Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Severe, intense, harsh: Describes something existing at a high, extreme, or forceful degree, often causing tension, discomfort, or a sharp impact. It can refer to physical conditions (like weather) or abstract qualities (like criticism or conflict).
   • Blunt, sharp, acrimonious: Describes a manner of speech, writing, or criticism that is direct, uncompromising, and lacks gentleness.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Thời tiết mùa hè thật gay gắt. (The summer weather is truly blazing hot/intense.)
  • Cuộc tranh luận trở nên gay gắt. (The debate became heated.)
  • Nhà phê bình đưa ra lời nhận xét gay gắt. (The critic offered sharp/severe criticism.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe the tone or nature of social and political struggles, conflicts, or ideological opposition.
  • Sự đối đầu giữa hai phe ngày càng gay gắt. (The confrontation between the two factions grew increasingly acute and severe.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gắt (adj): A shorter, more colloquial form often meaning sharp, irritable, or harsh (e.g., of tone or taste).
  • Giọng nói gắt gỏng. (An irritable/sharp voice.)

Synonyms

• Severe: Very intense or harsh.
• Harsh: Unpleasantly rough or severe.
• Acrimonious: Angry and bitter in tone.
• Intense: Of extreme force, degree, or strength.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Lời lẽ gay gắt: Sharp/acerbic words.
  • Bài xã luận với lời lẽ gay gắt. (An editorial with sharp/acerbic words.)
• Đấu tranh gay gắt: A fierce/bitter struggle.
  • Giai đoạn đấu tranh gay gắt giành độc lập. (The period of fierce struggle for independence.)

adjective

1. blazing hot,
2. heated,
3. severe, sharp, critical