1.
to set off, to make stand out, to enhance
To make something look better or more prominent by contrast or complement. Often used for colors, flavors, and appearances.
黒い服が肌の白さを引き立てる。
The black clothing sets off the whiteness of the skin.
ソースが素材の味を引き立てている。
The sauce enhances the flavor of the ingredients.
シンプルな額縁が絵の美しさをいっそう引き立てている。
The simple frame makes the beauty of the painting stand out even more.
2.
to promote, to favor, to give a boost to
To help someone advance by giving them opportunities or support. Implies using one's influence or position to support another person.
上司に引き立てられて出世した。
I was promoted thanks to my boss's support.
若い才能を引き立てるのが私の役目だ。
My role is to promote young talent.
先輩に引き立てていただいたおかげで、今の自分がある。
Thanks to the support my senior gave me, I am where I am today.
USAGE:
A compound verb combining 引く (to pull) and 立てる (to make stand). The overall meaning centers on making something stand out or come forward.
GRAMMAR:
Ichidan verb. Transitive — takes を for the thing being enhanced or the person being promoted.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 味を引き立てる: to bring out the flavor
- 美しさを引き立てる: to enhance the beauty
- 才能を引き立てる: to promote talent
- 互いに引き立て合う: to set each other off, to complement each other