About
谔 is a phono-semantic compound whose traditional form 諤 pairs the semantic radical 言 ('speech') with the phonetic component 咢, which provides the sound and a sense of beating or startling. It means speaking truthfully and bluntly, especially when giving candid advice or constructive criticism to superiors. Throughout its history, the character has remained highly specialized, confined mainly to formal and literary contexts to describe someone with the courage to speak plainly and honestly, unconcerned by the consequences.
Example Words
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.