About
砺 is a phono-semantic compound with the radical 石 (shí, stone) on the left, indicating its association with rocky materials, and the component 厉 (lì) on the right, which provides the phonetic value. Its traditional form is 礪, using the more complex phonetic element 厲. Originally, it denotes a coarse whetstone used for sharpening blades. From this physical process of honing metal against stone, the meaning extended metaphorically to represent self-cultivation, rigorous training, and the tempering of willpower through hardship, much as a blade is refined by friction.
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