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by contrast

American  
[bahy kon-trast] / ˌbaɪ ˈkɒn træst /

idiom

  1. (used when making a comparison to something strikingly different from what was previously mentioned).

    Theater costumes must be viewed from a distance; film, by contrast, is all about close-ups.


Etymology

Origin of by contrast

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Quantum computing, by contrast, “just in its nature of being able to have infinite outcomes at each bit, can look at lots and lots of different outcomes at the same time,” Newman said.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

Adam Smith, by contrast, argued that free enterprise and the uncoordinated pursuit of individual self-interest would lead to better outcomes for more people.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

With the Andes virus, by contrast, people probably need to be symptomatic to spread illness.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

West Ham, by contrast, are sliding at the worst possible moment.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Yet by contrast to the versatile apostrophe, they are stolid little chaps, to say the least.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author

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