Definitions
(verb)
to step on; to tread on
(noun)
shoe
Etymology
Depicts a person (頁) using their foot (夂) to tread. 眉 was later added to embellish the character and to represent the sound while a component that depicts a shoe was also later added to 夂 (foot) to emphasize another meaning "shoes". The component that depicts a shoe was later reanalyzed as meaning component 彳 (walk).
About
The character 履 is a complex ideogram framed by the radical 尸 (representing a person) and containing internal components 彳 (step) and 夊 (slow walking), which together emphasize foot-based movement. Originally meaning "footwear", it served as a general term for protective coverings worn on the feet. From this concrete noun, the meaning naturally extended to the related verb "to tread" or "walk upon". This physical action further developed the abstract sense of carrying out or fulfilling obligations, promises, or duties.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他履行了承诺。
我的履历很完整。
履带车在野外行驶。
他即将履新职。
双方必须履行合同条款。
她的步履轻盈而优雅。
法官履行法律赋予的职责。
在复杂环境中履行使命是一项挑战。