About
The character "沥", whose traditional form is "瀝", is structured with the water radical (氵) on the left, indicating its fundamental association with liquids, and a phonetic component on the right that hints at its pronunciation. Its core meaning has consistently centered on the action of a liquid falling drop by drop or the process of filtering and draining, as seen in words like "沥水" meaning to drain water from something. From this concrete notion of dripping or trickling, the character developed a secondary, more abstract application to describe the exertion of effort or the expression of thought in a meticulous and thorough manner, akin to something being painstakingly distilled or poured out, exemplified in the literary term "沥陈" meaning to state in detail. This metaphorical extension connects the physical act of slow, selective dripping to the careful articulation of ideas or the expenditure of diligent effort.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
雨水从屋檐沥沥地落下。
工人们正在铺设沥青马路。
洗好的蔬菜需要沥干水分。
她用漏勺把面条从锅里沥出来。
这项成果是他多年心血沥成的。
窗外整夜响着淅淅沥沥的雨声。
这个实验需要通过沥滤来分离杂质。
他披肝沥胆地向领导陈述了自己的建议。