懍 (lǐn) - Fearful, apprehensive & to be in awe

懍Tone 3

lǐn ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

林伦

懍 · lǐn

Fearful, apprehensive;

to be in awe;

solemn and respectful;

cautious and vigilant.

Fearful, apprehensiveto be in awesolemn and respectful

Usage highlights

Awe and fearFear and trepidationVigilance and cautionSolemn and respectfulAweFearful and cautious

Synonyms

  • 懼— fear, dread
  • 畏— fear, revere
  • 慄— tremble, shudder

Antonyms

  • 肆— unrestrained, reckless
  • 妄— rash, presumptuous

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He was filled with awe and fear (懍然).
  • She faced the challenge with trepidation (懍懼).
  • We must be vigilant against danger (懍惕).
  • He stood solemn and respectful before the memorial (懍肅).

Collocations

  • Awe and fear(懍然)
  • Fear and trepidation(懍懼)
  • Vigilance and caution(懍惕)
  • Solemn and respectful(懍肅)
  • Awe-inspiring(懍栗)
  • Fearful and cautious(懍畏)

Idioms

  • Stand in awe of the law(懍法)
  • Solemn and dignified bearing(懍然正氣)
  • Fearful and cautious attitude(懍懍危懼)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Derived from the concept of respectful fear, often used in contexts involving authority, law, or moral principles.
  • Commonly appears in classical texts describing the proper attitude toward rulers, elders, or ethical standards.
  • Reflects the Confucian value of maintaining a respectful and cautious demeanor in serious situations.

FAQ