lờ lững
Definition
- Adjective:
- Indecisive; irresolute: Describes a person's character or temperament that is hesitant, unable to make firm decisions, or lacking in resolve.
- Vague; inactive; lacking initiative: Describes a state of being mentally or physically sluggish, unproductive, or not actively engaged in work or activity.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Tính nết lờ lững. (An indecisive character.)
- Lờ lững suốt ngày chẳng chịu làm gì. (He was inactive all day, refusing to do anything.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often describes a persistent trait or state, not a momentary condition. It implies a criticism of someone's lack of drive or decisiveness.
Variants and Related Words
- Lờ mờ (adj): Dim, vague, unclear (often visually or conceptually). While similar in sound, "lờ mờ" typically refers to obscurity rather than indecisiveness.
- Lững thững (adv): To stroll or walk slowly and leisurely. This is a different word describing a slow pace of movement.
Synonyms
- Indecisive: Not able to make decisions quickly.
- Irresolute: Showing or feeling hesitancy; uncertain.
- Inactive: Not engaging in activity; idle.
- Lackadaisical: Lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy.
Related Idioms
- While "lờ lững" itself is not commonly part of a fixed idiom, its meaning aligns with phrases describing idleness or indecision, such as:
- Ở không chẳng chịu làm gì: To idle about, refusing to do any work.