Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Imposing, stately, dignified (describing a person's appearance or demeanor): Refers to a serious, respectable, and solemn appearance, often giving an impression of authority, learning, or high social standing. It can sometimes carry a nuance of being overly formal or stiff.
   • Doctoral, pedantic: In some contexts, it can describe a manner associated with scholars or learned individuals, potentially implying a showy or affected display of knowledge.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông ấy trông rất đạo mạo trong bộ vest đen. (He looks very stately in his black suit.)
  • Vị giáo sư có vẻ ngoài đạo mạo và đáng kính. (The professor has an imposing and respectable appearance.)
  • Anh ta cố tỏ ra đạo mạo trước mặt sếp. (He tried to appear dignified in front of the boss.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often describes an outer appearance or manner that is consciously maintained to project seriousness, wisdom, or high status. It can be used neutrally (respectful) or slightly critically (stiff, pretentious).
  • Cách nói chuyện đạo mạo của anh ấy khiến mọi người khó gần. (His stiff/formal way of speaking makes people hard to get close to.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đạo (n): A Sino-Vietnamese root meaning "way," "path," or "doctrine," often found in words related to morality, religion, or philosophy (e.g., - morality, - Buddhism). The sense of seriousness in is derived from this root.
• Mạo (n): A Sino-Vietnamese root meaning "appearance," "look" (e.g., - visage, appearance).

Synonyms

• Nghiêm trang: Solemn, grave, serious (focuses more on behavior than inherent appearance).
• Chững chạc: Mature, steady, dependable (often used for young people acting maturely).
• Oai nghiêm: Majestic, commanding (emphasizes authority and power).
• Trịnh trọng: Ceremonious, formal (focuses on manner, especially in speech or action).

Antonyms

• Xuề xòa: Casual, easy-going, not fussy.
• Bỗ bã: Rough, uncouth, unrefined.
• Tếu táo: Jocular, funny, prone to joking.

1. Imposing, stately (nói về người)