About
The character "靡" is composed of the phonetic component "麻" (má, hemp) above the semantic component "非" (fēi, meaning "not" but here historically suggesting dispersion or turning away), a structure which informs its earliest connotations related to laying something down or causing it to spread out. From this core notion of things being laid flat or dispersed, its meanings branched in two primary directions: one denoting extravagance and waste, as seen in words like "奢靡" (extravagant), where resources are dissipated, and the other developing a crucial function as a negating adverb meaning "there is none" or "not", as in the classical phrase "靡不有初" (there is none that does not have a beginning). This dual semantic legacy, encompassing both a state of dissolution and a grammatical negation, persists in the character's modern usage, with its traditional form remaining structurally unchanged from its standard historical composition.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这种音乐被称为靡靡之音。
他的生活作风有些奢靡。
这种款式曾经风靡全国。
靡费公款的官员受到了惩处。
他们靡然从风，盲目追随潮流。
战争的耗靡让国家经济陷入困境。
这座城市充斥着奢靡享乐的风气。
他在个人享乐上的靡费令人咋舌。