竦 (sǒng) - To stand erect & to stand in awe

竦Tone 3

sǒng ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

竦 · sǒng

To stand erect;

to stand in awe;

to be apprehensive;

to raise;

to lift up.

To stand erectto stand in aweto be apprehensive

Usage highlights

Stand in aweTremble with fearRaise one's handsStand respectfullyFeel apprehensiveStretch upward

Synonyms

  • 肃— respectful; solemn
  • 敬— respect; revere
  • 惧— fear; dread

Antonyms

  • 懈— slack; relaxed
  • 怠— neglect; idle

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He stood in awe before the emperor (竦立).
  • The soldiers stood at attention (竦然肃立).
  • She felt a shiver of fear (竦惧).
  • He raised his hands in reverence (竦手).

Collocations

  • Stand in awe(竦立)
  • Tremble with fear(竦惧)
  • Raise one's hands(竦手)
  • Stand respectfully(竦肃)
  • Feel apprehensive(竦然)
  • Stretch upward(竦拔)

Idioms

  • Stand in awe and expectation(竦企)
  • Raise one's spirits and prick up one's ears(竦神耸耳)
  • Tremble with fear(竦然生畏)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a person standing respectfully with hands at their sides, conveying reverence and attention.
  • Used in classical texts to describe the posture of respect toward superiors or deities.
  • Often appears in historical and literary contexts rather than modern everyday language.

FAQ