2 syllables: con, trasts. Stress on con.
KAHN-trasts
/ˈkɑntɹæsts/
contrasts is pronounced KAHN-trasts (/ˈkɑntɹæsts/). It has two syllables (con-trasts), with the stress on "con". Contrasts refers to the act or instances of distinguishing by differences; in language, it denotes the comparison of two or more items to highlight their dissimilarities. The term often appears in analysis, design, or academic writing to emphasize how elements diverge. It functions as a plural noun or a verb form (he contrasts) and signals a comparison baseline versus a contrasting feature.
Contrasts refers to the act or instances of distinguishing by differences; in language, it denotes the comparison of two or more items to highlight their dissimilarities. The term often appears in analysis, design, or academic writing to emphasize how elements diverge. It functions as a plural noun or a verb form (he contrasts) and signals a comparison baseline versus a contrasting feature.
- You often flatten the /æ/ in the second syllable; focus on a crisp /æ/ like in cat, not a lax or rounded vowel. - The /t/ before /s/ is easy to swallow; ensure a clean, aspirated release to avoid /s/ being too long. - The /tr/ sequence can blur; practice tip: start with /t/ then slide to /r/ with minimal vowel in between. - In fast speech, the final /ts/ can compress into /ts/; keep the final /s/ distinct but light.
"The academic paper draws contrasts between two competing theories."
"In design, there are clear contrasts in color and layout that guide the viewer’s attention."
"The two artists contrast their styles to explore different emotional tones."
Pronounce as /ˈkɒntræsts/ in US and UK; the stress is on the first syllable. Start with /k/, then /ɒ/ (as in 'cot'), then /n/; the second syllable uses /træs/ with a light /t/ before the /r/ cluster, and end with /ts/. In careful speech: CONTRASTS -> /ˈkɒn.træsts/. You’ll want a short, crisp /t/ before the final /s/ to avoid a nasalized ending. Audio references: Cambridge Dictionary and Forvo entries for contrast plural show the /ˈkɒn.træsts/ pattern.
Common mistakes: 1) Misplacing primary stress, saying /ˈkɒn.træsts/ with weak first syllable; ensure strong initial stress. 2) Slurring the /t/ into /s/ making /ˈkɒn.træsɪs/ or /ˈkɒn.træs/; keep a distinct /t/ before the final /s/. 3) Vowel quality in the second syllable: avoid a long /aː/; keep /æ/ as in cat. Correction tips include exaggerating the first vowel slightly in practice, articulating /t/ crisply before /s/, and rehearsing the /tr/ cluster by starting with /t/ then quickly moving to /r/.
US: /ˈkɒn.træsts/ with rhotic r? No, /r/ is not pronounced here; the vowel in the first syllable is rounded /ɒ/. UK: similar /ˈkɒn.trɑːsts/ with a longer second syllable vowel /ɑː/. AU: /ˈkɒn.træsts/ or /ˈkɒn.trɑːsts/ depending on speaker; often non-rhotic as well, but some speakers may reduce second vowel less. In all, the /tr/ remains, and the final /ts/ is clear. The main difference is vowel length in the second syllable.
Because it contains a consonant cluster at the word boundary /t/ + /s/ after a stressed syllable, which can cause a weak stop or an unnecessary nasal. The /æ/ vowel in the second syllable requires precise tongue height and jaw position, and in some accents the /ɒ/ vs /ɑː/ distinction in the first syllable is subtle. Additionally, the /n/ blends with /t/ to create a quick /n.tr/ sequence, demanding careful timing and a short, crisp /t/ release before /s/.
One unique aspect is the precise articulation of the /t/ before /r/ in the /tr/ cluster preceding the /æ/ vowel. You should briefly release the /t/ to avoid adding a nasalization or an intrusive /ɹ/; keep the tongue blade near the alveolar ridge for /t/, then immediately transition to the rhotic /r/ without a vowel between them in connected speech.
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- US: emphasize the /æ/ in the second syllable and keep the /t/ crisp; rhoticity is not a factor here, so /r/ is not charged. - UK: slightly longer second syllable vowel; ensure /ɒ/ in the first and /ɑː/ or /æ/ in the second differ; stress on first syllable remains. - AU: tends to be non-rhotic; vowel nuances vary by region; keep /kɒn/ and /træsts/ clear; the final /ts/ should be crisp; use IPA references: /ˈkɒn.træsts/ US, /ˈkɒn.trɑːsts/ UK/AU.
Contrasts originates from the French contraste, from Italian contrasto, from Latin contrastus, meaning a striking against. The modern English noun form appeared in the 15th century, borrowed through Old French as contraste and Medieval Latin contrastus, which signified a opposing position or juxtaposition. The verb form contrasts developed later, around the 16th century, from the noun by adding the -s plural ending and the verb inflection. The core meaning has consistently centered on the act of showing differences or opposition between two or more things. Over time, the term expanded beyond literal color or shape comparisons to abstract distinctions in arguments, ideas, or data. In contemporary usage, contrasts is frequently paired with verbs like draw, make, or highlight to emphasize differences in analysis, aesthetics, or empirical findings. The word continues to be a staple in academic discourse, critical theory, design critique, and linguistic analysis, where precise contrastive distinctions are essential for interpretation. Within everyday usage, contrasts also appears in comparative statements and reporting that emphasizes divergent features across datasets, cultures, or contexts.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "contrasts" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "contrasts" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "contrasts"
-nts sounds
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