赖以 (lài yǐ) — (formal) to rely on (as a basis or means for some outcome)

Definition

赖以 is a formal/written verb meaning 'to rely on' as the means or basis for achieving something — typically followed by 生存, 发展, etc., not everyday speech.

verb
(formal) to rely on (as a basis or means for some outcome)

Examples

  • 赖以。
    Shuǐ shì shēng mìng lài yǐ shēng cún de zhòng yào zī yuán.
    Water is an important resource that life relies on for survival.
  • 赖以。
    Zhè ge qǐ yè lài yǐ jì shù chuàng xīn lái bǎo chí jìng zhēng lì.
    This company relies on technological innovation to stay competitive.
  • 赖以。
    Nóng yè lài yǐ wěn dìng de qì hòu tiáo jiàn cái néng fēng shōu.
    Agriculture depends on stable climate conditions to have a good harvest.

Origin

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.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 賴; 赖 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
貝貝bèicowry
Sound part声符shēngfú
剌
剌là賴lài
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 賴 uses 貝 (a cowry) for profit and 剌 for the sound; the simplified 赖 is a shorthand.

Open 赖 →

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

The shape came from a drawing of a person carrying something; in 以, part of that person is still visible on the right.

Open 以 →

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