ordinary; casual; groundless
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesadjective
ordinary; common; unimportant; trifling
literaryOften used in literary or formal contexts to describe something as commonplace or not worthy of special attention. Frequently appears in set phrases like 等闲视之.
The Red Army fears not the trials of the Long March, treating thousands of rivers and mountains as mere trifles.
He is no ordinary person and should not be taken lightly.
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We must never regard safety issues as unimportant.
adverb
casually; easily; lightly; without due consideration
literaryUsed to describe actions done without care or effort, often in warnings against wasting time or opportunities. Famous from Yue Fei's poem.
Do not wait idly till your youthful head turns white, for then you would only grieve in vain.
Do not let such a good opportunity slip away easily.
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He never makes promises lightly; once he agrees, he will certainly follow through.
adverb
groundlessly; for no reason; out of the blue
literaryDescribes something happening without cause or warning. Often used in literary descriptions of unexpected events.
Waves arise from level ground without reason.
Why would he get angry for no reason?
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Do not suspect others without cause.