Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Abject, ignoble, base: Describes a person, action, or behavior that is morally low, contemptible, and lacking in dignity or honor. It implies a complete lack of principles or decency.
   • Despicable, vile: Expresses strong moral condemnation for something considered utterly shameful and dishonorable.

Usage Examples

• Adjective: (Cheating the elderly is a despicable act.) (He is an ignoble person, ready to betray friends for money.) (Taking advantage of others' kindness is a base thing to do.)

Advanced Usage

• "sự đê tiện": The state or quality of being base/ignoble; baseness, ignobility. Sự đê tiện trong lời nói của anh ta khiến mọi người kinh tởm. (The baseness in his words disgusted everyone.)

• "một cách đê tiện": In a base/despicable manner. Hắn đã chiếm đoạt tài sản một cách đê tiện. (He seized the property in a despicable manner.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đê hèn (adj): Synonymous with , meaning lowly, base, vile.
• Hèn hạ (adj): Mean, low, cowardly (often overlaps in meaning with but can emphasize cowardice).
• Thấp hèn (adj): Lowly, inferior (can refer to social status or moral character).

Synonyms

• Hèn mạt: Wretched, mean.
• Đốn mạt: Degenerate, depraved.
• Bỉ ổi: Sordid, dirty (often used for morally repulsive actions).

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Strong Pejorative Term: is a very strong word of moral judgment and insult. It is used to express extreme contempt and should be used cautiously.
• Focus on Character/Behavior: It primarily describes a person's inherent moral character or a specific action that reveals such a character. It is not typically used for situations or objects unless personified.
• Difference from "xấu xa": While (evil, wicked) is also negative, carries a stronger connotation of being beneath contempt, lacking any redeeming dignity or honor.

1. Abject, ignoble