unspoken criticism; silent disapproval
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to criticize or ridicule in one's heart without speaking out
literaryA classical, literary term describing silent, internal dissent or mockery. Often used in historical or formal contexts to describe a subject's hidden feelings towards a ruler or superior.
Tā他
suī虽
bù不
gǎn敢
zhí直
yán言
，
dàn但
xīn心
zhōng中
zǎo早
yǐ已
fù腹
fēi诽
。
Although he dared not speak plainly, he had already been criticizing in his heart.
Chén臣
zǐ子
duì对
bào暴
zhèng政
zhǐ只
néng能
fù腹
fēi诽
，
fǒu否
zé则
yǒu有
xìng性
mìng命
zhī之
yú虞
。
The minister could only silently disapprove of the tyranny, or else he would risk his life.
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“
fù腹
fēi诽
”
zài在
gǔ古
dài代
kě可
néng能
shì是
yī一
xiàng项
zhòng重
zuì罪
。
In ancient times, 'silent criticism' could be a serious crime.