定理 (dìng lǐ) — theorem (in mathematics or logic); axiom, estab… | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

A formally established, proven rule in math, logic, or science — narrower than 定律 (a natural scientific law) and stronger than 假设 (a hypothesis still to be tested).

noun

theorem (in mathematics or logic)axiomestablished principlelaw (in scientific or philosophical contexts)

Examples

。
Zhè yí dìng lǐ zài jǐ hé xué zhōng fēi cháng zhòng yào.
This theorem is very important in geometry.
定理。
Kē xué jiā tōng guò shí yàn zhèng míng le zhè ge dìng lǐ.
Scientists proved this law through experiments.
，定理。
Xué xí shù xué shí, nǐ xū yào jì zhù zhè xiē jī běn dìng lǐ.
When studying math, you need to memorize these basic theorems.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

理lǐprinciple

定理 is a 定 (fixed) 理 (principle), hence a theorem or established law.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

宀宀mián

Sound part声符shēngfú

正

正zhèng定dìng

The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

定 is built from 宀 and 正, with 正 supplying the sound.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

玉玉yùjade

Sound part声符shēngfú

里

里lǐ理lǐ

Same sound today

理 pairs 玉 (jade) with 里, which shows how to say it; the jade part points to the old sense of polishing jade.

Appears in

Math Science (General)

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