Definitions

(adjective) outstanding; exceptional
(verb) to escape; to flee
(adjective) leisurely; carefree

Etymology

To run  like a rabbit 

About

The character 逸 is structurally composed of the radical 辶, denoting movement, and the component 兔, meaning rabbit, which together create a pictorial concept of a rabbit in flight, originally conveying the literal sense of escape or fleeing. From this foundational meaning, the term gradually acquired abstract connotations, shifting to describe a state of leisure or freedom from worldly cares, as escape from toil implies relaxation and unburdened ease. Its semantic field further extended to imply surpassing ordinary standards, thus carrying meanings of excellence and distinction, while simultaneously developing associations with indulgence and a life of unrestrained pleasure, demonstrating how a single character's concrete imagery can diversify into a range of valued cultural and personal attributes.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们的生活很安

Wǒmen de shēnghuó hěn ānyì.

Our life is very comfortable.

她的长发飘美丽。

Tā de cháng fà piāoyì měilì.

Her long hair is elegant and beautiful.

他讲了许多名人事。

Tā jiǎng le xǔduō míngrén yìshì.

He told many anecdotes about famous people.

气体从容器中出。

Qìtǐ cóng róngqì zhōng yìchū.

The gas escaped from the container.

爷爷过着闲的退休生活。

Yéye guò zhe xiányì de tuìxiū shēnghuó.

Grandpa is living a leisurely retirement life.

他的书法风格超脱俗。

Tā de shūfǎ fēnggé chāoyì tuōsú.

His calligraphy style is transcendent and unconventional.

这本书收集了很多历史闻。

Zhè běn shū shōují le hěnduō lìshǐ yìwén.

This book collects many historical anecdotes.

他的设计理念追求舒适与趣。

Tā de shèjì lǐniàn zhuīqiú shūshì yǔ yìqù.

His design philosophy pursues comfort and leisure interest.