast, her view offers a different perspective."
What part of speech is "contrast"?
"Contrast" can be used as both a noun and a verb.
How do you use "contrast" in behavior description?
It highlights differences in behavior, e.g., "Contrast her diligent work with his lax attitude."
What part of speech is "contrary"?
"Contrary" is typically used as an adjective.
What does "in contrast" mean?
It introduces a comparison highlighting differences.
How do you use "contrary" in behavior description?
It describes someone who goes against the norm, e.g., "He is contrary and often disagrees with the group."
Can "contrary" describe opinions?
Yes, e.g., "Their opinions are contrary on this matter."
What does "contrary to popular belief" mean?
It means something is opposite to what is commonly thought.
Can "contrast" be used to compare ideas?
Yes, e.g., "The essay contrasts traditional and modern approaches."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
