About
The character 定 is a phonosemantic compound: 宀, the 'roof' radical, supplies the meaning of shelter and security, while 正 (zhèng) provides the pronunciation. The original sense was to settle safely under a roof, conveying the idea of finding stability and peace within a home. From this concrete image, the meaning expanded into abstract realms, where 定 denotes deciding, fixing, or determining something with certainty. This now covers a range of uses, such as establishing rules, setting appointments, or confirming conditions, all rooted in the notion of making something firm and settled.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
你一定要小心。
我们决定去旅行。
学校规定不能迟到。
他的情绪很不稳定。
这个问题需要定论。
我们必须定期检查。
合同条款已经定稿。
科学家们确定了新发现。
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