Definitions
(adjective)
upright; chaste; pure; faithful
Etymology
About
The character "贞" originates from its traditional form "貞", which structurally combines the radical "卜" indicating divination with a component originally depicting a "鼎", a ritual cauldron, later stylized into "貝". This composition points to its earliest core meaning of conducting a divinatory inquiry or an auspicious omen derived from such a ritual practice. Over time, its semantic focus shifted from the act of divination itself toward the qualities of an upright and sincere inquiry, thereby acquiring the abstract meanings of moral integrity, steadfastness, and purity. This conceptual evolution led to its specific application in later imperial contexts to denote the virtue of chastity or fidelity, particularly for women, a meaning that became socially prominent though derived from its foundational sense of unwavering correctness.
Etymology Hide
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。