Definition

1. Noun:

   • Deep-seated enmity or grudge: A persistent and bitter feeling of hatred or ill will, often resulting from a past wrong or injury. It implies a long-standing, mutual hostility.
   • Feud: A state of prolonged and bitter mutual hostility, often between families, groups, or individuals.

2. Verb (less common):

   • To harbor a deep grudge: To hold onto feelings of bitter resentment or hatred against someone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Hai gia đình đó có mối thù hiềm từ nhiều đời. (Those two families have a deep-seated feud spanning many generations.)
  • Anh ta nhìn tôi với ánh mắt đầy thù hiềm. (He looked at me with eyes full of enmity.)
• Verb:
  • Họ thù hiềm nhau vì một chuyện hiểu lầm ngày xưa. (They harbor a deep grudge against each other because of a misunderstanding long ago.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "thù hiềm" often describes a formal, serious, and historically rooted hostility, more intense than a simple disagreement. It is commonly used in literary, historical, or formal contexts.

Variants and Related Words

• Thù hằn (n/v): Similar to "thù hiềm," meaning deep hatred or resentment. It can sometimes sound even more intense and personal.
• Mối thù (n): The feud or the enmity itself.
• Hiềm khích (n): Resentment, ill feeling, often slightly less intense than "thù hiềm."

Synonyms

• Enmity: The state of being actively opposed or hostile.
• Grudge: A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury.
• Feud: A prolonged and bitter quarrel or state of hostility.
• Animosity: Strong hostility.
• Rancor: Bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing.

Related Idioms

• Hận thù chất chồng: To have piled-up hatred and enmity; to harbor accumulated grievances.
  • Mâu thuẫn lâu năm khiến hận thù chất chồng. (Years of conflict have led to piled-up enmity.)
• Giải mối thù hiềm: To resolve a feud.
  • Hai bên đã ngồi lại để giải mối thù hiềm. (The two sides sat down to resolve their feud.)