About
The character "极", derived from its traditional form "極", originates from an architectural context where it denoted the ridgepole or highest beam of a wooden structure, a meaning clearly reflected in its composition with the "木" radical for wood and the "亟" component suggesting a culminating point. This concrete reference to a physical apex provided the foundation for its early semantic range, encompassing ideas of a summit or limit, which gradually expanded to include geographical poles such as the North and South Poles, as well as abstract notions of extremity or the utmost degree. The structural evolution of the character saw the replacement of "亟" with "及" in its simplified form, altering its phonetic aspect while maintaining the inherent concept of reaching a terminal point. Over time, the meaning of "极" broadened further into philosophical and superlative contexts, representing ultimate limits or extremes, thereby illustrating a continuous shift from tangible architectural elements to more generalized expressions of boundaries and maxima within the language.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
极光很美丽。
北极有北极熊。
这个游戏极好玩。
他极其努力地工作。
南极是冰冻大陆。
极限运动需要勇气。
她对音乐极其热爱。
在极端条件下，实验才能成功。