• 1 the state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association.

  ■ the degree of difference between tones in a television picture, photograph, etc.

  ■ enhancement of the apparent brightness or clarity of a design provided by the juxtaposition of different colours or textures.

• 2 a thing or person noticeably different from another.

■ compare so as to emphasize differences.