Definition

Adjective: - Eminent, outstanding, surpassing all others: "Quán thế" describes a person or personality that is exceptionally distinguished, superior, and towers above contemporaries. It conveys a sense of being the best or most prominent of one's time. - (Archaic): This term is considered literary and is rarely used in modern, everyday Vietnamese.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nhân vật quán thế. (An eminent / towering personality.)
  • Vị tướng tài ba được coi là bậc anh hùng quán thế. (The talented general was considered an eminent hero.)
  • Tài năng của ông ấy thật sự quán thế. (His talent is truly outstanding, surpassing all others.)

Advanced Usage Notes

• Literary and Historical Context: "Quán thế" is primarily found in historical narratives, classical literature, or formal writing to describe legendary heroes, supreme leaders, or unparalleled geniuses of a past era. Its usage in contemporary speech would sound very formal or poetic.
• Nuance of Comparison: The term inherently contains a comparative meaning ("quán" implies dominating or encompassing; "thế" means the world or era). It doesn't just mean "excellent" but "the most excellent of the time."

Variants and Related Words

• Siêu quần (adj): Surpassing the crowd, pre-eminent. (e.g., - Pre-eminent talent.)
• Xuất chúng (adj): Outstanding, excellent, distinguished. (More common in modern usage than "quán thế".)
• Lỗi lạc (adj): Brilliant, eminent, illustrious. (Often used for intellectual or moral eminence.)

Synonyms

• Kiệt xuất: Extraordinary, exceptional.
• Vĩ đại: Great, monumental. (Has a broader, sometimes grander scope.)
• Ưu tú: Excellent, elite. (Less intense than "quán thế".)

Antonyms

• Tầm thường: Ordinary, mediocre.
• Bình thường: Normal, average.

Related Idioms and Classical References

• "Anh hùng quán thế": An eminent/peerless hero. This is the most common collocation, often used to describe historical military or revolutionary leaders.
• The term reflects a classical East Asian literary tradition of praising individuals who dominate their age, similar to concepts in Chinese classical texts.

1. (từ cũ) Tower above others, be eminent
   • Nhân vật quán thế
     An eminent personality