Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Towering, lofty, and majestic: Describes something, typically a large natural formation or a structure, that stands very tall, upright, and imposing, often inspiring awe due to its size and prominence.
   • Standing defiantly or unabashedly: Describes a person or figure standing boldly and conspicuously in front of others, often with an air of defiance, insolence, or unashamed presence.

2. Adverb:

   • In a towering/lofty manner: Used to describe the way something stands tall and majestic.
   • In a defiantly upright manner: Used to describe the way someone stands boldly and unabashedly.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Một ngọn núi đá sừng sững phía xa. (A rocky mountain towered majestically in the distance.)
  • Mụ chủ nhà sừng sững trước mặt nó. (The landlady stood defiantly before him/her.)

• Adverb:

  • Cột đá ấy đứng sừng sững giữa trời. (That stone pillar stands loftily against the sky.)
  • Hắn đứng sừng sững không chịu nhúc nhích. (He stood defiantly, refusing to budge.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a connotation of immovability, permanence, and striking visual impact. It is frequently used in literary and descriptive contexts.
• When applied to people, it usually implies a challenging, obstructive, or shameless stance.

Variants and Related Words

• Sững (adj, adv): A root form meaning to be stunned or motionless, contributing to the sense of fixed, unmoving presence in "sừng sững".

Synonyms

• Towering: Very high and imposing.
• Lofty: Of imposing height.
• Majestic: Having grandeur and dignity.
• Defiant: Showing bold resistance.
• Awe-inspiring: Evoking admiration and wonder.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Đứng sừng sững: This is the most common collocation, meaning "to stand toweringly" or "to stand defiantly."
  • Tượng đài đứng sừng sững trong quảng trường. (The monument stands tall and majestic in the square.)

adj, adv statly, high and majestic