About
The character "惴" is constructed from the heart radical (忄) combined with the phonetic component "耑", which originally depicted a plant sprout but here primarily provides its sound. Its core meaning has consistently pertained to a state of fear and anxiety, though its application has refined over time. While its earliest usage could describe a physical trembling, particularly from cold, its dominant and enduring sense is a psychological one of being apprehensive and unsettled, as vividly captured in the classical compound "惴惴不安" meaning to be anxious and on edge. This meaning is directly inferred from its structure, where the heart radical semantically anchors the character in the realm of emotion and mental state, solidifying its association with inner trepidation rather than outward physical movement.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他心中有些惴惴。
她惴惴地等待结果。
孩子惴惴地看着母亲。
他怀着惴恐的心情上台。
在黑暗的森林里，他惴栗地前行。
面对未知的未来，她不禁惴惴起来。
听到那个消息后，他一直惴惴难以入眠。
尽管他表面上镇定自若，内心却惴惴不已，生怕露出破绽。