畏缩

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 畏缩 (wèisuō) means to shrink back or recoil out of fear or timidity. It often describes a physical or psychological reaction to something intimidating or threatening.

Common Contexts

畏缩 is frequently used to describe people or animals who withdraw or hesitate due to fear, lack of confidence, or pressure. It can be used literally (physically shrinking back) or figuratively (hesitating to act).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 面对困难畏缩: to shrink back when facing difficulties, often implying a lack of courage.
  • 畏缩: to shrink back and not move forward, indicating hesitation or fear.
  • 畏缩角落: to shrink back into a corner, often describing a scared animal or person.

Nuance and Register

This word carries a somewhat negative connotation, implying weakness or timidity. It is more formal and literary than colloquial expressions for fear or hesitation. 畏缩 emphasizes the act of withdrawing or shrinking back rather than just feeling afraid.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 畏缩 with 害怕 (to be afraid). 害怕 focuses on the feeling of fear itself, while 畏缩 highlights the physical or behavioral response of shrinking back due to that fear.

Example Sentences

Facing difficulties, he did not shrink back but bravely faced the challenge.

The kitten was so scared that it shrank back into the corner and didn’t dare

When speaking in public, he always shrinks back and lacks confidence.