lèn lẹt
Definition
- Adjective:
- Dim, faint, or weak (of light): Describes a light source that is not bright, often flickering or barely illuminating.
- Dull, lackluster, or pale (of color): Refers to a color that is not vivid or intense; having a faded or washed-out appearance.
Usage Examples
Adjective (of light):
- Ngọn đèn dầu lèn lẹt trong góc phòng. (The oil lamp flickered dimly in the corner of the room.)
- Ánh sáng lèn lẹt từ cửa sổ không đủ để đọc sách. (The faint light from the window was not enough to read by.)
Adjective (of color):
- Màu sơn đã phai thành một màu lèn lẹt. (The paint has faded to a dull color.)
- Cô ấy mặc chiếc áo màu lèn lẹt, không gây chú ý. (She wore a dress of a pale, lackluster color that didn't attract attention.)
Advanced Usage
- "lèn lẹt" can describe something unimpressive or feeble:
- Bài thuyết trình của anh ấy nghe lèn lẹt, thiếu sức thuyết phục. (His presentation sounded feeble and lacked persuasiveness.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lẹt (adj): A shorter, less common variant with the same core meaning of dim or faint.
- Ngọn lửa lẹt tắt. (The flame died out faintly.)
Synonyms
- Dim: Lacking in brightness.
- Faint: Barely perceptible.
- Pale: Light in color or intensity; lacking strength.
- Flickering: Shining unsteadily.
Related Idioms
- Lèn lẹt như đom đóm: As dim as a firefly. Used to emphasize very weak light.
- Cái đèn pin này hết pin, sáng lèn lẹt như đom đóm. (This flashlight is out of battery; it shines as dimly as a firefly.)