English Reference
adjective

contrasting

adj.
US /kənˈtɹæstɪŋ/ UK /kəntɹˈɑːstɪŋ/ con·trast·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    very different from each other in a way that is easy to see.

    exhibiting striking differences; used to describe things that are set in opposition to highlight their distinct qualities.

    Simple

    The designer used contrasting colors like black and white to make the room look modern.

    In context

    The author presents two contrasting views on urban development, allowing the reader to weigh the benefits of growth against environmental costs.

The contrasting artifacts reflect a village connected to a broader network of movement and exchange.

ScienceDaily· 22 Aug 2026

As a contrasting example, California shows how much policy design matters.

The Conversation· 7 Aug 2026

From contrast + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated