僣 (tiě) - To presume & to usurp

僣Tone 3

tiě ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

檀婷

僣 · tiě

To presume;

to usurp;

to overstep one's authority;

to act presumptuously beyond one's station.

To presumeto usurpto overstep one's authority

Usage highlights

to usurp the throneto overstep authoritypresumptuous behaviorto arrogate a titleto act above one's stationusurping rites

Synonyms

  • 篡— to usurp; to seize
  • 越— to overstep; to exceed
  • 逾— to go beyond; to exceed

Antonyms

  • 守— to observe; to abide by
  • 遵— to follow; to comply with
  • 循— to adhere to; to follow

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He dared to presume upon the throne (僣位).
  • The minister overstepped his authority (僣权).
  • Such presumptuous behavior is unacceptable (僣越行为).
  • They usurped the imperial title (僣号称帝).

Collocations

  • to usurp the throne(僣位)
  • to overstep authority(僣权)
  • presumptuous behavior(僣越)
  • to arrogate a title(僣号)
  • to act above one's station(僣上)
  • usurping rites(僣礼)

Idioms

  • To overstep one's authority and usurp power(僣权窃位)
  • To presume upon and act recklessly(僣妄无礼)
  • To usurp the throne and claim the title(僣号称尊)
  • Presumptuous beyond one's station(僣分逾节)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Confucian society, maintaining proper social hierarchy was paramount; '僣' described the serious offense of violating these boundaries.
  • Historically used to describe ministers or regional rulers who usurped imperial privileges, a capital crime in many dynasties.
  • The character carries strong negative connotations of arrogance, impropriety, and rebellion against established order.

FAQ