# contrasted

/kənˈtɹæstəd/ (US) · /kəntɹˈɑːstɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contrasted
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

looking or feeling very different from something else. You use this to describe two things that are placed together to show their differences.

For teachers: exhibiting a striking difference when compared with something else. Often used predicatively after a linking verb or as a participial adjective to highlight divergent qualities.

## Examples

- The bright flowers looked beautiful against the contrasted dark background.
- The designer used highly contrasted colors to ensure the text was easy to read for everyone.
- The author presents two contrasted worlds: the cold, industrial city and the warm, vibrant countryside, using them to explore themes of isolation and community.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The red is contrasted to the blue." but "The red is contrasted with the blue." — When describing a state of difference, 'with' is the standard preposition used after this form.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'; frequently paired with the preposition 'with'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.