Definitions
(noun)
spear; lance; pike
Etymology
Pictograph of a spear-like weapon.
About
The character 矛, denoting a spear, originated as a pictographic representation of the weapon's distinctive head and shaft. Its form is a unitary symbol not analytically broken into modern compositional elements, and its etymology is directly tied to this implement. While its primary meaning as a long-shafted weapon has remained consistent, the character gained an additional lexical role in the compound 矛盾, where it contributes to the abstract meaning of contradiction, derived from an ancient tale juxtaposing an all-piercing spear with an impenetrable shield.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
矛盾无处不在。
古代战士手持长矛作战。
他的心里充满了矛盾。
自卫队装备了盾牌和矛。
讨论中暴露了双方的根本矛盾。
这是一种先进的理论武器，堪称思想之矛。
技术进步有时会与伦理规范产生尖锐矛盾。
他试图用逻辑之矛，攻破对方论证中的盾。