Definition
义正词严 is a four-character chengyu meaning 'to speak with righteous indignation and in stern terms'. It describes a person who delivers a well-founded, morally justified rebuke or argument with serious and unwavering language. Often used in formal or written contexts, such as political statements, official criticisms, or courtroom speeches. The literal breakdown is 'righteous, correct, words, severe' — but the phrase as a whole conveys authority and moral gravity.
v
(chengyu) speaking with righteous indignation and severe wordsin a stern and just manner
Examples
- 义正词严。Tā zài huìyì shàng yì zhèng cí yán de pīpíng le zhè zhǒng bú fù zérèn de xíngwéi.He criticized this irresponsible behavior at the meeting with righteous sternness.
- 义正词严，。Zhè piān shēngmíng xiě de yì zhèng cí yán, ràng rén wúfǎ fǎnbó.This statement is worded so righteously and sternly that no one can refute it.
- 义正词严。Lǜshī zài fǎtíng shàng yì zhèng cí yán de chénshù le shòuhài zhě de lìchǎng.The lawyer presented the victim's position in court with righteous severity.
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