About
The character "矜" finds its origins in the tangible object of a spear's handle, a meaning structurally encoded through its composition of the spear radical (矛) combined with the phonetic component (今). From this concrete referent, its semantic application broadened to encompass abstract notions of compassion and pity, a shift likely influenced by conceptual associations between wielding a spear and the exercised control or mercy of its bearer. Over time, the character further accumulated meanings related to dignified self-restraint and a reserved demeanor, while in certain contexts it also came to denote a sense of pride or arrogance, marking a clear trajectory from a specific physical object to a complex set of interpersonal and introspective qualities.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
她表现得很矜持。
他不喜欢矜夸的人。
老板对员工很矜持。
她的矜持是出了名的。
在公共场合，他总保持矜持。
矜持的态度有时会阻碍交流。
她矜怜那些需要帮助的人。
尽管他内心热情，但表面的矜持让人难以察觉。