cull phrases without understanding; write by rote
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesverb
to read only for pretty phrases without studying deeply
derogatoryUsually derogatory, criticizing superficial reading habits that focus on collecting flowery language rather than understanding meaning.
Tā他
dú读
shū书
zǒng总
shì是
xún寻
zhāng章
zhāi摘
jù句
，
bù不
qiú求
shèn甚
jiě解
。
He always reads by culling pretty phrases without seeking to understand thoroughly.
Zhè这
zhǒng种
xún寻
zhāng章
zhāi摘
jù句
de的
xué学
xí习
fāng方
fǎ法
xiào效
lǜ率
hěn很
dī低
。
This method of studying by excerpting phrases is very inefficient.
verb
to write by piling up ready-made phrases lacking creativity
derogatoryCriticizes writing that lacks originality and relies on clichés or scissors-and-paste composition.
Zhè这
piān篇
wén文
zhāng章
zhǐ只
shì是
xún寻
zhāng章
zhāi摘
jù句
，
háo毫
wú无
chuàng创
jiàn见
。
This article merely piles up clichés without any original insight.
Xiě写
zuò作
zuì最
jì忌
huì讳
xún寻
zhāng章
zhāi摘
jù句
，
yī一
dìng定
yào要
yǒu有
zhēn真
qíng情
shí实
gǎn感
。
The worst taboo in writing is scissors-and-paste composition; you must have genuine feelings.