About
The character "凭" originally derives from a structural composition where it was understood as leaning or relying upon something, with its earliest core meaning centered on physical support or reliance. This concept is still discernible in its modern form, which incorporates the component "任" suggesting a sense of reliance or duty, positioned above "几", a pictographic element for a small table or stool, thus visually implying a person leaning upon this object. Over centuries, its meaning extended from the physical act to encompass abstract notions of depending on or according to something, leading to its common contemporary uses to mean "to rely on", "based on", or "evidence". The more complex traditional form, "憑", reinforces this idea of dependence through the addition of the semantic component "馮", which conveys notions of leaning upon or galloping with force, thereby enriching the character's association with vigorous reliance or certification. This evolution reflects a shift from depicting a concrete action to representing its consequent abstract warrants and foundations.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我凭票入场。
他凭经验判断。
我们凭实力取胜。
她凭直觉做决定。
凭这张地图，我们能找到路。
凭他的能力，完全可以胜任这份工作。
凭现有证据，警方无法逮捕嫌疑人。
凭我个人之力，难以完成如此庞大的项目。