Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Ambiguous; equivocal: Describes speech, writing, or behavior that is deliberately unclear or open to more than one interpretation, often to deceive or avoid commitment.
   • Flickering; indistinct: Describes something, like a light or reflection on water, that appears unsteady, shimmering, or only partially visible.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Ambiguous):
  • Anh ta đưa ra câu trả lời lập lờ. (He gave an ambiguous answer.)
  • Lời hứa lập lờ đó chẳng có giá trị gì. (That equivocal promise is worthless.)
• Adjective (Flickering):
  • Ánh đèn lập lờ trên mặt hồ. (The light flickered on the lake's surface.)
  • Bóng cây lập lờ dưới làn nước. (The tree's shadow was indistinct under the water.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used to criticize a lack of clarity or honesty in communication. It carries a negative connotation of evasion or deceitfulness when referring to statements.
• "lập lờ nước đôi": A common fixed phrase meaning "deliberately ambiguous" or "equivocal," emphasizing the dual, deceptive nature.
  • Chính sách này được diễn giải một cách lập lờ nước đôi. (This policy is explained in a deliberately ambiguous way.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mơ hồ (adj): vague, nebulous. (Less deliberate than "lập lờ").
• Không rõ ràng (adj): unclear, not clear.
• Nước đôi (adj): double-meaning, ambiguous. (Often paired with "lập lờ").

Synonyms

• Equivocal: Allowing multiple interpretations to mislead.
• Ambiguous: Unclear because it can be understood in more than one way.
• Evasive: Tending to avoid giving a direct answer.

Related Idioms

• Lập lờ đánh lận con đen: To use ambiguous language to cheat or swindle someone; to pull a fast one.
  • Tên buôn bán đó lập lờ đánh lận con đen với khách hàng. (That merchant used deceptive ambiguity to cheat customers.)