Definition
烘托 (hōng tuō) means 'to set off or highlight by contrast', often by creating a contrasting background or atmosphere. It is very similar to 衬托 (chèn tuō), but 烘托 emphasizes the overall contrasting effect (like a backdrop), while 衬托 focuses on the direct juxtaposition of two elements.
verb
to set offto highlight (by contrast)
Examples
- 烘托。Huàjiā yòng dànyǎ de sècǎi lái hōng tuō huàmiàn de zhǔtǐ.The painter uses elegant colors to set off the main subject of the painting.
- 烘托。Xiǎoshuō zhōng de huánjìng miáoxiě hěn hǎo de hōng tuō le rénwù de xīnqíng.The environmental descriptions in the novel effectively highlight the characters' moods.
- 烘托。Jìjìng de yèwǎn gèngjiā hōng tuō chū yuèguāng de míngliàng.The silent night further sets off the brightness of the moonlight.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.