About
Composed of the radical 矛 (spear) and the phonetic component 今, the character 矜 originally meant the wooden shaft of a lance. Its meaning later diverged from this concrete weapon part to encompass contrasting psychological and social concepts. One sense developed toward arrogance and boastfulness, while another shifted toward compassion, sympathy, or dignified restraint. These abstract usages have entirely supplanted the original literal meaning in modern Chinese.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
她表现得很矜持。
他不喜欢矜夸的人。
老板对员工很矜持。
她的矜持是出了名的。
在公共场合，他总保持矜持。
矜持的态度有时会阻碍交流。
她矜怜那些需要帮助的人。
尽管他内心热情，但表面的矜持让人难以察觉。