About
The character "砥" is structured with the semantic radical 石, indicating stone, and the component 氐, which historically functioned as a phonetic element while conveying notions of a base or foundation. Etymologically, it originally denoted a smooth whetstone or grindstone used for honing edges, a definition directly linked to its stone radical. Over time, its meaning expanded from this specific object to encompass the act of grinding or polishing itself, and subsequently developed metaphorical uses in contexts such as self-cultivation or diligent effort, as evidenced in classical compounds like "砥砺". Its graphical composition has remained unchanged, with no distinct simplified form created, and its semantic progression from a concrete tool to abstract processes of refinement is consistent within the lexicon.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
砥砺意志很重要。
这块砥石用于磨刀。
他在工作中不断砥砺自己。
砥砺技能可以提高竞争力。
只有砥砺前行，才能实现梦想。
人生的磨难砥砺了他的性格。
在逆境中砥砺意志，是成功的关键。
通过持续砥砺心智，他克服了所有困难。