About
砺 is a phono-semantic compound: the left-side radical 石 (shí, 'stone') provides the mineral sense, and the right-side component 厉 (lì, 'to hone') supplies the pronunciation while also carrying the sharpening meaning. Its traditional form is 礪, using the full character 厲. Literally, it denotes a coarse whetstone for sharpening blades. Through metaphor, the character extended to self-discipline, rigorous training, and the tempering of one's character through hardship, like a blade honed on stone.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.