# contrasting

/kənˈtɹæstɪŋ/ (US) · /kəntɹˈɑːstɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contrasting
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. markedly different

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The designer used contrasting colors like black and white to make the room look modern.
- The author presents two contrasting views on urban development, allowing the reader to weigh the benefits of growth against environmental costs.

## Examples

- The report offers a contrasting view of the data.
- She wore a bright red dress against the contrasting dark background.
- The film presents a contrasting narrative to the traditional hero's journey, focusing instead on quiet resilience rather than dramatic victory.

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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.