tẩm nhiễm
Definition
- Verb:
- To imbue gradually / to instill slowly: The process of causing a quality, idea, or habit to be absorbed into someone's character or mind over time, often subtly or imperceptibly.
- To become imbued / to become infused: The process of a person or thing absorbing and being influenced by a particular quality, atmosphere, or habit through prolonged exposure.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Môi trường xung quanh có thể tẩm nhiễm thói quen tốt cho trẻ. (The surrounding environment can gradually instill good habits in children.)
- Anh ấy đã bị tẩm nhiễm tư tưởng bi quan từ nhóm bạn đó. (He became imbued with pessimistic ideas from that group of friends.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in contexts describing the subtle, long-term influence of culture, ideology, or behavior, rather than a single, direct lesson. It carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation, frequently referring to the absorption of negative traits or influences.
Variants and Related Words
- Nhiễm (v): to infect, to be contaminated. This is a stronger, often more direct and medical term compared to the gradual process of "tẩm nhiễm."
- Nhiễm vi-rút (to be infected with a virus).
Synonyms
- Instill: to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude.
- Imbue: to inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality.
- Inculcate: to instill an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction.
Related Idioms
- While "tẩm nhiễm" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, its meaning is conceptually related to the idea of "nước chảy đá mòn" (constant dripping wears away stone), illustrating a slow, persistent influence.