躐 (liè) - To step over & to exceed proper limits

躐Tone 4

liè ｜ 22 strokes ｜ radical:

嘹林

躐 · liè

To step over;

to exceed proper limits;

to skip over steps or ranks;

to act presumptuously.

To step overto exceed proper limitsto skip over steps or ranks

Usage highlights

Skip ranksStep overPresumptuous advancementSkip learning stepsStep over a boundaryPresumptuous seating

Synonyms

  • 越— to exceed; to go beyond
  • 逾— to exceed; to go beyond
  • 超— to surpass; to exceed

Antonyms

  • 循— to follow; to adhere to
  • 遵— to obey; to follow
  • 守— to guard; to abide by

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He was promoted by skipping ranks (躐等).
  • The horse stepped over the fence (躐过).
  • One should not skip steps in learning (躐学).
  • He presumptuously took the seat of honor (躐席).

Collocations

  • Skip ranks(躐等)
  • Step over(躐进)
  • Presumptuous advancement(躐升)
  • Skip learning steps(躐学)
  • Step over a boundary(躐界)
  • Presumptuous seating(躐席)

Idioms

  • To advance by skipping ranks(躐等而进)
  • To overstep one's authority(躐职)
  • To skip grades in school(躐级)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Confucian education and bureaucracy, '躐' carried a negative connotation of disrespecting proper order and hierarchy.
  • The character reflects the importance of following established sequences and procedures in classical Chinese society.
  • Often used in contexts criticizing improper advancement or presumptuous behavior.

FAQ