Definitions

(verb) to encourage; to urge

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "励", whose traditional form is "勵", is structurally composed of "力" meaning strength or effort, and "厉" (simplified) or "厲" (traditional) denoting severity or rigor. Etymologically, this combination reflects the concept of applying rigorous force to urge or incite action, which led to its core meaning of encouragement or exhortation. Over time, the character's meaning shifted from earlier associations with grinding or sharpening, linked to one sense of "厲", to specifically represent the act of motivating others or oneself to strive and work hard.

Example Sentences Hide

妈妈经常鼓我。

Māma jīngcháng gǔlì wǒ.

Mom often encourages me.

这个故事激了我。

Zhège gùshì jīlì le wǒ.

This story motivated me.

老师奖了我一本书。

Lǎoshī jiǎnglì le wǒ yì běn shū.

The teacher rewarded me with a book.

这是一部志电影。

Zhè shì yí bù lìzhì diànyǐng.

This is an inspirational movie.

父亲勉我要努力。

Fùqīn miǎnlì wǒ yào nǔlì.

Father exhorted me to work hard.

公司设立奖金以激员工。

Gōngsī shèlì jiǎngjīn yǐ jīlì yuángōng.

The company set up a bonus to motivate employees.

只有不断自我激,才能成功。

Zhǐyǒu bùduàn zìwǒ jīlì, cáinéng chénggōng.

Only by constantly self-motivating can one succeed.

政府通过税收优惠政策激科技创新。

Zhèngfǔ tōngguò shuìshōu yōuhuì zhèngcè jīlì kējì chuàngxīn.

The government motivates technological innovation through tax incentive policies.