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The character 贞 primarily means chaste, loyal, and morally steadfast today. Its traditional form 貞 combines the divination radical 卜 on top with the cowrie shell 貝 below, simplified to 贝 in the modern form 贞. Originally, it referred strictly to divination, specifically, posing questions to spirits or interpreting omens in state rituals. Gradually, its meaning shifted from this ritual context toward ethical qualities, coming to describe unwavering fidelity and strong personal virtue under pressure.
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Example Sentences Hide
她对爱情很忠贞。
贞洁是一种美德。
他保持着坚贞的信念。
在古代，贞节被看得很重。
她的贞操观受到现代思想的挑战。
尽管面临诱惑，他依然忠贞不渝。
贞烈女子的故事在民间流传。
对于贞洁的理解，不同文化有差异。