ngơn ngớt
Definition
- Adjective:
- Subsided, abated, lessened in intensity: Describes something, typically a natural phenomenon or a strong state, that has decreased in force or severity but has not stopped completely. It implies a noticeable reduction from a previous peak.
Usage Examples
- (The rain has subsided / let up.)
- (The strong wind gradually abated.)
- (After taking medicine, the headache has lessened.)
Advanced Usage
- "ngơn ngớt" is often used in a comparative or progressive sense with words like "đã" (has), "dần" (gradually), or "một phần nào" (somewhat) to emphasize the process of diminishing.
Variants and Related Words
- Ngớt (v, adj): The root form, meaning to abate, to subside, to die down. "Ngơn ngớt" is a reduplicative form that softens or emphasizes the gradual nature of "ngớt".
- Mưa ngớt hẳn. (The rain has stopped completely / died down.)
Synonyms
- Subside: To become less intense, violent, or severe.
- Abate: To reduce in degree or intensity.
- Let up: To become less strong or stop.
- Diminish: To become or make less.
Notes on Usage
- "Ngơn ngớt" is a descriptive word primarily used for weather conditions (rain, wind, storms), pain, fever, or strong emotions. It is not typically used for countable things or people.
- It carries a nuance of partial relief, indicating the phenomenon is still ongoing but is now more manageable or less severe than before.