威

Power that induces awe, dread, or submission—the psychological effect of command rather than raw strength. The semantic range spans from ceremonial majesty and dignity (presence) to coercive intimidation and terror.

• Noun: The quality of being awe-inspiring; prestige or presence.
• Adjective: Formidable, powerful, or imposing.
• Verb: To overawe, intimidate, or dominate; typically implies an imposition of will upon another’s spirit.

• vs. 勢 (shì): While 勢 refers to strategic advantage, momentum, or power inherent in a position or terrain, 威 is personal charisma or presence carried by the individual.
• vs. 權 (quán): 權 denotes official authority or the legal right to command. One may possess the title (權) without possessing the actual presence (威) that ensures obedience.

Fanqie reading: 於非; Tang-period reading: *qiuəi.

The glyph does not inherently signal whether the "power" is benevolent (dignity) or malevolent (tyranny). The translator must determine from context whether the text is praising a ruler’s gravity or criticizing a leader’s cruelty.