愆

The glyph operates across two primary semantic axes based on the concept of "exceeding a proper limit":

1. Temporal: To be late, to delay, or to exceed a prescribed time limit (e.g., 愆時). This denotes the breach of a specific deadline or seasonal expectation.

2. Moral: A mistake, error, or sin. This often implies a more significant or lasting failing than a simple slip; it is frequently paired with 過 as 愆過 to denote cumulative faults or transgressions.

• Verb: To be late/overdue; to commit an error or transgress.
• Noun: A delay; a fault, sin, or transgression.

• vs. 遲 (chí): While 遲 is generally "slow" or "late," 愆 specifically implies that a boundary or expectation has been overstepped (i.e., "overdue").
• vs. 罪 (zuì): While 罪 often carries legal or criminal weight, 愆 tends toward moral, procedural, or ritual failing.

Determine if the context is chronological (time/seasons) or ethical (conduct/ritual). If the latter, evaluate whether the text suggests a minor error or a more enduring transgression.