厲 (lì) - Severe, strict, rigorous & stern

厲Tone 4

lì ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

厲 · lì

Severe, strict, rigorous;

stern;

fierce;

to sharpen;

to whet;

also used in surnames.

Severe, strict, rigoroussternfierce

Usage highlights

StrictTo encourage strictlyStern expressionTo sharpenSevere lawFierce ghost

Synonyms

  • 严— strict, severe
  • 峻— stern, harsh
  • 烈— fierce, intense

Antonyms

  • 宽— lenient, broad
  • 松— loose, relaxed
  • 柔— soft, gentle

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The teacher is very strict (严厉).
  • He sharpened the knife (厉刀).
  • The storm was fierce (厉风).
  • A severe warning (厉声警告).

Collocations

  • Strict(严厉)
  • To encourage strictly(厉行)
  • Stern expression(厉色)
  • To sharpen(厉兵)
  • Severe law(厉法)
  • Fierce ghost(厉鬼)

Idioms

  • To set a strict example(厉行节约)
  • To sharpen weapons and feed the horses(厉兵秣马)
  • To encourage and promote(厉精图治)
  • With a stern expression(正颜厉色)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a type of abrasive whetstone, hence the meaning 'to sharpen'.
  • In historical context, associated with strict governance and legal severity.
  • In folk belief, 厉鬼 refers to a vengeful or malevolent spirit.

FAQ