Definition
相形见绌 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to pale by comparison' or 'to be overshadowed'. It's used when one person or thing appears inferior when compared with another. The literal meaning is 'to show inferiority when compared side by side'. You'll often see it in formal or written contexts to describe a clear gap in quality, ability, or appearance.
f.e.
to pale by comparisonto be overshadowed
Examples
- ，相形见绌。Tā de zuòpǐn yǔ dàshī xiāng bǐ, zhēn shì xiāng.His work really pales in comparison with the master's.
- ，相形见绌。Zài zhèyàng háohuá de jiǔdiàn miànqián, wǒmen zhù de xiǎo lǚguǎn jiù xiāng le.In the face of such a luxurious hotel, the small inn we stayed at pales by comparison.
- ，相形见绌。Suīrán tā yě hěn yōuxiù, dàn hé jiějie yì bǐ jiù xiāng le.Although she is also excellent, she pales in comparison with her older sister.
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