Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Completely engrossed; deeply absorbed: Describes a state of being so intensely focused on or captivated by an activity, thought, or object that one loses awareness of time or surroundings.
   • Passionately devoted; fervently engaged: Indicates a deep, passionate involvement in a pursuit, often to the point of obsession.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy mê mải đọc sách cả đêm. (He was completely engrossed in reading all night.)
  • Cô ấy làm việc một cách mê mải. (She works with passionate devotion.)
  • Bọn trẻ mê mải chơi trò chơi điện tử. (The children are deeply absorbed in playing video games.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used with verbs to describe the manner of an action, forming adverbial phrases (e.g., = to work engrossedly).
• It can describe a prolonged, uninterrupted state of focus or fascination.

Variants and Related Words

• Mê (adj/v): To be infatuated with, fascinated by, or addicted to something. It is the root word and often implies a stronger sense of irrational attraction or addiction.

  • Anh ta mê cờ bạc. (He is addicted to gambling.)

• Say mê (adj/v): To be passionate about, enthralled by. Similar to "mê mải" but can sometimes imply a more romantic or idealistic passion.

  • Cô ấy say mê âm nhạc. (She is passionate about music.)

Synonyms

• Engrossed: Having all one's attention or interest absorbed by something.
• Absorbed: Very interested in something and not paying attention to anything else.
• Preoccupied: Engrossed in thought; distracted.
• Rapt: Completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing.
• Fervent: Having or displaying a passionate intensity.

Related Idioms

• Mê mải đến quên ăn quên ngủ: To be so engrossed as to forget to eat and sleep.
  • Nhà phát minh mê mải nghiên cứu đến quên ăn quên ngủ. (The inventor was so engrossed in his research that he forgot to eat and sleep.)