Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Hesitant; indecisive; irresolute: Describes a state of wavering, being unable or unwilling to make a firm decision or take clear action. It implies a lack of decisiveness and positive commitment.
   • Ambiguous; non-committal; neither here nor there: Describes something that is vague, unclear, or deliberately avoids taking a definite side or position.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy có thái độ lừng chừng trước lời đề nghị. (He has a hesitant attitude towards the offer.)
  • Câu trả lời lừng chừng của cô ấy khiến mọi người bối rối. (Her ambiguous answer confused everyone.)
  • Đừng lừng chừng nữa, hãy đưa ra quyết định đi! (Don't hesitate any longer, make a decision!)

Advanced Usage

• The word "lừng chừng" often carries a negative connotation, criticizing a lack of resolve or clarity. It is frequently used to describe behavior, attitudes, answers, or policies.

Variants and Related Words

• Do dự (v): to hesitate, to waver.

  • Cô ấy do dự một lúc trước khi đồng ý. (She hesitated for a moment before agreeing.)

• Chần chừ (v): to delay, to procrastinate, to be slow in deciding.

  • Anh ấy chần chừ không chịu ký hợp đồng. (He procrastinated and refused to sign the contract.)

Synonyms

• Hesitant: showing indecision or uncertainty.
• Indecisive: not able to make decisions quickly and effectively.
• Wishy-washy: lacking in strength of character or purpose; feeble and ineffective.
• Non-committal: not expressing or revealing commitment to a definite opinion or course of action.

Related Idioms

• Nước đôi: (literally "double water") meaning ambiguous, equivocal.

  • Lời nói nước đôi (Ambiguous speech)

• Ở giữa: (literally "in the middle") meaning to be neutral or undecided.

  • Anh ta cứ ở giữa, không về phe nào. (He keeps staying in the middle, not siding with anyone.)