Definition
攀附 has two distinct but related senses. Literally, it describes climbing plants that attach themselves to a support (like ivy on a wall). Figuratively, it means to curry favor with or attach oneself to someone powerful for personal gain — a common social strategy in hierarchical contexts. The figurative sense is more common in modern usage and carries a slightly negative connotation of opportunism.
v.
to climb (of a plant, by attaching itself to a support)to attach oneself to someone powerful (for personal gain)
Examples
- 攀附。Zhè zhǒng téngwàn zhíwù huì pān fù zài qiáng shàng shēngzhǎng.This kind of vine climbs by attaching itself to walls.
- 攀附。Tā kào pān fù quánguì huòdé le zhège zhíwèi.He got this position by attaching himself to the powerful.
- 攀附。Tā bù xǐhuan nàxiē zhǐ huì pān fù shàngsi de rén.She doesn't like people who only know how to curry favor with their superiors.
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