凸显

• Pinyin: tū xiǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 凸 = protruding; 显 = 日 + 业 — to show, appear

Meaning

To stand out; to become prominent; to highlight; to accentuate.

When something becomes more noticeable or prominent, often because of contrast with its surroundings or changing circumstances. Can be positive (highlighting achievements) or negative (exposing problems).

Examples

1. 经济下行时，就业问题凸显出来了。 When the economy declines, employment issues become prominent.
2. 这件首饰凸显了她高雅的气质。 This piece of jewelry accentuates her elegant temperament.
3. 疫情凸显了公共卫生体系的重要性。 The pandemic highlighted the importance of the public health system.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, news, descriptions

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 问题凸显。(Problems become prominent.)
• 凸显优势。(Highlight advantages.)

Don't Say

• 把普通显示叫'凸显' (凸显 implies something becomes notably prominent — regular display is just 显示 or 表现)

Origin & History

凸 means to protrude, 显 means to show/appear — to show prominently.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal