Definition
本意 refers to the real intention behind a specific act/statement, or a word's literal etymological meaning. 初衷 is the initial aim at the start of a long-term effort. 本意 clarifies misunderstandings; 初衷 is about the original purpose. Only 本意 has the linguistic sense.
noun
original intentionreal intention(linguistics) etymon
Examples
- 本意。Tā zhème zuò de běn yì shì xiǎng bāngzhù dàjiā.His original intention in doing this was to help everyone.
- 本意，。Bié wùhuì wǒ de běn yì, wǒ wánquán shì wèile nǐ hǎo.Don't misunderstand my real intention; I'm completely for your own good.
- “”本意“”。"Mínzhǔ" zhège cí de lādīng běn yì shì "rénmín de tǒngzhì".The Latin etymon of the word 'democracy' is 'rule by the people'.
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