Definition

1. Verb:
   • To wither; to wilt: To become dry, shriveled, and lifeless, typically due to a lack of water or vitality. This is most commonly used for plants, flowers, or leaves.
   • To fade; to shrivel: To lose freshness, vigor, or vitality, often used metaphorically to describe a person's appearance, emotions, or spirit becoming worn or diminished.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Những bông hoa khô héo trong cái nắng mùa hè. (The flowers withered in the summer heat.)
  • Sau trận hạn hán, cả cánh đồng trở nên khô héo. (After the drought, the entire field became withered.)
  • Đôi mắt bà trông khô héo vì buồn phiền. (Her eyes looked faded from sorrow.)

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: "Khô héo" is often used to describe abstract concepts losing their vitality.
  • Hy vọng trong lòng anh dần khô héo. (The hope in his heart gradually withered.)
  • Tình cảm của họ đã khô héo theo năm tháng. (Their affection has faded over the years.)

Variants and Related Words

• Héo (verb): to wilt, to droop. Often used together with "khô" for emphasis.
  • Rau bị héo vì để lâu ngoài nắng. (The vegetables wilted because they were left in the sun.)
• Khô cằn (adjective): arid, barren (often for land); dried up, infertile.
  • Vùng đất khô cằn không thể trồng trọt. (The arid land cannot be cultivated.)

Synonyms

• Wither: to become dry and shriveled.
• Wilt: to become limp and drooping, especially in plants.
• Fade: to lose freshness, vigor, or vitality.
• Shrivel: to contract and wrinkle due to loss of moisture.

Related Idioms

• Khô héo cả ruột gan: (lit., withered liver and intestines) An idiom expressing extreme anxiety, worry, or heartbreak.
  • Chờ đợi tin con, bà cứ khô héo cả ruột gan. (Waiting for news of her child, she was sick with worry.)

verb

1. to fade; to wilt; to wither