minh thệ

Minh thệ là lời thề trang trọng và chân thành.

Definition

1. Verb (archaic):
   • To swear a solemn oath: To make a formal and serious promise, often invoking a divine witness or sacred object to guarantee sincerity.
2. Noun (archaic):
   • A solemn oath: The formal, serious, and often ritualistic declaration or promise itself.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Các tướng lĩnh cùng minh thệ trung thành với đất nước. (The generals swore a solemn oath of loyalty to the country.)
• Noun:
  • Lời minh thệ của họ được ghi lại trong sử sách. (Their solemn oath was recorded in the history books.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in historical, literary, or formal contexts. It describes a profound and ceremonial act of swearing, more weighty than casual promises like "hứa" (to promise) or "thề" (to swear/vow).

Variants and Related Words

• Thề (v): to swear, to vow. A more common and general term for making a pledge.
• Lời thề (n): a vow, an oath.
• Tuyên thệ (v): to take an oath (often used in modern official ceremonies, e.g., inauguration).

Synonyms

• To pledge formally: To bind oneself by a solemn promise.
• Solemn vow: A serious and formal promise.

Related Idioms

• Máu minh thệ: (Literally: blood oath) Refers to a pact or brotherhood sealed by a blood oath.
  • Họ kết nghĩa anh em bằng máu minh thệ. (They became sworn brothers through a blood oath.)