Definition
自持 is a literary verb meaning 'to exercise self-restraint' or 'to be self-possessed'. It carries a dual nuance: on the positive side, it suggests dignity and composure in the face of temptation or provocation; on the negative side (often in 矜持自持 or similar contexts), it can imply aloofness or arrogant detachment. You'll encounter this word in formal writing and classical idioms, not everyday conversation.
v.
to exercise self-restraintto be self-possessed(literary, sometimes pejorative) to keep oneself aloofto maintain an arrogant distance
Examples
- ，自持。Miànduì yòuhuò, tā néng zì chí bù jīng.Faced with temptation, he can maintain composure without being shaken.
- ，自持。Tā suī chūshēn míngmén, què cóng bù zì chí qīnggāo.Although born into a distinguished family, she never acts arrogantly aloof.
- ，自持。Zài biànlùn zhōng, tā shǐzhōng zì chí yǒu lǐ yǒu jié.During the debate, he always maintained self-possession with reason and moderation.
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