lập nghiêm

Anh ấy đứng lập nghiêm trước cờ tổ quốc.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To adopt a solemn, stern, or severe demeanor; to put on a serious and imposing expression or posture. This verb describes the deliberate act of making one's face or body appear very serious, formal, and strict, often to command respect or authority. It implies a composed and rigid bearing.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nghe tin dữ, ông ấy lập tức lập nghiêm. (Upon hearing the bad news, he immediately adopted a stern expression.)
  • Viên sĩ quan lập nghiêm đứng chào khi tướng quân đi qua. (The officer stood at rigid attention and saluted as the general passed by.)
  • Không nên lập nghiêm quá với trẻ con, chúng sẽ sợ. (You shouldn't be too stern with children; they will get scared.)

Advanced Usage

• This word carries a somewhat formal or literary tone and is often used in written Vietnamese or in formal descriptions of demeanor. It describes a conscious, deliberate change in one's appearance to project gravity or authority.

Variants and Related Words

• Nghiêm nghị (adj): Stern, solemn, grave (describing a person's inherent or usual demeanor).
  • Gương mặt nghiêm nghị. (A stern face.)
• Nghiêm trang (adj): Solemn, dignified, decorous (often used for ceremonies or behavior).
  • Bầu không khí nghiêm trang. (A solemn atmosphere.)
• Nghiêm chỉnh (adj): Serious, proper, correct (in attitude or execution).
  • Làm việc một cách nghiêm chỉnh. (To work in a serious/proper manner.)

Synonyms

• Làm ra vẻ nghiêm trang: To put on a solemn air.
• Trịnh trọng hóa: To formalize, to make something ceremonious (can describe behavior).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Mặt mày lập nghiêm: (Idiomatic) To have a face set in a stern expression.
  • Nghe xong câu hỏi, anh ta mặt mày lập nghiêm trả lời. (After hearing the question, his face turned stern as he answered.)