About
The character "枉" combines the tree radical (木) with the component 王, which historically served a phonetic role while reinforcing a conceptual departure from straightness, initially describing physically bent or crooked wood. This literal sense of deviation from an upright form naturally extended into moral and abstract domains, coming to signify unjust actions, such as wronging others or distorting fairness, through a metaphor for bending what should be straight. Over time, the meaning further shifted to encompass the notion of futility, where actions bent away from their purpose are seen as done in vain, thus capturing a progression from tangible irregularity to expressions of injustice and ultimately to ineffective endeavors.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
你别冤枉好人。
这样做是枉然的。
他枉费了很多时间。
你的努力不会枉费。
他被人冤枉了很长时间。
你不要枉自猜测别人的想法。
如果计划不周，所有准备都是枉然。
尽管他极力辩解，但最终还是枉费心机。