Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
CONTRAST
I. verb see: stand
Date: 1646
transitive verb to set off in contrast ; compare or appraise in respect to differences , intransitive verb to form a contrast, see: compare contrastable adjective contrastingly adverb
II. noun
Date: 1711
1. juxtaposition of dissimilar elements (as color, tone, or emotion) in a work of art, degree of difference between the lightest and darkest parts of a picture,
2. the difference or degree of difference between things having similar or comparable natures , comparison of similar objects to set off their dissimilar qualities ; the state of being so compared , a person or thing that exhibits differences when compared with another