vô cớ
Definition
Adjective:
- Without reason / groundless: Describes an action, statement, or feeling that lacks a justifiable cause, motive, or provocation.
- Unfounded / baseless: Indicates that something is not based on facts or valid reasons.
Adverb:
- For no reason / without cause: Used to modify a verb, describing that an action was performed arbitrarily or without any apparent justification.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- Anh ấy tức giận vô cớ. (He was angry for no reason.)
- Đó là một lời buộc tội vô cớ. (That is a baseless accusation.)
Adverb:
- Cô ấy khóc vô cớ. (She cried for no reason.)
- Đừng trách mắng trẻ con vô cớ. (Don't scold children without cause.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "vô cớ" is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe unfairness or arbitrariness. It carries a negative connotation, implying criticism of the unjustified action or statement.
Variants and Related Words
Vô lý (adj): irrational, unreasonable.
- Yêu cầu của họ thật vô lý. (Their request is truly unreasonable.)
Vô căn cứ (adj): unfounded, without basis (often used for accusations or information).
- Tin đồn đó hoàn toàn vô căn cứ. (That rumor is completely unfounded.)
Synonyms
- Groundless: Having no foundation or justification.
- Unprovoked: Carried out without any prior cause or aggression.
- Gratuitous: Uncalled for; lacking good reason.
Related Idioms
- While "vô cớ" itself is not typically part of a longer idiom, it is conceptually related to the idea of unjust treatment.
- Bắt bẻ vô cớ: To nitpick or find fault without reason.
- Sếp hay bắt bẻ vô cớ khiến nhân viên căng thẳng. (The boss often nitpicks for no reason, making the staff stressed.)