旨 (zhǐ)

imperial decree; purport; aim; purpose

Etymology

Depicts a spoon (匕) going into the mouth (口), conveying the original meaning "fine-tasting". The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“旨,美也。从甘,匕聲。,古文旨。”

Original meaning

fine-tasting

Components