salute, bow, ceremony, thanks, remuneration
礼 centers on formal, respectful social acts: saluting, bowing, or performing ceremonies. The senses of thanks and remuneration extend naturally from the idea of expressing gratitude or giving a proper reward as a respectful gesture.
礼 is the modern simplified form of 禮. The older form combines 示 (altar, ceremony) with 豊, which likely contributed the sound and the idea of ritual vessels. The modern right side 乚 is a simplification and should not be treated as the original component.
The left side 示 suggests an altar or ceremony. The right side 乚 looks like a person kneeling or bowing. Together, 礼 shows a person bowing at an altar in a respectful ceremony.
For レイ, imagine a formal ceremony where everyone bows and says 'ray' of thanks: ray -> レイ, and the bowing shows respect.
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discourtesy; impoliteness
thanks; gratitude
thanks; gratitude
manners; courtesy; etiquette
pilgrimage; pilgrim
worship (esp. Christian); (church) service
baptism; christening
rudeness; impoliteness; discourtesy; insolence
salute; bow
courtesy; etiquette; formality; protocol
return present; return gift; something done in return (as way of thanks)
marriage ceremony; wedding
reward; honorarium; remuneration
formal dress
morning assembly (at a company, school, etc.); morning gathering
praise; worship; adoration; glorification
formal dress; ceremonial dress; morning dress; evening dress; dress suit
(male) circumcision
decorum; propriety; politeness
one bow; one salute; one greeting