Definitions
to match; to pair
Etymology phono-semantic
woman
Semantic:
女
About
The character "媲", which remains consistent in both traditional and simplified forms, originates from classical Chinese and is structurally composed of the semantic component "女" (woman) and the phonetic component "比" (to compare). Its etymological core meaning was "to pair" or specifically "to be a spouse to", indicating a matching or coupling of equals, often within the context of marriage. Over centuries, this specific spousal meaning receded, and the character’s usage broadened into a verb meaning "to compare favorably with" or "to rival", carrying a connotation of being worthy of comparison, typically in a positive or equal sense. This semantic shift moved it from a literal, relational pairing to a more abstract and figurative use, where it now primarily signifies a state of being comparable in quality or merit.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个产品媲美名牌。
他的技艺媲美大师。
这家餐厅的菜媲美五星级酒店。
她的歌声可以媲美专业歌手。
这款手机的性能媲美最新型号。
这座建筑的宏伟足以媲美古代宫殿。
他的学术成就媲美领域内的先驱。
这幅画作的细腻程度媲美文艺复兴时期的名作。