About
The character 酌, consistently composed of the semantic component 酉 representing a wine vessel and the phonetic component 勺 denoting a ladle or spoon, has maintained its structural integrity and core concept related to serving wine since its earliest forms. Its primary meaning was the literal act of drawing or ladling wine for a guest, a concrete action that naturally extended into the social and ritual context of drinking together. From this concrete origin, the meaning broadened to encompass the more abstract process of careful consideration and deliberation, as seen in the compound 斟酌, metaphorically invoking the thoughtful measuring and pouring of wine into a judgment or decision. This semantic shift from a specific physical action to a generalized mental process represents the character's key historical development, while its pictographic logic remains visibly intact in its modern form.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
请酌情处理这件事。
我们正在斟酌合适的用词。
这杯酒请你慢酌。
补助金额会酌情增减。
老板斟酌许久才做决定。
具体方案还需大家共同商酌。
费用被酌减了一部分。
商务宴请时，酌酒是门艺术。