Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Solemn, grave, stern: Describes a serious, dignified, and unsmiling demeanor or appearance, often conveying authority, formality, or deep seriousness. It implies a firm sense of decorum and a lack of frivolity.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Gương mặt ông ấy trông rất nghiêm nghị. (His face looked very solemn.)
  • Thẩm phán đưa ra phán quyết với vẻ nghiêm nghị. (The judge delivered the verdict with a grave demeanor.)
  • Trong buổi lễ truy điệu, không khí thật nghiêm nghị. (The atmosphere was truly solemn during the memorial ceremony.)

Advanced Usage

• "nghiêm nghị lên": to become stern/grave, to adopt a serious tone or expression.
  • Nghe tin đó, anh ấy bỗng nghiêm nghị lên. (Upon hearing that news, he suddenly became very grave.)
• "vẻ nghiêm nghị": a solemn/grave appearance or air.
  • Vẻ nghiêm nghị của ông chủ khiến nhân viên phải cẩn thận. (The boss's stern air made the employees careful.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nghiêm (adj): Strict, severe, rigorous. Often used for rules, discipline, or a serious attitude.
  • giọng nói nghiêm (a stern voice)
• Nghiêm trang (adj): Solemn, dignified, decorous. Often used for ceremonies or formal behavior, sometimes overlapping with but can imply more reverence.
  • buổi lễ nghiêm trang (a solemn ceremony)
• Nghiêm khắc (adj): Strict, harsh, severe. Emphasizes strictness and rigor, often in judgment or discipline.
  • người cha nghiêm khắc (a strict father)

Synonyms

• Trang nghiêm: Solemn, dignified (often for settings or ceremonies).
• Nghiêm túc: Serious, earnest (often for attitude or work).
• Đứng đắn: Proper, decent, respectable.

Antonyms

• Vui vẻ: Cheerful, happy.
• Hài hước: Humorous.
• Thoải mái: Relaxed, easy-going.

1. Having a firm sense of decorum, grave