About
The character 耸, with its traditional form 聳, is structurally based on the component 耳 meaning 'ear' combined with 从, which is a simplified representation of 從 conveying 'to follow' or 'from'. This composition etymologically implies an action of raising or lifting that draws auditory attention, conceptually linked to ears being perked up. Its early meanings centered on physical height and elevation, as in the sense of towering or standing upright. Subsequently, the semantic scope widened to encompass causing shock or alarm, where the idea of rising transformed into a metaphorical startling of the senses, evident in terms such as 耸人听闻 meaning to sensationalize.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
大楼耸立在路边。
他耸耸肩表示无奈。
那座古老的塔耸立在山顶上。
远处的山峰高耸入云。
他耸耸肩，然后继续工作。
这座纪念碑耸立在广场中央。
面对质疑，他只是耸了耸肩，没有辩解。
这座新建的摩天大楼耸立在城市的天际线上，非常壮观。