Definitions
(adjective)
ordinary; common; mediocre
(verb)
to use
Etymology phono-semantic
Phonetic:
用
About
The character "庸" originally signified utility and necessity in early Chinese, with its traditional form structurally composed of "庚" representing a pivoting bell or instrument, and "用" meaning to use, suggesting the idea of a tool or implement put to regular service. From this concrete notion of practical use and function, its meaning extended into the abstract realm to describe actions or qualities considered commonplace, standard, or conventionally acceptable. Over time, the semantic trajectory of the character underwent a gradual depreciation, as the association with the ordinary and the routinely employed eventually gave rise to its predominant modern connotations of mediocrity, inferiority, and being unremarkable.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他是一个平庸的人。
这种观点太庸俗了。
不要做一个庸才。
她的作品避免了平庸。
这位庸医误诊了病人。
他的工作表现很庸碌。
庸俗的文化产品应该被抵制。
你毋庸担心这个问题。