Definitions
(verb)
to pull; to draw; to stretch
(verb)
to cause; to incur
(verb)
to lead; to guide
(verb)
to attract; to involve
Etymology
Pictograph of a bowstring being pulled back.
About
The character 引 is structurally composed of the component 弓, meaning bow, and a vertical stroke 丨 that historically represented a bowstring under tension. Its etymology derives from the concrete action of drawing a bow, which was its original signification. From this foundational sense, the meaning broadened to encompass abstract actions like leading, guiding, or attracting. Over time, its semantic field further expanded to include the act of quoting or citing text, illustrating a shift from physical to intellectual applications.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这本书吸引我。
他引用了一句名言。
新技术引起了讨论。
公司引进了外国设备。
导游引导游客参观博物馆。
他的行为引来了不少批评。
政府引导企业向绿色发展。
这项研究引用了大量历史文献。