About
The character "耽" structurally integrates the semantic component 耳, meaning ear, with the phonetic component 冘, and its earliest sense pertained to large or pendulous ears. Through processes of phonetic borrowing, the character acquired the meaning of delay or negligence, as observed in the compound "耽误", and subsequently developed connotations of indulgence or absorption, evident in terms like "耽乐". This shift from a physical descriptor to abstract verbal meanings demonstrates a semantic expansion within the character's functional history.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
不要耽误学习的时间。
他耽搁了回家的行程。
这件事耽误了我们的计划。
她耽于幻想，不愿面对现实。
由于天气原因，航班被耽搁了。
耽误了这么久，我们必须加快进度。
他整天耽于享乐，忘记了责任。
这次会议耽搁了重要决策的制定。