lằm lặm
Definition
- Adjective:
- Silently and persistently; doggedly; with quiet determination: Describes the manner of doing something in a persistent, uncomplaining, and often silent way, focusing on the task without being distracted.
- Stubbornly; obstinately: Can imply a degree of stubbornness or single-minded focus on a course of action.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Anh ấy lằm lặm làm việc suốt ngày đêm. (He worked doggedly day and night.)
- Cô ấy lằm lặm theo đuổi mục tiêu của mình. (She pursued her goal with quiet determination.)
- Đứa trẻ lằm lặm ngồi một chỗ không nói. (The child sat stubbornly in one spot without speaking.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often describes a prolonged, steady effort that is not showy or vocal. It carries a nuance of enduring hardship or monotony without protest.
Variants and Related Words
- Lặm (adj): An older or variant form meaning silent, still, or stubborn. "Lằm lặm" is an intensified or reduplicated form of this root.
- Lầm lì (adj): Taciturn, sullen, uncommunicative. Shares the aspect of silence but often with a more negative, sulky connotation.
Synonyms
- Doggedly: With persistent determination.
- Persistently: In a constant and steadfast manner.
- Stubbornly: In an obstinate, unyielding way.
- Tenaciously: Holding fast to something.
Related Idioms
- Lằm lặm như hến: (To be) as silent as a clam; describing someone who is extremely quiet and uncommunicative.
- Sau khi bị mắng, nó ngồi lằm lặm như hến. (After being scolded, he sat as silent as a clam.)