原素 (yuán sù) — primitive (attribute); basic, fundamental

Definition

'Primitive, elemental' — describes something basic and foundational, as in primitive concepts or primitive data. Note: 原素 is also a less common variant of 元素 (element, chemical).

adjective
primitive (attribute)basicfundamental
Easily confused

Examples

  • 原素。
    Zhè zhǒng yuán sù jié gòu shì shù xué de jī chǔ.
    This kind of primitive structure is the foundation of mathematics.
  • ，原素。
    Zài luó ji xué zhōng, yuán sù gài niàn fēi cháng zhòng yào.
    In logic, primitive concepts are very important.
  • 原素。
    Zhè xiē yuán sù shù jù xū yào jìn yí bù fēn xī.
    These primitive data need further analysis.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

原yuánoriginal
素sùbasic

原 suggests original or primary, while 素 suggests basic or fundamental; together they convey a primitive, basic quality.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

原 combines 泉 (spring) and 厂 (cliff), picturing a spring bursting from a cliff-side, which gives the sense of origin or source.

Open 原 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 素 came from a picture of hands braiding thread.

Open 素 →

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