mutually explanatory; coexist
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
(of texts from two or more places) to explain or supplement each other
formalA formal term used in academic writing, literary criticism, or textual annotation to indicate that explanations in different parts of a work refer to or complement each other.
The annotations and the main text explain each other, which helps the reader understand.
The viewpoints in these two articles can complement each other.
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The detailed and concise sections in the book complement each other, making the structure ingenious.
verb
(of two things) to coexist; to be present simultaneously
literaryOften used in formal or literary contexts to describe two contrasting or different qualities existing together in one entity, as in the idiom 瑕瑜互见 (flaws and merits coexist).
This work has both merits and flaws; there are brilliant aspects as well as obvious defects.
In his character, bravery and caution coexist.
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Traditional and modern elements coexist in this building.