Definition

1. Verb:
   • To imitate servilely; to copy mechanically: To follow or replicate something in a rigid, unthinking manner, without adaptation or consideration of context.
   • To stereotype; to follow a mold: To conform strictly to a pre-existing pattern or model, often resulting in a lack of originality.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Không nên rập khuôn kinh nghiệm của người khác. (One must not imitate servilely others' experience.)
  • Anh ấy chỉ biết rập khuôn những gì được dạy. (He only knows how to copy mechanically what he was taught.)
  • Thiết kế này rập khuôn lối kiến trúc cũ. (This design slavishly imitates the old architectural style.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to criticize a lack of critical thinking or creativity, implying blind adherence.
• Often applied in educational, artistic, professional, or cultural contexts to denote unoriginal replication.

Variants and Related Words

• Rập khuôn máy móc (v): To follow mechanically; an even stronger emphasis on mindless imitation.
  • Học tập rập khuôn máy móc sẽ không có hiệu quả. (Mechanical, slavish learning will not be effective.)

Synonyms

• To ape: To imitate foolishly or servilely.
• To copy blindly: To replicate without understanding.
• To follow slavishly: To obey or imitate in a servile manner.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Học vẹt / Học tủ: Although not direct synonyms, these phrases relate to a similar concept of rote memorization and parroting information without comprehension, often discussed alongside "rập khuôn" in educational criticism.
• Theo khuôn mẫu có sẵn: To follow a ready-made pattern or template.

1. Imitate servilely, ape, copy
   • Không nên rập khuôn kinh nghiệm của người khác
     One must not imitate servilely others' experience