sờ sẫm
Definition
- Verb:
- To grope, to feel around blindly: The primary meaning of "sờ sẫm" is to use one's hands to touch or search for something in a hesitant, uncertain, or clumsy manner, typically because one cannot see or is in the dark. It describes a fumbling, exploratory action.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Trời tối quá, tôi phải sờ sẫm tìm công tắc đèn. (It's too dark; I have to grope around to find the light switch.)
- Đứa bé sờ sẫm những món đồ trên bàn. (The child fumbled with the items on the table.)
- Ông cụ sờ sẫm bước đi trong hành lang tối. (The old man groped his way down the dark corridor.)
Advanced Usage
- Used figuratively: Can describe attempting to understand or deal with something complex or unclear without sufficient knowledge or guidance.
- Anh ấy đang sờ sẫm tìm hướng đi cho công việc mới. (He is fumbling around, trying to find a direction for his new job.)
Variants and Related Words
- Sờ soạng: A direct synonym with identical meaning and usage (to grope, to fumble).
- Rờ rẫm: A regional variant with the same meaning (to grope, to feel around), as noted in the reference dictionaries.
- Mò mẫm: To grope or feel one's way; often used interchangeably but can imply a slightly more active search.
Synonyms
- Mò: To feel for, to grope for.
- Dò dẫm: To proceed cautiously by feeling one's way, often used both literally and figuratively.
Notes on Meaning
- Nuance: "Sờ sẫm" strongly conveys a sense of uncertainty, lack of visual guidance, and clumsy tactile exploration. It is not a precise or confident action.
- Context: Most commonly used in contexts involving darkness, blindness, or unfamiliarity with objects or spaces. The figurative use extends this idea to abstract concepts like plans or understanding.
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như sờ soạng
