About
The character 甄, structurally composed of the semantic radical 瓦 denoting earthenware and the phonetic component 垔, originated in early Chinese lexicon with a primary meaning associated with clay or pottery production, specifically referencing a type of clay used for making bricks or tiles. Its etymological foundation lies in the tangible processes of ceramic manufacture, where it described either the material itself or the act of forming it. Over time, the character's meaning gradually extended from this concrete context into more abstract domains, adopting senses related to evaluation and selection, as seen in later compounds such as 甄别 (to discriminate) and 甄选 (to choose). This semantic shift illustrates a metaphorical transfer from the physical refinement of earthenware to the conceptual act of judging or discerning quality, while the character's structural integrity, built around its ceramic-related radical, remained consistently intact throughout its historical usage.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
甄先生是我的朋友。
我们公司有甄经理。
妈妈甄选新鲜水果。
学校需要甄别学生资格。
经过甄选，我们找到了最佳方案。
在招聘过程中，甄别候选人的能力至关重要。
专家们正在甄选这些文物中的珍品。
通过严格的甄别程序，确保产品质量。