Definition

1. Adverb:

   • Imperturbably, unruffled: Describes maintaining calmness and composure, continuing as normal without being disturbed or flustered, even when an unexpected or startling event occurs.
   • Without any fuss, without ceremony: Describes acting in a straightforward, natural, or uninhibited manner, as if something is one's due or is perfectly normal, without making a special issue or formality about it.

2. Adverb (extended usage):

   • As a matter of course, as if by right: Describes accepting, receiving, or enjoying something (often a benefit, position, or inheritance) in a manner that appears natural and unquestioned, but which may not have been rightfully earned or worked for.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Đang nói chuyện có tiếng nổ to nhưng vẫn nghiễm nhiên nói tiếp. (There was a loud explosion while he was talking, but he carried on imperturbably.)
  • Đến chơi nhà bạn đang có giỗ, cứ nghiễm nhiên ngồi vào ăn cỗ. (He dropped in on a friend who was holding a death anniversary feast and, without any fuss, just sat down to partake.)
  • Nghiễm nhiên nhận gia tài của người chú. (He received his uncle's inheritance as a matter of course.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a subtle nuance depending on context. It can be neutral, describing genuine composure. However, it can also imply a critical view of someone's behavior as being overly nonchalant, presumptuous, or entitled.
  • Cháy nhà hàng xóm mà vẫn nghiễm nhiên trò chuyện cười đùa. (The neighbor's house was on fire, yet he kept chatting and laughing, completely unruffled.) This may imply a negative judgment on his indifference.

Variants and Related Words

• Bình thản (adj): calm, placid. Focuses on an inner state of peace.
• Tự nhiên (adj/adv): natural, naturally. Lacks the specific connotations of composure amid disturbance or presumptuous entitlement.
• Vô tư (adj): carefree, unconcerned. Emphasizes a lack of worry rather than maintained composure.

Synonyms

• Imperturbably: incapable of being upset or agitated.
• Unruffled: calm and not disturbed.
• As a matter of course: treated as normal or routine.
• Without ceremony: in a casual, informal way.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• While "nghiễm nhiên" itself is an adverb used in phrases, it is key in constructing descriptions of presumptuous behavior.
  • Hành xử một cách nghiễm nhiên: to behave as if it were one's natural right.
  • Cứ nghiễm nhiên mà...: to just (do something) without a second thought or without asking.

1. Unruffed, Imperturbable
   • Đang nói chuyện có tiếng nổ to nhưng vẫn nghiễm nhiên nói tiếp
     To carry on imperturbably one's talk despite a big explosion
2. Without any trouble, without any fuss, without much ado
   • Đến chơi nhà bạn đang có giỗ, cứ nghiễm nhiên ngồi vào ăn cỗ
     To partake of a feast without any fuss after dropping in on a friend who is commemorating a death anniversary