Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Hesitant, indecisive, wavering: Describes a state of being unsure, unable to make a decision promptly, or showing reluctance to commit to a course of action.
   • Dilly-dallying, procrastinating: Refers to the act of delaying or wasting time instead of acting decisively.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy vẫn còn lừng khừng chưa chấp nhận lời mời. (He is still hesitant and hasn't accepted the invitation yet.)
  • Đừng lừng khừng nữa, hãy đưa ra quyết định đi. (Don't dilly-dally anymore, make a decision.)
  • Thái độ lừng khừng của cô ấy khiến mọi người sốt ruột. (Her wavering attitude made everyone impatient.)

Advanced Usage

• "lừng khà lừng khừng": This is a reduplicative form (từ láy) that intensifies the meaning, indicating a stronger degree of hesitation or procrastination.
  • Nó cứ lừng khà lừng khừng mãi không chịu đi. (He kept dilly-dallying around and wouldn't go.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lừng chừng: A near-synonym with a very similar meaning of hesitation or delay.
  • Anh ta lừng chừng ở cửa một lúc rồi mới bước vào. (He hesitated at the door for a moment before entering.)

Synonyms

• Do dự: To hesitate, to be indecisive.
• Chần chừ: To delay, to procrastinate.
• Ngập ngừng: To falter, to hesitate (often in speech or movement).

Notes on Different Meanings

The word "lừng khừng" primarily functions as an adjective describing a state of mind or behavior. It does not have significantly different meanings across contexts but consistently conveys hesitation, indecision, or delay.

1. Hesitate, dilly-dally, waver
   • lừng khà lừng khừng (láy, ý tăng)