Definitions
(noun)
spear; lance; pike
Etymology
Pictograph of a spear-like weapon.
About
The character "矛" began as a pictographic representation of a spear, capturing the essential form of a blade attached to a long shaft, and its basic structure has persisted with minimal alteration across time. Originally denoting solely the physical weapon used for thrusting, its semantic range expanded when it became part of the compound "矛盾", meaning contradiction, a concept originating from a classic tale pitting an invincible spear against an impenetrable shield. This development reflects how the character, while retaining its core concrete meaning, adapted to serve in broader linguistic contexts, moving from a simple designation of an object to participating in expressions of abstract philosophical ideas.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
矛盾无处不在。
古代战士手持长矛作战。
他的心里充满了矛盾。
自卫队装备了盾牌和矛。
讨论中暴露了双方的根本矛盾。
这是一种先进的理论武器，堪称思想之矛。
技术进步有时会与伦理规范产生尖锐矛盾。
他试图用逻辑之矛，攻破对方论证中的盾。