Definition

1. Adjective/Adverb:
   • To be absorbed in; to be engrossed in: Describes a state of deep, focused, and sustained concentration on a task or activity, often to the point of losing track of time or one's surroundings.
   • To devote oneself to; to apply oneself diligently: Indicates giving one's full effort and attention to a pursuit with persistent dedication.

Usage Examples

• Adjective/Adverb:
  • Anh ấy miệt mài làm việc suốt đêm. (He worked diligently throughout the night.)
  • Cô ấy ngồi miệt mài đọc sách. (She sat absorbed in reading a book.)
  • Nhà nghiên cứu miệt mài trong phòng thí nghiệm. (The researcher devoted himself tirelessly in the laboratory.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often implies a positive, commendable effort and a voluntary, passionate immersion in work or study. It is frequently used in contexts of learning, research, artistic creation, or skilled labor.
• It can describe a prolonged state: (engrossed for hours on end).

Variants and Related Words

• Chuyên tâm (adj): to be single-minded, to concentrate one's mind on.

  • Cậu ấy chuyên tâm học vẽ. (He is single-mindedly dedicated to learning to draw.)

• Say mê (adj/verb): to be passionate about, to be infatuated with.

  • Anh ấy say mê âm nhạc. (He is passionate about music.)

Synonyms

• Engrossed: Having all one's attention or interest absorbed by something.
• Diligent: Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.
• Assiduous: Showing great care and perseverance.
• Absorbed: Very interested in something and not paying attention to anything else.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Miệt mài đèn sách: To be engrossed in study (literally: engrossed with lamp and books). This idiom highlights diligent study, often late into the night.
  • Những năm tháng miệt mài đèn sách cuối cùng cũng được đền đáp. (The years of diligent study were finally rewarded.)

1. to give oneself upto; to devote oneself tọ