Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON-TRAST', v.t. [Fr. contraster, Norm. id., to contrast; It. contrastare, Sp. and Port. contrastar, to resist, withstand, strive, debate, quarrel. The primary sense is to set against, or to strain, to strive.]

1. To set in opposition two or more figures of a like kind, with a view to show the difference or dissimilitude, and to manifest the superior excellence of the one by the inferiority of the other, or to exhibit the excellence of the one and the defects of the other in a more striking view; as, to contrast two pictures or statues.
2. To exhibit differences or dissimilitude in painting and sculpture, by position or attitude, either of the whole figure or of its members; or to show to advantage by opposition or difference of position.
3. To set in opposition different things or qualities, to show the superior excellence of one to advantage. To contrast the goodness of God with our rebellion, will tend to make us humble and thankful. Clark, Serm., July 4, 1814.