Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Slow, sluggish, unhurried: Describes a movement or flow that is very slow, gentle, and without haste.
   • Lukewarm, indifferent, noncommittal: Describes an attitude, expression, or feeling that is half-hearted, lacking enthusiasm, or showing little interest.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Slow movement):
  • Nước chảy lững lờ trong con sông đào. (The water was flowing sluggishly in the canal.)
  • Thời gian trôi lững lờ. (Time passes slowly.)
• Adjective (Indifferent attitude):
  • Thái độ lững lờ. (A tepid/lukewarm attitude.)
  • Vẻ mặt lững lờ. (An indifferent expression.)

Advanced Usage

• "lững lờ trôi": to drift slowly, to flow sluggishly.
  • Chiếc thuyền lững lờ trôi theo dòng nước. (The boat drifted slowly along with the current.)
• Used to create a poetic or descriptive atmosphere, often depicting scenes of nature or states of mind.

Variants and Related Words

• Lờ đờ (adj): sluggish, lethargic (often describing a person's physical or mental state).
• Thong thả (adj): leisurely, unhurried (generally positive connotation).
• Thờ ơ (adj): indifferent, apathetic (stronger negative connotation regarding lack of care).

Synonyms

• Chậm chạp: slow.
• Hờ hững: indifferent, negligent.
• Ửng ờ: half-hearted, indecisive.

Notes on Meaning

The word "lững lờ" uniquely combines two nuances: 1. Physical Slowness: A visual, tangible slowness, often applied to natural elements like water, time, or movement. 2. Emotional Coolness: An abstract slowness or lack of warmth in attitude, demeanor, or response. This makes it a versatile word for describing both external scenes and internal states.

1. Sluggish
   • Nước chảy lững lờ trong con sông đào
     The water was flowing slkewarm
   • Thái độ lững lờ
     a tepid attiude