yếm thế
Definition
- Adjective:
- Pessimistic, misanthropic, world-weary: Describes a person, attitude, or philosophy that is weary of the world, holds a negative or cynical outlook on life and human society, often leading to withdrawal or a sense of defeatism. It implies a deep-seated disillusionment.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Ông ấy có cái nhìn rất yếm thế về tương lai. (He has a very pessimistic view of the future.)
- Sau nhiều thất bại, anh ta trở nên yếm thế. (After many failures, he became world-weary.)
- Tư tưởng yếm thế của nhà thơ thể hiện rõ trong thơ ông. (The poet's misanthropic thoughts are clearly expressed in his poetry.)
Advanced Usage
- "lòng yếm thế": A state of pessimism or misanthropy; a pessimistic/misanthropic sentiment.
- Lòng yếm thế khiến anh ta xa lánh mọi người. (Pessimism/Misanthropy makes him avoid people.)
Variants and Related Words
- Yếm (Verb, archaic): To be weary of, to dislike. This is the root component.
- Chán đời (Adjective phrase): World-weary, fed up with life. A common synonym.
- Bi quan (Adjective): Pessimistic. More commonly used for general pessimism rather than a philosophical stance.
Synonyms
- Bi quan: Pessimistic.
- Chán nản: Discouraged, disheartened.
- Misanthropic (English equivalent): Having a dislike or distrust of humankind.
Related Phrases
- Tư tưởng yếm thế: Pessimistic/misanthropic ideology.
- Thái độ yếm thế: A pessimistic attitude.
Notes on Meaning
- Nuance: While "bi quan" is a general term for pessimism, "yếm thế" often carries a stronger, more philosophical, or literary connotation. It suggests a weariness with the state of the world or human nature itself, sometimes associated with the disillusionment of scholars or intellectuals in historical contexts (e.g., - a world-weary Confucian scholar).
- Context: It is frequently used in literary, philosophical, or formal discussions about one's outlook on life and society.
adj
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pessimistic