Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Perfectly aligned, perfectly uniform: Describes a series of objects, movements, or formations that are arranged or executed with exact, straight, and even alignment, like the teeth of a comb or soldiers marching in perfect step.
   • Extending very far in a straight, uninterrupted line: Describes something that stretches into the distance in a perfectly straight and seemingly endless manner, such as a long road or row of trees.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Những hàng cây được trồng thẳng tăm tắp. (The rows of trees were planted in perfectly straight lines.)
  • Đội quân bước đi tăm tắp. (The troop marched in perfectly uniform steps.)
  • Con đường chạy tăm tắp về phía chân trời. (The road ran in a dead-straight line toward the horizon.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used with adverbs like "thẳng" (straight) for emphasis: "thẳng tăm tắp".
  • Nhìn thẳng tăm tắp về phía trước. (Look straight ahead without deviation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tắp (adj): An older, rarely used standalone root meaning orderly or aligned, now almost exclusively found in the compound "tăm tắp".

Synonyms

• Perfectly straight
• Uniformly aligned
• In perfect order
• In a dead-straight line

Related Idioms

• Thẳng tăm tắp: An intensified phrase meaning perfectly straight, unwavering, and direct.
  • Anh ấy trả lời thẳng tăm tắp, không quanh co. (He answered directly and unequivocally, without beating around the bush.)