Definition
贞烈 is a historical term describing a woman who remains chaste to the point of dying rather than losing her virtue—a highly praised ideal in traditional Confucian ethics. It can also refer to the virtue itself. Today the word is mostly encountered in historical texts, literature, or discussions of traditional values, and carries a strong cultural weight.
n.
(historical) a woman who dies to preserve her chastitythe virtue of such chastity
Examples
- 許稱為贞烈。Gǔdài yǒu xǔduō bèi chēng wéi zhēn liè de nǚxìng.In ancient times, many women were called 'zhenlie'.
- 這說頌贞烈。Zhè běn xiǎoshuō gēsòng le nǚzhǔjué de zhēn liè jīngshén.This novel praises the heroine's zhenlie spirit.
- 現會，們對贞烈觀。Zài xiàndài shèhuì, rénmen duì zhēn liè de guānniàn yǒu le xīn de kànfǎ.In modern society, people have new views on the concept of zhenlie.
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