世
lifetime; generation; world
Meanings
7 senses · 35 examplesnoun
lifetime; whole life
Often used in fixed phrases to emphasize the duration of a life.
They promised to love each other for a lifetime.
He did many good deeds in his lifetime.
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This is a famous painting handed down for generations.
He was greatly respected while he was alive.
This book is his peerless masterpiece.
noun
generation; seniority in a lineage
Indicates the specific rank or generation level within a family tree.
He is the 77th generation descendant of Confucius.
The genealogy records the names of every generation.
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By the fifth generation, the family had become very large.
The children of this generation are all very smart.
He is the direct lineal descendant of the tenth generation of the family.
noun
successive generations; from generation to generation
Emphasizes the continuity over time.
Our two families have been friends for generations.
This craft has been passed down from generation to generation in their family.
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Resolved the family feud left by the previous generation.
Their family are hereditary doctors, specializing in difficult diseases.
We should cherish the friendship of generations between our two families.
noun
relationship between old families
Used as a prefix to address someone of one's parents' generation with whom one's family has a long-standing friendship.
My dear friend (addressing someone of father's generation), long time no see!
He is my father's old friend, and he used to hold me when I was little.
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I went to visit my father's old friend.
Given our families' long friendship, I should call you uncle.
How have you been lately, my old friend's daughter?
noun
era; age; epoch
Refers to a specific period in history.
This is a matter that happened only in recent times.
He is the most famous painter of the present age.
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Throughout history, every era has had its heroes.
In times of chaos, the common people suffer the most.
We are currently in a prosperous age.
noun
world; society; earthly realm
Refers to the human world or society at large.
This secret was finally made known to the world.
People all over the world know his name.
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This novel caused a sensation as soon as it was published.
He cares very little about worldly fame and fortune.
Such things are not rare in this world.
noun
a surname
Used as a family name.
My surname is Shi, and my first name is Wei.
Mr. Shi is our new manager.
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Look for a person named Shi in the phone book.
Most people in this village do not have the surname Shi.
Prominent families were highly respected in the past.