Differences between two or more things that make them distinguishable; to compare in order to show differences.
From Latin 'contra' meaning 'against' and 'stare' meaning 'to stand'. The word evolved through Old French 'contraster' in the 17th century, originally meaning 'to stand in opposition'.
The visual power of contrast is so fundamental to perception that without it, we literally cannot see - our eyes detect edges and differences rather than absolute values of light or color. This is why a gray square appears lighter on a dark background and darker on a light background.
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