About
The character "烈" is structured with the component "列" positioned above the fire radical "灬", a configuration that directly reflects its original semantic association with fierce burning or intense heat. Etymologically, the "灬" element anchors the meaning in concepts of fire, while "列" primarily functions as a phonetic indicator. Its early meaning centered on the violent quality of flames, which subsequently extended metaphorically to describe any extreme or ardent characteristic, such as vehement force, passionate fervor, or uncompromising moral rigor. This semantic expansion led to its application in classical contexts denoting persons of formidable zeal, evident in historical compounds like "烈士" for those who sacrifice passionately for a cause. The character's form and compositional elements have remained consistent in its standard orthography.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
烈日当空照。
他性格很刚烈。
会场里气氛很热烈。
战士们与敌人展开了激烈战斗。
他的言辞中流露出强烈的爱国情感。
这股强烈的飓风造成了巨大的破坏。
面对如此猛烈的攻击，防线很快就被突破了。
这场思想领域内新旧观念的激烈冲突，是时代变迁的缩影。