noun, taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
notables; dignitaries; illustrious families
Refers to prominent, well-known people or families, often in a historical or formal context. Can be used as a noun or in the adverbial form 歴々と.
noun, taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Describes something that is unmistakably clear or evident. Often used in the adverbial form 歴々と or as a taru adjective. This sense is somewhat literary.
The dignitaries of the political world were all present at the venue.
His family is known as one of the illustrious families of the region.
His lie was plainly obvious.
The evidence remains clear and unmistakable.
Standard kanji spelling using the iteration mark 々.
Less common spelling without the iteration mark; attested but 歴々 is preferred.
Reduplication of 歴 (れき), meaning 'history' or 'passage of time', giving a sense of 'successive' or 'distinguished'. The exact derivation of the 'clear/obvious' sense is uncertain, but it may stem from the idea of something being historically evident or well-documented.