door; gateway; household; faction; family status
Meanings
5 senses · 15 examplesnoun
door; gate (general term)
Refers to doors in general, often emphasizing the entrance, closure, or security of a building.
Make sure to close the doors properly before going out.
The doors of this old house are already dilapidated.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Be careful with the doors; prevent fire and theft.
noun
strategic gateway; key passage; vital access point
formalMetaphorical usage referring to a vital strategic location, chokepoint, or access route that must be controlled or passed through.
Tanggu New Port is Beijing's gateway to the ocean in the east.
This city is an important gateway to the interior.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Controlling this strait means holding the gateway to maritime trade.
noun
household; family unit; independent establishment
Refers to an independent family unit, particularly in the context of separating from a larger family to establish one's own household.
The brothers separated and each established his own household.
After reaching adulthood, he established his own household and moved out.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Although they have separate households, they still visit each other frequently.
noun
faction; sect; school (of thought)
formalOften used in academic, religious, or political contexts to denote partisan divisions, sectarian groups, or schools of thought with distinct biases.
There should be no sectarian bias in academic research.
Arguments often occur between different factions.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
He transcended sectarian bias and widely absorbed the strengths of various schools.
noun
family status; social standing; family background
formalRefers to the social rank, status, or background of a family, often considered important in traditional marriage arrangements.
The two families were of equal social standing, so they became in-laws.
Traditional marriages emphasize matching family status.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
He insisted on marrying her regardless of the differences in family background.