Definition

1. Verb:
   • To be apprehensive or hesitant: To feel reluctance or caution due to fear, shyness, or concern about consequences. It implies a state of being reserved or holding back.
   • To be wary of: To have a cautious distrust of something or someone, often leading to restrained behavior.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy rất e dè khi phát biểu trước đám đông. (She is very apprehensive about speaking in front of a crowd.)
  • Họ e dè không dám đầu tư vào thị trường mới. (They are hesitant to invest in the new market.)
  • Đừng e dè, hãy nói lên ý kiến của bạn. (Don't hold back, speak your mind.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often describes a psychological barrier or internal inhibition. It is commonly used to explain inaction or subdued behavior resulting from timidity, respect, or prudence.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngại ngùng (adj/verb): To be bashful or embarrassed; often used similarly to express shy hesitation.
• Dè dặt (adj/verb): To be cautious, circumspect, or reserved in action or speech.

Synonyms

• Hesitate: To pause before acting due to uncertainty or fear.
• Shy away from: To avoid something due to fear, shyness, or aversion.
• Be wary of: To be cautious and watchful about potential problems or dangers.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• E dè sợ sệt: To be timid and fearful. This phrase intensifies the sense of fear within the hesitation.
  • Anh ấy luôn e dè sợ sệt trước những thay đổi. (He is always timid and fearful of changes.)
• Ăn nói e dè: To speak in a hesitant or guarded manner.
  • Cậu bé ăn nói e dè khi bị phỏng vấn. (The boy spoke hesitantly when interviewed.)

verb

1. to fear; be shy of