衬托 chèntuō to serve to highlight
to serve to highlight; to serve as a backdrop or contrasting element
How to remember 衬托: 衬 lining + 托 to support = to serve to highlight.
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How it is used
- To set off / highlight by contrast or backdrop - 绿叶衬托红花 (lǜyè chèntuō hónghuā) green leaves set off the red flowers.
- One thing serves as a background to make another stand out; common in art, writing, and design.
- Contrast 对比 (duìbǐ, direct comparison): 衬托 is supporting-role enhancement, not equal comparison.