●ˌset sth aˈgainst sth1.to consider sth by comparing good points with bad ones权衡，掂量，比较（得失或优劣）◆Set against the benefits of the new technology is the possibility that jobs will be lost. 权衡利弊，新技术固然有种种好处，但亦可能使一些人失去工作。SYNbalance A against B2. ( ˈset sth ˈoff against sth) (finance金融) to record sth as a business cost as a way of reducing the amount of tax you must pay把…计作（营业成本）以降低（纳税额）◆The cost of looking for oil can be set against tax as business expenditure. 勘探石油的成本可按营业支出记账以减税。3.be set against sthif sth is set against sth else, it is placed near it or next to it so that the difference between the two is very noticeable与…形成对比；以…作为衬托◆views of rocky islands set against fiery sunsets 石矶岛和火红的落日交相辉映的景色◆Set against her white dress, her hair seemed even darker. 在白色连衣裙的映衬下，她的头发显得越发乌黑。4.be set against sthif a story, a film/movie, etc. is set against a particular time, event or place, the action happens at that time or place（故事、电影等）以…为背景，发生在◆It is a love story set against a backdrop of rural Irish life. 这是一个以爱尔兰乡村生活为背景的爱情故事。NOTEIn meanings 3 and 4 set sth against sth is only used in the passive.作第 3 和第 4 义时，set sth against sth 只用于被动语态。1, 2[v + n/pron + prep]3, 4[be + v + prep]