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宥 is a phono-semantic compound: the roof radical 宀 (originally an enclosed space or dwelling, historically a symbol of safety, leniency, or sanctuary) is paired with the phonetic 有. This combination shifted in meaning over time from a physical shelter to the abstract concept of forgiveness and leniency, the act of excusing a fault or remitting a punishment. The character is used primarily in formal or literary language to express the granting of grace and the deliberate withholding of strict penal measures.
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