violent contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "violent contrast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a stark or extreme difference between two things, often evoking strong emotions or reactions. Example: "The painting displayed a violent contrast between the dark, brooding sky and the vibrant, cheerful flowers below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The middle section is a violent contrast, full of slashing chords and ferocious outbursts.

The New York Times - Arts

The virtuosity of the novel, and also its riskiness, is in the violent contrast between the world of women, families and art, and the world of war.

The Guardian - Books

In violent contrast is Heinz Breloh's "Ones Singled Out No. 3," a small terra cotta in which a seated figure, bearing the mark of the artist's frenzied hands, is subjected to violent, Expressionist distortion and daubed with manic colors.

The New York Times - Arts

Related to lighting is the development of the print in the laboratory, where sections of film shot under different conditions can be modified to avoid a violent contrast where none is desired.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In "The Bare Manuscript," a novelist tries to revive his talent by writing on a naked woman's skin: "The broad expanse of her tanned back and global white buttocks was in violent contrast, it seemed now, to his desk's former devastated dryness".

The New York Times - Books

Their bold and graceful engineering was in violent contrast to the rickety, improvised architecture of the towns they linked, many of which looked as if they were put together by an odd-jobs man with a hammer and a box of nails.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Coral snakes and venomous spiders signal their destructive potential by the display of similarly violent contrasts.

The Guardian

Mr. Robertson emphasized the violent contrasts of the music, while drawing out the wondrous subtleties.

The New York Times - Arts

A very early indication that its violent contrasts were becoming dated occurs in one of the most famous of ­novelistic opera scenes.

The Guardian - Music

He found Hunt's design dissonant; in an 1871 newspaper article in The World, he criticized Hunt's "most extraordinary fancy for these excessive, violent contrasts of materials".

The New York Times

Mr. Hovhaness, an American who died in 2000, loved big, often violent contrasts, with slender, modal-flavored reed solos set next to sudden pounding drums.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "violent contrast" to vividly portray scenes where elements clash dramatically, enhancing the reader's understanding of the tension or incongruity present.

Common error

Avoid employing "violent contrast" when a simpler, less dramatic term like "significant difference" or "noticeable contrast" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "violent contrast" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a stark and intense difference between two or more elements. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "violent contrast" is a noun phrase used to describe a strong, impactful difference between two or more elements. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, though its usage should be reserved for instances where the contrast is genuinely striking. While alternatives like "stark dissimilarity" or "sharp divergence" exist, "violent contrast" is particularly effective in highlighting dramatic disparities. It's most frequently found in news, science, and encyclopedia sources, maintaining a neutral register that balances objectivity with descriptive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stark dissimilarity

Emphasizes the abrupt and evident nature of the difference.

sharp divergence

Highlights the act of moving in different directions or varying significantly.

extreme opposition

Focuses on the conflicting or contradictory nature of the contrasted elements.

marked difference

Underscores a noticeable and easily observable distinction.

pronounced disparity

Draws attention to the significant inequality or incongruity between the compared items.

glaring contradiction

Suggests an obvious and irreconcilable conflict between the elements.

striking incongruity

Highlights the unusual or unexpected incompatibility between things.

radical divergence

Implies a fundamental and far-reaching separation.

complete antithesis

Indicates a direct and total opposition between the contrasted entities.

major discrepancy

Points out a significant and problematic inconsistency.

FAQs

What does "violent contrast" mean?

"Violent contrast" refers to a strong, striking, or extreme difference between two or more things, often implying a dramatic or jarring effect.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "violent contrast" in writing?

Use "violent contrast" when describing a stark and impactful difference, such as in artistic expression, social disparities, or unexpected changes. It's best suited for situations where the difference is genuinely striking and creates a strong effect.

What are some alternatives to "violent contrast"?

You can use alternatives like "stark dissimilarity", "sharp divergence", or "extreme opposition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "violent contrast" considered formal or informal language?

"Violent contrast" is generally considered neutral language, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but its impact is greatest when used judiciously in situations that genuinely warrant such a strong description.