Definitions
(adverb)
only
(noun)
-ism
Etymology
About
The character "惟" is constructed as a phono-semantic compound, blending the heart radical 心 to signify mental engagement with the phonetic element 隹, which historically guided its pronunciation. Its early usage centered on the concrete act of thinking or pondering, directly informed by the semantic field of the heart component. Over time, the character's application broadened to encompass grammatical functions, frequently operating as an adverb or particle meaning "only" or "alone", a usage that ran parallel to its original verbal sense in classical texts. This development reflects a semantic shift from denoting a specific mental action toward assuming a more abstract, limiting role in expression, all while maintaining its structural integrity in the traditional orthography.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他惟独喜欢这本书。
我惟恐错过火车。
这是惟一的办法。
她惟愿家人平安。
惟独他不同意这个计划。
我惟恐他忘记重要的事情。
思惟方式影响决策。
惟其如此，我们才需更加努力。