Definition

1. Noun:
   • Root; origin; base: Refers to the root of a tree or, figuratively, the origin or foundation of something. This usage is now considered literary or poetic.
2. Adjective:
   • Stunted; old and no longer growing: Describes a plant, especially a tree, that is old, has stopped growing, and has lost its vitality.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Rung cây, rung cỗi, rung cành... (Shake the tree, shake the root, shake the branch... - from a folk saying)
  • Về thăm cỗi nguồn dân tộc. (To return and visit the origin of the nation.) (Note: 'cội nguồn' is a compound. The target word here is 'cỗi' used in a poetic/literary sense for 'origin')
• Adjective:
  • Cây cau trước nhà đã cỗi. (The areca palm in front of the house has become stunted/old.)
  • Trồng giống tốt thì cây sẽ lâu cỗi. (If you plant good seeds, the trees will take a long time to become stunted.)

Advanced Usage

• Literary/Figurative Use: In classical poetry or formal writing, 'cỗi' as a noun can be used metaphorically for one's homeland, ancestry, or the fundamental cause of something.
  • Lòng luôn hướng về cỗi xưa. (The heart always turns towards the old origin/homeland.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cội: The modern, more common form of the noun 'cỗi', meaning "tree trunk; base; origin".
• Cội nguồn (Compound noun): Origin, source, root (e.g., of a tradition, a people).
• Cỗi già: A compound emphasizing the adjectival meaning, meaning "very old and stunted" (used for trees/plants).

Synonyms

• Noun (Root/Origin): Gốc, nguồn, căn nguyên.
• Adjective (Stunted): Cằn cỗi, già cỗi, không phát triển.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Cây cỗi cành khô: A phrase describing a scene of decay, meaning "stunted trees and dry branches".
• Già cỗi: (Often used for people) Decrepit, very old and weak.

noun

1. Root; origin

adj

1. Stunted