Okuzeka
Graphic Design vocabulary · Design Principles

Contrast

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˈkɑːntræst/nounCore term

In graphic design, contrast means: A clear difference between elements, for example dark and light, big and small or thick and thin, used to attract attention and make text and shapes easy to see.

In Turkish: kontrast, zıtlık

How it is used

Used in critiques and in accessibility checks. A design has high, low, strong or not enough contrast; you increase the contrast or check colour contrast for readability. The verb is stressed on the second syllable: to con-TRAST.

Example sentences

  1. Grey text on a beige background doesn't have enough contrast for older readers.

  2. I like the contrast between the heavy headline and the light body text.

Common collocations

  • high contrast
  • low contrast
  • increase the contrast
  • colour contrast
  • not enough contrast
  • visual hierarchyThe order in which people notice and read the parts of a design, created with size, colour, contrast, position and spacing, so the most important message is seen first.
  • legibilityHow easily individual letters and words can be recognised, which depends on the typeface design, size, contrast and viewing conditions.
  • complementary coloursTwo colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as blue and orange or red and green. Side by side they create strong contrast and energy.
  • focal pointThe part of a design that attracts the eye first and holds attention, often created with size, colour, contrast or position.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Design Principles

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: