Definition
屹立 (yì lì) means 'to stand toweringly, firm and upright' and is used for both physical objects (buildings, mountains) and abstract steadfastness (a person's resolve). It is more literary and majestic than 矗立 (chù lì) or 耸立 (sǒng lì), which also describe tall, upright things but are more neutral in register; 屹立 often implies endurance or dignity over time.
verb
to stand toweringlyto stand firm and upright (of buildings, mountains, or people)
Easily confused
- 毅力yì lìsound-alikeperseverance; willpower
Examples
- 屹立。Zhè zuò lìshǐ jiànzhù yǐjīng zài zhèlǐ yì lì le yì bǎi duō nián.This historic building has stood here for over a hundred years.
- 屹立，。Tā miànduì yālì yīrán yì lì, méiyǒu tuìsuō.He still stood firm in the face of pressure, not backing down.
- ，屹立。Gāo shān zhī diān, yí zuò gǔ tǎ yì lì zài yúnwù zhōng.Atop the high mountain, an ancient pagoda towers in the clouds.
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