衬托 (chèn tuō) — to set off (by contrast), to serve as a foil, to enhance by contrast
Definition
To set off or enhance one thing by contrasting it with another (e.g. a background that makes the subject stand out). Compare 烘托, which is a near-synonym used more for atmosphere and mood.
verb
to set off (by contrast)to serve as a foilto enhance by contrast
Examples
- 衬托。Zhè jiàn hēi qún zi néng chèn tuō chū tā de bái liǎn.This black dress can set off her fair face.
- 衬托，。Zài lǜ cǎo de chèn tuō xià, hóng huā gèng piào liang le.Under the contrast of the green grass, the red flowers look even more beautiful.
- 衬托。Tā de yōu mò chèn tuō le tā de yán sù.His humor sets off her seriousness.
Origin
Compound word构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate
Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.
衬 and 托 both mean to make something stand out by contrast, so together they describe enhancing something through a foil.
Appears in
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