preposition
against
In comparison with something.
The bright flowers stand out against the dark stone wall.
Etymology
Old English ongēan could mean opposite or facing. Comparison figuratively places two things opposite one another, allowing their differences or relative values to be assessed together.
More examples
- Compare this year's sales against last year's.
- Their three wins stood against our five.
- Her calm tone contrasted against the noise.
Forms
against
Similar words
- compared with
- Explicitly introduces the basis of comparison.