About
The character "迹" originated with a meaning centered on footprints or tracks left behind, a concept clearly indicated by its structural composition which combines the radical "辵", suggesting movement or passage, with the component "亦" serving primarily to indicate its ancient pronunciation. Over centuries, its application broadened significantly from denoting purely physical traces, such as the marks left by a cart or a person walking, to encompass more abstract impressions and remnants, including evidence of past events or the lingering impact of historical figures. The traditional form of this character, "跡", which optionally substitutes the "辵" radical with "足", meaning foot, further reinforces this foundational connection to the imprint of footsteps. This conceptual expansion allowed the term to evolve beyond the literal, coming to signify any detectable vestige or a lasting record of actions and occurrences, thereby capturing both tangible marks and intangible legacies within its scope.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
地上留下了水的痕迹。
他的足迹遍布全国各地。
这件事的事迹非常感人。
我们参观了古代的遗迹。
警方在寻找罪犯的踪迹。
卫星的轨迹是预先计算好的。
通过笔迹可以鉴定是谁写的。
种种迹象表明天气要变冷了。