Definition

1. Verb (archaic/literary):
   • To avoid suspicion: To act in a way that prevents others from doubting one's motives or actions, often by deliberately avoiding certain situations or associations.
   • To shun contact due to suspicion: To refrain from having relations with someone because of existing doubts or to prevent the arising of suspicion.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Ông ấy tị hiềm, không dám gặp mặt vị tướng đó. (He avoided suspicion by not daring to meet that general.)
  • Để tị hiềm, bà ấy từ chối mọi món quà. (To avoid suspicion, she refused all gifts.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in classical or formal contexts, often related to historical narratives, politics, or situations requiring extreme diplomatic caution. It describes a proactive, strategic avoidance.

Variants and Related Words

• Hiềm nghi (n): Suspicion, doubt.

  • Mọi hiềm nghi đều đã được giải tỏa. (All suspicions have been cleared.)

• Kỵ hiềm (v): A less common variant with a similar meaning of avoiding suspicion or taboo.

Synonyms

• To avoid suspicion: To act to prevent doubt.
• To steer clear of: To avoid someone or something to prevent trouble.
• To be circumspect: To be wary and unwilling to take risks.

Related Idioms

• Tị hiềm, tị nạn: To avoid suspicion and avoid calamity. This phrase emphasizes avoiding both doubt and danger.
  • Cổ nhân thường phải biết tị hiềm, tị nạn. (The ancients often had to know how to avoid suspicion and calamity.)