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779 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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louer |
rent |
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ramplir |
fill out |
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poigner |
handle |
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abîmer |
Definition: to damage, ruin, spoil Même une goutte d'eau peut abîmer la soie - Even a drop of water can ruin silk Si tu continues à conduire comme ça tu vas abîmer le moteur - If you keep driving like that you're going to damage the motor. (familiar) to beat up Related: s'abîmer - to get damaged, go bad, spoil un abîme - abyss abîme (adj) - ruined, damaged, spoiled |
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abonner
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Definition: to subscribe, to buy a season ticket for (someone else)Mes parents m'ont abonné à trois journaux - My parents took out subscriptions to three newspapers for me.s'abonner - to subscribe, to buy a season ticket for (oneself)Nous allons nous abonner au ballet - We're going to buy season tickets for the ballet.Related:un abonnement - subscription, season ticketabonné (adj) - subscribedun(e) abonné(e) - subscriber, season ticket holder
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aborder
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Definition: to reach, arrive at; approach (a person), start up, take onAprès trois heures, nous avons enfin abordé le rivage - After three hours, we finally reached the shore.Un chasseur de têtes m'a abordé aujourd'hui - A head hunter approached me today.Abordons ce projet ensemble - Let's take this project on together.Related:les abords (m noun) - surroundings, outskirtsabordable (adj) - reasonable, affordableabordage - attacking
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aboutir
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Definition: to succeed; to end upNos efforts n'ont pas abouti - Our efforts have failed.Jeanne a fait aboutir son projet - Jeanne brought her project to success.Cette conversation est stupide ; elle aboutit au désespoir - This conversation is stupid; it only leads to despair.Related:un aboutissement - outcome
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abracadabrant
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Definition: (adj) - incredible, preposterousHier, je me suis trouvé dans une situation abracadabrante. - Yesterday I found myself in a preposterous situation.Ces idées sont un peu abracadabrantes - These ideas are a bit far-fetched.
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un abrégé
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Definition: summary, synopsis, short guideJe dois écrire un abrégé de ce livre avant demain - I have to write a summary of this book by tomorrow.C'est un abrégé de la Révolution française - It's a short/concise guide to the French Revolution.Related:en abrégé - in brief, a nutshell, miniature; to make a long story short
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un abri
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Definition: shelter, refugeIl y a un abri antiatomique à la bibliothèque - There's a fallout shelter at the library.À l'abri ! - Take cover!This word is used both literally and figuratively:un abri fiscal - tax shelterIl faut mettre les tableaux à l'abri du vol - We need to put the paintings in a safe place (somewhere where thieves won't find them).Related:abriter - to shelter
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abrutir
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Definition: to exhaust, to deaden one's mindCe cours m'abrutit - This class wipes me out.Elle abrutit ses enfants de travail - She works her kids silly, She works her kids until they are exhausted.Il s'abrutit à regarder la télé - He's becoming mindless by watching too much TV.Related:abruti (adj) - stunned, dazed, stupefied, idioticun abruti (inf) - idiot, moronabrutissant (adj) - stunning, thought-destroyingabrutissement (m noun) - exhaustion, mindless state
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accablant
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Definition: (adj) - exhausting, oppressive, overwhelmingJe ne peux plus travailler ; la chaleur est accablante ! - I can't work any more; the heat is oppressive!Il a trouvé tous ces détails accablants - He found all of these details overwhelmingRelated:accablement (m) - despondency, depression, exhaustionaccabler - to overwhelm, overcome, condemn
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accoter
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Definition: to lean, restAccote le balai contre le mur - Lean the broom against the wallIl a accoté son bras sur mes épaules - He rested his arm on my shouldersRelated:s'accoter - to lean, rest (oneself)un accotement - shoulder (of a road or railroad), bermun accotoir - armrest, headrest
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accro
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Definition: (informal adj) - hooked, addictedLe protagoniste est accro à l'héroïne - The protagonist is addicted to heroinJe suis accro au chocolat - I'm hooked on chocolateun accro - addictIl est accro du ski - He's a skiing addictHomophone - un accroc (tear, blot)
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un accroc
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Definition: tear; breach, infringementIl y a un accroc dans ce tissu - There's a tear in this fabricC'est un accroc à notre règlement - That's a breach of our regulations(figurative) blot; tear, hitchIl n'a aucun accroc à sa réputation - He doesn't have a single blot on his reputationOn l'a fait sans accroc - We did it without a hitchHomophone - un accro (addict)
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un accrochage
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Definition: collision, fender-bender; skirmish, clash; coupling, hitching; (picture) hanging; (boxing) clinchJ'ai eu un accrochage ce matin - I got into a fender-bender this morningQu'est-ce qui a causé cet accrochage militaire ? - What caused this military skirmish?Ce musée a un bel accrochage de peintures - This museum has a nice display of paintingsRelated:accrocher - to hang (up), to couple/hitch, to catch, to bump into/hitsaccroché (adj) - hookedune accroche - (publicity) lead-in, catch phraseaccroché (adj) - resolute, catchy, attention-grabbing
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une accroche
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Definition: lead-in, catch phrase, headlineJe n'ai pas encore trouvé une bonne accroche pour ce produit - I haven't found a good catch phrase for this product yet.As-tu vu l'accroche à la une aujourd'hui ? - Did you see today's (front page) headline?Related:accrocher - to hang, hitch; to stick, jam; to catch onaccrochage (masc) - collision, fender-bender, hangingaccroché (adj) - hookedaccrocheur (adj) - resolute, catchy, striking
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acharnement
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Definition: (m noun) - fierceness, fury, determinationSon acharnement au travail est extraordinaire - His determination at work is amazing.Mes frères se battent avec acharnement. - My brothers fight relentlessly.Related:s'acharner - to go at fiercely and unrelentinglyacharné (adj) - fierce, relentless, determinedacharnement thérapeutique - using life support to keep someone alive
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actif
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Definition: (m noun) - assets, creditsNotre actif dépasse 30 millions de dollars - Our assets are more than $30 million.(adj) - activeIl est actif en politique locale - He's active in local politicsAntonym: le passif - liabilities
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affadir
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Definition: to make tasteless, dull, uninteresting, colorlessTrop d'eau va affadir le potage - Too much water will make the soup tasteless.Cette chemise blanche affadit ton visage - That white shirt makes your face look pallid.Related:l'affadissement - loss of flavor, weakening, dulling
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affaler
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Definition: (nautical) to lower, pull downSavez-vous affaler la voile ? - Do you know how to pull down the sail?s'affalerto collapse, fall, slumpIl vient de s'affaler sur le canapé - He just collapsed on the sofa.Related:affalement (m) - collapse, slump
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afficher
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Definition: to post, display, flauntJ'ai affiché un message dans le forum - I posted a message in the forum.Défense d'afficher - Post no bills.Mon ordi n'affiche pas ces images - My computer won't display these images.Elle affiche sa beauté - She flaunts her beauty.Related:une fiche - card, formune affiche - public notice, posterune affichette - small public noticeun afficheur - billposter, displayun affichiste - poster designer, artist
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affliger
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Definition: to distress, grieve, afflictElle est toujours affligée par sa perte - She is still distressed by her loss.Il a été affligé par une maladie grave à 13 ans - He was afflicted by a serious illness at the age of 13.
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affoler
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Definition: to terrify, throw into a panicJe suis affolé par ce type de responsabilité - I'm terrified by this kind of responsibility.Le coup de téléphone a affolé mes parents - The phone call threw my parents into a panic.Related:s'affoler - to lose one's head, panicaffolant (adj) - frightening, disturbingaffolé (adj) - panic-strickenaffolement (m noun) - panic
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affronter
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Definition: to confront, face, braveUn jour, vous devrez affronter votre adversaire - One day, you will have to face your adversaryNous avons affronté le mauvais temps pour aller louer un DVD - We braved the bad weather to go rent a DVDRelated:un affront - insultun affrontement - confrontation
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affubler
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Definition: to wear (especially something strange)Il s'est affublé d'un vieux chapeau - He is wearing an old hatTu as vu cette fille affublée d'une robe toute déchirée ? - Did you see that girl wearing a torn dress?Expression: affubler d'un sobriquet - to attach a nickname (to someone)
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agréger
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Definition: to aggregate, incorporateL'Alliance française agrège les Francophiles à son groupe - The Alliance française incorporates Francophiles into its group.Related: agrégation (f) - the highest competitive exam for teachers in Franceagrèg - abbreviation of agrégationun agrégatif - candidate for the agrégationagrégé (adj) - holder of the agrégation (qualified to teach high school)un agrégat - aggregate, mishmash
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aigre
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Definition: (adj) sour (taste), sharp, shrill (sound), bitter, biting (weather), cutting, harsh (remark)Je pense que ce lait est aigre - I think this milk is sourUn de mes étudiants a une voix très aigre - One of my students has a very shrill voiceJe déteste ce vent aigre - I hate this bitter windIl ne faut pas faire de remarques si aigres - You shouldn't make such harsh comments
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alambiqué
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Definition: (adj) - convoluted, involved, obsureMarcel Proust est le maître de la prose alambiquée - Marcel Proust is the master of convoluted textJe n'aime pas les films alambiqués - I don't like obscure movies
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les aléas
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Definition: (masc plural noun) unknown factors, uncertainties, potential risksC'est très cher, sans compter tous les aléas - It's very expensive, not to mention all of the uncertaintiesCe sont les aléas de la vie - These things happenRelated:aléatoire (adj) - uncertain, risky, randomaléatoirement (adv) - randomly
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aléatoire
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Definition: (adj) uncertain, risky, randomNotre succès est bien aléatoire - Our success is very uncertainQuelles sont les variables aléatoires ? - What are the random variables?Related:aléatoirement (adv) - randomly
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alléchant
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Definition: (adj) - mouth-watering, tempting, enticingJe sens quelque chose d'alléchant - I smell something mouth-watering.C'est une offre alléchante, mais... - It's a tempting offer, but...Related:allécher - to make one's mouth water, to tempt, enticealléché - tempted, enticed
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allègement
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Definition: (m noun) lightening, reduction, reliefL'allègement de personnel nous permettra de me faire face à nos problèmes financiers - A reduction in personnel will allow us to deal with our financial problemsIls cherchent un allègement fiscal - They are seeking tax relief.Alternate spelling: allégementRelated:léger (adj) - lightalléger - to lighten
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alourdir
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Definition: to weigh/load down, to make heavyMa voiture est alourdie par des livres - My car is weighed down with books.Son parfum alourdit l'air - The air is heavy with her perfume.Related:s'alourdir - to become heavyalourdissement - increased weight, heaviness
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un amateur
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Definition: amateur, lover ofJe suis un photographe amateur - I'm an amateur photographerIl est amateur d'art - He's an art loverRelated:amateurisme (masc) - amateurism, amateurishnessaimer - to like, love
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aménagement
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Definition: (masc noun) - conversion, fitting-out, laying-out, development, adjustment, making, buildingL'aménagement de la grange en maison a coûté très cher - The conversion of the barn into a house was very expensiveAvez-vous fini le plan d'aménagement ? - Have you finished the development plan?On va devoir demander des aménagements d'horaire - We're going to have to request some adjustments to the scheduleRelated:aménagements - facilitieaménageable (adj) - flexible, suitable for conversionaménager - to fit/lay out, develop, adjustun aménageur - city/town planner
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une ampleur
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Definition: fullness, liberalness, opulence; scale, extentL'ampleur des dégâts est incroyable - The extent of the damage is incredible.J'aime l'ampleur de son style - I like his liberal style.Il faut donner plus d'ampleur à sa chemise - We need to give more fullness to his shirt (make his shirt bigger).Related:ample (adj) - full, roomyamplement (adv) - fully, amplyune amplification - development, accentuationamplifier - to develop, expand
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anéantir
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Definition: to annihilate, wipe out, destroy; to overwhelm, overcome, wear outL'armée a anéanti trois villes en quinze jours - The army wiped out three towns in two weeksTrop de chaleur m'anéantit - Too much heat overwhelms meIl a été anéanti par le chagrin - He was overcome with griefRelated:anéantissement (m noun) - annihilation, destruction, exhaustion
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une anicroche
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Definition: (informal) - hitch, snag, problemNous avons réussi sans anicroche(s) - We succeeded without a hitchIl y a eu deux ou trois petites anicroches - There were two or three little snagsRelated:accrocher - to snag, catch
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un annuaire
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Definition: phone book, directory; link directoryIl faut chercher un resto dans les pages jaunes de l'annuaire, ou en ligne - You need to look for a restaurant in the Yellow Pages directory, or online.Quel est le meilleur annuaire ? - What's the best link directory (the best website that organizes internet links)?
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anonymat
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Definition: (m noun) - anonymityVous devez assurer son anonymat - You need to ensure his anonymityJe l'ai fait sous le couvert de l'anonymat - I did it anonymouslyA-t-elle gardé son anonymat ? - Did she remain anonymous?Related:anonyme (adj) - anonymousanonymement (adv) - anonymously
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apaiser
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Definition: to calm down, appease, sootheSa voix a apaisé le chien - His voice calmed the dog downL'allaitement maternel apaise la mère et l'enfant - Breast-feeding soothes both mother and childRelated:apaisé (adj) - soothed, calmed, appeasedapaisant (adj) - soothing, concialiatoryapaisement (m noun) - appeasement, reassurance, relief
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apprêter
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Definition: (painting) to primeJ'ai déjà apprêté le mur - I've already primed the wall.s'apprêter - to get/be prepared; to get ready to do somethingEst-ce qu'elle s'apprête pour la fête ? - Is she getting ready for the party?Je m'apprêtais à partir - I was just getting ready to leave.
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apprivoiser
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Definition: to tame, domesticate, make more sociableJe ne puis pas jouer avec toi, dit le renard. Je ne suis pas apprivoisé."I can't play with you," said the fox. "I'm not tame." (Le Petit Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)Sa fille est sauvage ; elle devrait être apprivoisée - His daughter is wild; she should be made (taught to be) more sociableRelated:l'apprivoisement (m) - tamingapprivoisable (adj) - tameable
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un appui
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Definition: supportJ'ai trouvé un appui dans cette organisation - I found support at this organization.Il a cherché un appui auprès de sa sœur - He turned to his sister for support.Nous avons l'appui de l'école - We have the school's support.Il a des chiffres à l'appui de son idée - He has figures in support of his idea.Related:appuyer - to lean, to press, to supportappuyé (adj) - fixed, intent, emphatic, overdone, labored
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ardoise
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Definition: (fem) slateIl vient d'installer une allée en ardoise - He just installed a slate path(inf) unpaid billJ'ai encore beaucoup d'ardoises - I still have a lot of unpaid bills(adj) slate-grey
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arnaquer
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Definition: (familiar) - to swindle, rip off; to nab, arrestArnaquer les touristes, c'est tout simplement mal - Swindling tourists is just plain wrongOn a arnaqué le voleur hier soir - They nabbed the thief last nightRelated:l'arnaque (m) - swindling, rip-offun arnaqueur - swindler, cheat
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arrière
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Definition: (m noun) - back, sternTu dois rester à l'arrière - You have to stay in back.en arrière - behind, backwardsNe regarde pas en arrière - Don't look back.Related:s'arriérer - to fall behind on payments
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assoupir
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Definition: to make drowsyRegarder les films m'assoupit. - Watching movies makes me drowsy.Il s'est assoupi pendant la pièce - He dozed off during the play.Related:s'assoupir - to doze offassoupi (adj) - dozing, dulledassoupissement (m noun) - doze, drowsiness
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astreindre
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Definition: to compel, forceSa santé fragile l'a astreint à cesser de fumer. - His weak health compelled him to quit smoking.Il ne faut pas astreindre les enfants à manger. - You shouldn't force children to eat.Related:astreignant (adj) - exacting, demandingune astreinte - constraint, obligation, penalty
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atavique
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Definition: (adj) - atavistic, hereditary (literally after skipping one or more generations, but commonly used as a synonym for hereditary)Leur facilité avec les chiffres est atavique - Their skill with numbers is hereditary.Related:atavisme - atavism
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un atout
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Definition: asset, trump cardVous êtes un atout dans l'équipe - You're an asset to the team.Il a un atout dans sa manche - He has an ace up his sleeve.Elle a tous les atouts dans son jeu - She has all of the trumps/winning cards.
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un attentat
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Definition: murder attempt, attackL'attentat contre le président a échoué - The assassination attempt on the president failed.Les attentats ont tué des milliers de gens - The attacks killed thousands of people.
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au fait
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Definition: by the waySalut Pierre ! Au fait, j'ai parlé à ta soeur hier. - Hi Pierre! By the way, I talked to your sister yesterday.Related: Au fait ! - Get to the point!au fait de - informed of, acquainted withen fait - in fact
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au pif
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Definition: (familiar) at a rough guess, at random, using guessworkIl y a une dizaine de livres au pif. - There are roughly 10 books, I'd say there are about 10 books.Il ne faut pas choisir tes cours au pif - You shouldn't pick your classes at random.
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une aubaine
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Definition: godsend, windfallIl faut profiter de l'aubaine - You have to take advantage of this windfallQuelle aubaine ! - What a godsend!
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auparavant
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Definition: (adv) - beforehand, previouslyIl avait déjà fini le travail une semaine auparavant - He had already finished the work a week before.Je veux bien écouter l'histoire, mais cherchons une boisson auparavant. - I really want to hear the story, but let's get a drink first.Related:avant (preposition or adverb) - beforeWhat's the difference? Avant is used in simple present and past constructions, whereas auparavant is used to emphasize that the thing happened before the current situation (similar to the pluperfect). In my second example above, avant would also be acceptable.
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auprès de
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Definition: next to, close to, compared with, in the view ofTu peux t'asseoir auprès de la fenêtre - You can sit by the window.Je suis pauvre auprès de cette famille* - I'm poor in comparison with this family.*Note that « à côté de » would also be fine here.Il est paresseux auprès de ses collègues - He's lazy in his colleagues' opinion.Related:près de (preposition) - near
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autant
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Definition: (adv) - as much/many, so much/manyJ'ai autant de frères que lui - I have as many brothers as he does.Mange autant que tu veux - Eat as much as you want.Je n'attendais pas à autant de monde ! - I wasn't expecting so many people!Related:tant (adv) - so much/many
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autochtone
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Definition: (noun and adjective) nativeCe sont les autochtones d'Australie - They are the natives of AustraliaQuelles sont les coutumes autochtones ? - What are the native customs?
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autrui
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Definition: (pronoun) othersIl n'a aucun respect pour le bien d'autrui - He has no regard for other people's propertyNe fais pas à autrui ce que tu ne voudrais pas qu'on te fît - Do unto others as you would have them do unto youRelated:autre (adj) - otherun autre (pronoun) - other
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aval
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Definition: (m noun used like an adjective) downstream, downhill, (figurative) lowerIls ont trouvé le canoë en aval - They found the canoe downstreamLe skieur aval a priorité - The downhill skier has priorityS'il y a un problème avec la production, on aura des difficultés en aval - If there is a production problem, we will have trouble further down the lineRelated:avaler - to swallowamont - upstream, uphill, higher
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avenant
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Definition: (adj) - pleasant, welcomingTon père est très avenant - Your dad is very welcoming.Quelle maison avenante. - What a pleasant-looking house.Related:à l'avenant - in keeping withLe vin coûtait 200 euros, et le repas était à l'avenant - The wine cost 200 euros, and the meal was just as expensive
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aventurier
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Definition: adventurerCeux qui voyagent en Inde sont de vrais aventuriers ! - Those who who travel to India are real adventurers!Related:une aventure - adventureaventurer - to risk, put at stakeaventureusement (adv) - adventurously, riskilyaventureux (adj) - adventurous
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s'avérer
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Definition: (pronominal verb) to turn outIl s'avère que ce restaurant va fermer - It turns out that this restaurant is going to closeSon histoire s'est avérée être un mensonge - His story turned out to be a lieRelated:avéré (adj) - established, known
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une averse
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Definition: (rain) showerOn aura des averses demain - There will be some showers tomorrowune forte averse - downpour; une averse orageuse - thunder shower; être pris par une averse / recevoir une averse - to be caught in a shower; Il n'est pas né / tombé de la dernière averse - He wasn't born yesterday(fig) - floodIl y a eu une averse de donations après l'orage - There was a flood of donations after the stormNot to be confused with: Il pleut à verse - It's pouring, It's coming down in buckets
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avouer
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Definition: to avow, confess, admitIl a avoué son amour pour Geneviève - He confessed his love for Geneviève.J'avoue l'avoir fait - I admit that I did it.Related:s'avouer - to confess one's guiltavouable (adj) - acceptableun avoué - lawyeravoué (ad) - avowedun aveu - confession
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quant à
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Definition: (preposition) - as for, regardingIl pense que non, mais quant à moi, je pense que c'est une bonne idée - He doesn't think so, but as for me/as far as I'm concerned, (I think) it's a good ideaQuant à ça, tu peux en être sûr - You can be sure about thatQuant à ça, je n'en sais rien - As for that, I don't know anythingRelated: le quant-à-soi - reserve, aloofness
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quasiment
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Definition: (adv) - almost, nearlyNous avons quasiment fini - We're almost done.Tu dois être quasiment gélé ! - You must be practically frozen!Related:quasi (adv) - almost, nearlyquasi- (prefix) - near, quasi-
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un wagon
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Definition: train car; truckloadCe train a plus de cent wagons - This train has more than a hundred carsJ'ai acheté un wagon de cèdre - I bought a truckload of cedar wood(informal) - stacks, piles, tonsIl y a tout un wagon de livres - There are tons of booksRelated:un wagonnet - small truck
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le xérès
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Definition: sherryLe xérès est un ingrédient important dans la cuisine française - Sherry is an important ingredient in French cookingLe mot « xérès » vient de Jerez, la région espagnole dans laquelle on le fabrique - The word "sherry" comes from Jerez, the Spanish region in which it is made
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zapper
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Definition: (TV) to channel-hop, (radio) to change stations rapidlyMon mari zappe en cherchant des sports à la télé - My husband channel-hops in search of sports on TVJe déteste que les gens zappent quand je suis en train de rouler - I hate it when people keep changing the radio station when I'm drivingRelated:un zappeur / une zappeuse - channel-hopperle zapping - channel-hopping
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la zizanie
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Definition: ill-feeling, feud, rivalryIl y a une vieille zizanie entre les familles de Romeo et Juliette - There's an old rivalry between Romeo's and Juliette's familiesNe laisse pas continuer cette zizanie ! - Don't let this feud continue!
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un baba cool
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Definition: (informal) - hippy Même en 2004, il y a toujours des baba cools - Even in 2004, there are still some hippies.Baba cool is synonymous with "baba," but the latter has some other meanings as well.
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bâcler
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Definition: to botch, scamp, throw togetherIl a bâclé la nouvelle salle de bains - He threw together the new bathroomNe bâcle pas le travail ! - Don't botch the work!Related:le bâclage - botching, scamping
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badiner
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Definition: to banter, jest, joke; to play around, treat lightlyJ'aime bien badiner avec mes frères - I really like bantering with my brothers.Il ne badine pas sur la discipline - He doesn't play around with discipline / doesn't treat discipline lightly.Related:le badinage - banterbadin (adj) - jocular, light-hearted, playful
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la bagarre
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Definition: (informal) - fighting, fight, brawlIl a l'air de chercher la bagarre - He looks like he's looking for a fightJe n'aime pas aller aux matchs de foot, il y a toujours des bagarres - I don't like to go to soccer games, there are always free-for-allsRelated:bagarrer - to argue, fightbagarreur (adj) - aggressive; un bagarreur - fighter
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une bagatelle
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Definition: trinket, small item; trifleJe t'ai acheté une petite bagatelle - I bought you a little trinket.Ça coûte la bagatelle de 10 euros - It costs a trifling/mere 10 euros.
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une bagnole
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Definition: (informal) - carJ'ai dû vendre ma bagnole - I had to sell my wheelsRegarde cette vieille bagnole ! - Look at that old banger!
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balader
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Definition: (informal) - to wander around, to take for a walkQuand il pleut, elle aime se balader dans tous les musées - When it rains she likes to wander around all the museumsMa soeur balade son chien tous les jours - My sister takes her dog out / walks her dog every dayExpression: envoyer balader quelqu'un - to send someone packingRelated:se balader - to go for a walkune balade - walk, stroll, ridebaladeur (adj) - wandering, roving
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balèze
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Definition: (familiar adj) brawny, strapping; great, terrificC'est un mec très balèze - He's a very brawny guy.Elle est balèze en maths - She's great at math.Related:un/e balèze - strapping wo/man
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une balise
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Definition: beacon, buoy, signLe pilote n'a pas vu les balises - The pilot didn't see the beacons.Les balises ne sont pas visibles - The road signs are not clear.Related:le balisage - beaconing, runway lightsbaliser - to signpost, mark out with beacons, (inf) - to be all worked up about something, to be afraid
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des balivernes
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Definition: (fem) - nonsenseTu dis des balivernes - You're talking nonsense.Related:s'amuser à des balivernes - to fool around
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bandant
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Definition: (familiar/vulgar adj) - sexy, interestingElle est vachement bandante ! - She is really hot!Ce film n'est pas très bandant - This movie isn't that interesting.Related:bander (familiar) - to have an erection, to bandage
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la baraque
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Definition: shed, hut, stand, stallTu peux mettre les pelles dans la baraque - You can put the shovels in the shedJ'ai loué une baraque à la foire - I rented a stand at the fair(informal) - shack, digs, dumpQuelle baraque ! - What a dump!Related:baraqué (inf adj) - well-built, heftyun baraquement - group of huts, military camp
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le baratin
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Definition: (informal) - sweet talk, chatterIl me fait du baratin - He's sweet-talking meAssez de baratin ! - Cut the chatter!Related:baratiner - to chat someone up, sweet-talk someoneun baratineur - smooth talker, windbag
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une barbiche
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Definition: goateeJe déteste les barbiches ! - I hate goatees!Related:une barbichette (inf) - small goateebarbichu (adj) - goeteed, with a goateeune barbe - beard
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barrer
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Definition: to bar, block, close, cross outLa porte est barrée - The door is barred.Cette rue est barrée pour travaux - This road is closed for construction.Tu dois barrer les mots incorrects - You have to cross out the incorrect words.Related:un barrage - dam, barrier, roadblockune barre - rod, bar, crossbarun barreau - rung, bar
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le battement
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Definition: banging, beat, beating, flapping; interval, breakLe battement de cette porte me rend fou ! - The banging of that door is driving me crazy!J'entends le battement de ton cœur - I can hear your heart beatingElle pense que son battement de cils peut me convaincre - She thinks fluttering her eyelashes will convince meRelated:battre - to beat
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baveux
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Definition: (adj) - dribbly, slobbery, runny, blurryJe déteste les chiens baveux ! - I hate slobbery dogs!Ces oeufs sont trop baveux - These eggs are too runny.Related:baver - to dribble, slobber, droolla bave - dribble, droolune bavette - bib, mud flap
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une bavure
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Definition: smudge, smear, hitch, flawOn ne peut pas vendre ce livre - regardez toutes ces bavures ! - We can't sell this book - look at all of these smudges!Le jeu s'est passé sans bavure - The game went off without a hitch.
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béant
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Definition: (adj) - gaping, (wide) openPourquoi y a-t-il un trou béant en plein milieu de la rue ? - Why is there a gaping hole in the middle of the street?Il a une blessure béante sur l'estomac - He has an open wound on his stomachRelated:béer - to be wide open, to gape
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un beauf
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Definition: (familiar, short for beau-frère) - brother-in-law; small-minded/petty personMon beauf est un de mes meilleurs copains. - My bro-in-law is one of my best buddies.Cette ville est pleine de beaufs ! - This town is full of small-minded people!(adj) tackyCe décor est vraiment beauf - This decor is really tacky.
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bégayer
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Definition: to stammer, stutterMon frère bégayait quand il avait 6 ans. - My brother stuttered when he was 6 years old.Il a enfin bégayé son prénom - He finally stammered his name.Related:les bégaiements - hesitant beginningsbégayant - stammering, stuttering
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un béguin
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Definition: (informal) - crush, fancy; bonnetMichel a le béguin pour Dominique - Michael has a crush on Dominique.Elle a le béguin pour cette maison - She has taken a fancy to this house.Quel joli béguin ! - What a pretty bonnet!
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le benjamin
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Definition: youngest child, youngest sonDavid est le benjamin de Luc et Marie - David is Luc and Marie's youngest child/sonRelated:la benjamine - youngest daughterLa benjamine est toujours gâtée - The youngest daughter is always spoiled
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une béquille
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Definition: crutch, kick-stand, (nautical) prop, shoreElle marche avec des béquilles - She's walking with crutchesMa bicyclette n'a pas de béquille - My bike doesn't have a kick-standRelated:béquiller - to shore up, (informal) to walk with crutches
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bercer
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Definition: to rock, cradle; to lull, sootheJ'ai bercé l'enfant - I rocked/cradled the child.Related:bercer de - to delude withse bercer de - to delude oneself withse bercer d'illusions - to harbor delusionsberceur (adj) - lulling, soothing; (noun) - lullaby, rocking chairune berceuse - lullaby
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la bérézina
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Definition: The Berezina is a river in Belarus where Napoleon Bonaparte suffered heavy losses in 1812. Now it means "catastrophe" or "disaster" in French.C'est la bérézina ! - It's a complete disaster!
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berk
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Definition: (informal exclamation) - yuck!Je lui ai dit qu'on va manger chez tante Chantal et il a répondu « Berk ! » - I told him that we were going to eat at Aunt Chantal's and he said "Yuck!"C'est dégoutant, ça. Berk ! - That is disgusting, Yuck!
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berner
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Definition: to fool, hoax, dupeC'est une arnaque, ne te laisse pas berner - It's a scam, don't be fooledVous n'arriverez pas à me berner si facilement ! - You won't fool me so easily!
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la besogne
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Definition: work, task, jobJ'ai réussi une besogne difficile - I finished a difficult taskExpressions:aller vite en besogne - to work too quickly, cut cornersse mettre à la besogne - to get to workC'est de la belle besogne ! - It's a royal mess!Selon l'argent, la besogne - You get what you pay forRelated:besogner - to work hardbesogneux (literary adj and noun) - poor, needy
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une bestiole
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Definition: bug, creepy crawlerJe déteste les bestioles ! - I hate bugs!Ma nièce a peur des bestioles la nuit. - My niece is afraid of creepy crawlers at night.Related:une bête - beast, bug
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le béton
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Definition: concreteLe trottoir est en béton - The sidewalk is made of concreteExpressions: un accord en béton armé - ironclad agreement; faire/jouer le béton - to play defensivelyRelated:le bétonnage - concreting, defensive playbétonner - to concrete, to play defensivelyune bétonneuse - concrete mixer
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une bévue
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Definition: (formal, literary) error, blunderJ'ai relevé une bévue dans votre essai - I found a mistake in your essaycommettre une bévue - to make a blunderOh là là ! J'ai commis une bévue ! - Oh no! I made a blunder!
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un bibelot
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Definition: trinket, knick-knack, curioSon appart est plein de bibelots - His apartment is full of knick-knacks.J'ai trouvé un bibelot intéressant dans ce magasin - I found an interesting curio at this store.
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un biberon
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Definition: baby bottleJe dois acheter un biberon - I have to buy a bottle.Il n'est pas recommandé d'élever les enfants au biberon - Bottle-feeding babies is not recommended.Related:biberonner (familiar) - to tipple, booze
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bicher
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Definition: (informal) - to be pleased with oneselfElisabeth biche parce qu'elle a réussi à l'examen. - Elisabeth is pleased with herself because she passed the test.Expression:Ça biche ? - How's life?
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bichonner
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Definition: to pamper, to wait on hand and footIl bichonne la pelouse plus que ses propres enfants - He pampers the lawn more than his own childrenLa pauvre, elle doit bichonner son mari - The poor thing has to wait on her husband hand and footRelated:se bichonner - to get dressed/dolled upmon bichon (informal term of endearment) - my love, my pet
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un bidon
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Definition: can, tin, flaskC'est bon d'avoir un bidon vide dans sa voiture en cas de panne d'essence - It's good to have an empty can in your car in case you run out of gas.(familiar) belly; hot air, codswallopJ'ai mal au bidon - My belly hurts.Ça c'est du bidon ! - That's a load of bull!(informal adj) rigged, phonyJ'espère que l'élection ne sera pas bidon - I hope the election isn't rigged.Related:le bidonnage (inf) - fakingbidonnant (fam) - hilariousbidonner (inf) - to fakese bidonner - to be doubled up with laughterun bidonville - shanty town, Hooverville
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se bidonner
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Definition: (familiar) to split one's sides laughing, bust a gut, be doubled up with laughterJ'ai failli me bidonner quand j'ai vu son visage - I almost bust a gut (laughing) when I saw his faceElle n'arrête jamais de se bidonner - She never stops laughingRelated:bidonnant (familiar adj) - hilariousbidonner (archaic) - to drink too much
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le bidule
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Definition: (inf) contraption, thinking, whatsit; what's-his-nameComment s'appelle le bidule qui va ici ? - What do you call the contraption that goes here?J'ai vu bidule dans le parc ce matin - I saw what's-his-name in the park this morningEh bidule ! - Hey, you!
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le bilan
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Definition: assessment, results, balance sheetNous devons faire le bilan de cette situation avant de prendre une décision. - We need to fully assess this situation before making a decision.Le bilan de cette entreprise n'est pas sain - This company's balance sheet is not healthy.
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se biler
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Definition: (inf) to worry oneself sick, get worked upElle se bile pour ses enfants - She worries herself sick about her kidsNe te bile pas ! - Don't get all worked up! Don't worry!Related:bileux (inf adj) - easily upset/worried
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bissextile
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Definition: (adj) leap (in calendar terms)Savez-vous que 2008 est une année bissextile et que le vendredi 29 février est une journée bissextile ? - Do you know that 2008 is a leap year and that Friday, 29 February is a leap day?
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le bizutage
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Definition: (school slang) hazing, raggingBeaucoup de grandes écoles en France ne permettent plus le bizutage - Many of France's prestigious universities no longer allow hazing
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blafard
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Definition: (adj) - pale, pallid, wanElle a la peau la plus blafarde que j'ai jamais vue - She has the palest skin I've ever seen.Tu as l'air blafard, ça va ? - You look wan, are you ok?
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un blason
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Definition: coat of arms, heraldryJe ne connais pas le blason de ma famille - I'm not familiar with my family's coat of armsExpression:redorer son blason - to boost the family fortunes by marrying into money; to regain prestige
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le bled
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Definition: (familiar) - village, dump, godforsaken placeC'est un bled ! - It's a dump!Mes parents habitent dans le bled - My parents live in the middle of nowhere.
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bluffer
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Definition: (informal) - to bluff, try it on, foolEn jouant au poker, il faut savoir bluffer - When you play poker, you have to know how to bluffIl m'a bluffé ! - He fooled me!Related:un bluff - bluff, bluffingun bluffeur - bluffer
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boiter
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Definition: to limp, to wobble, to be shakyDepuis l'accident, je boite de la jambe droite - Since the accident, I've been limping with my right legLa chaise boite - j'ai peur qu'elle tombe - The chair is wobbling - I'm afraid it will fallCet argument boite - That argument is shaky / doesn't hold waterRelated:boiteux - lame, wobbly, shakyle boitement - limping
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le bordel
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Definition: (familiar) - mess, chaos (literally, bordel refers to a brothel)Quel bordel ! - What a stinking mess! What a shambles!Ça va être le bordel ! - It'll be chaos!Familiar expressions:mettre/foutre le bordel - to create havocmettre/foutre le bordel dans qqch - to screw/bugger something upbordel de merde (vulgar expression used for emphasis) - for God's sake, goddamnit
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border
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Definition: to edge, trim, hem; to border, line; to tuck inJe préfère la robe bordée de dentelle - I prefer the dress trimme with laceTournez à gauche à la rue bordée d'arbres - Turn left on the street lined with treesIl veut que tu bordes son lit - He wants you to tuck in the blanketsRelated:la bordure - edge, frame, border
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borné
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Definition: (adj) narrow-minded, limitedLes gens bornés m'énervent ! - Narrow-minded people annoy me!Related:borner - to limit, restrict, mark the boundaryse borner - to be content with, to limit oneself
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le bottin
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Definition: directory, phonebook, Yellow PagesJ'ai trouvé mon plombier en cherchant dans le bottin - I found my plumber by looking in the phonebook
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un bouc
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Definition: billy goat, goateeJe n'aime pas bien les boucs - I don't really like goateesExpressions:un bouc émissaire - scapegoatsentir/puer le bouc (familiar) - to stink/reek/pong
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une bouchée
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Definition: mouthfulJ'avalais une bouchée de pain quand il m'a posé la question - I was swallowing a mouthful of bread when he asked me the question.Related:une bouche - mouthPour une bouchée de pain - For a songDès la dernière bouchée - Immediately after a meal
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boucher
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Definition: (verb) - to cork, plug, blockN'oublie pas de boucher le vin - Don't forget to (re)cork the wine bottle.J'ai le nez bouché - My nose is plugged up.(familiar) Ça lui en a bouché un coin - He was gobsmacked/flabbergasted.un boucher - butcher (person)Related:la boucherie - butcher (shop)un bouche-trou - stop-gapun bouchon - cork, stopper
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un bouclier
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Definition: shieldOn ne voit plus de boucliers - You don't see shields anymoreTu te sers de ta timidité comme bouclier - You use your shyness as a shieldun bouclier fiscal - tax shield
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bouder
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Definition: to sulk, keep away fromCe sont les enfants gâtés qui boudent - It's spoiled children who sulk.Ana est fâchée contre moi ; elle me boude. - Ana is mad at me; she won't have anything to do with me.Related:la bouderie - sulkiness, sulkboudeur (adj) - sulky, sullen
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boudiné
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Definition: (adj) - squeezed into, bursting out ofAlice est boudinée dans sa robe - Alice is squeezed into her dress.Related:boudiner - to coil, to be stuffed intoun boudin - a kind of sausage, inflatable tube
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bouffer
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Definition: to be full, have volume, (familiar) - to wolf, gobbleElle doit faire bouffer ses cheveux - She has to add volume to her hair.Ne bouffe pas ! - Don't gobble your food!Related:la bouffe (familiar) - grubune bouffée - whiff, puff, outburst, gustla bouffetance (fam) - grubun bouffeur (fam) - greedy pig;bouffir - to puff up, become bloated
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un bouleversement
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Definition: disruption, upheavalDéménager peut être un vrai bouleversement - Moving can be a real disruption.On a besoin d'un bouleversement de la politique - We need a shift in policy.
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un bouquin
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Definition: (informal) - bookJe n'aime pas du tout ce bouquin - I don't like this book at allRelated:un/e bouquinniste - used booksellerbouquiner - to read
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une bourde
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Definition: (informal) mistake, blunderÇa c'était ta première bourde - That was your first mistakeHier, j'ai fait une vraie bourde - I really messed up yesterday
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un bourdon
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Definition: bumblebee; great bell; (editing) omissionLe bourdon de cette cathédrale est vraiment extradordinaire - This cathedral's great bell is really extraordinaryEn lisant cette traduction, il faut surtout noter les bourdons - While reading this translation, you especially need to make note of any omissionsavoir le bourdon (informal) - to have the blues, be down in the dumpsRelated:bourdonnant - buzzingle boudonnement - buzz, humbourdonner - to buzz, hum
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bourré
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Definition: (adj) - stuffed, packedMon sac est bourré de vêtements - My bag is stuffed with clothes.Il est bourré de talent - He has a lot of talent.(familiar) - drunk, plasteredTu es bien bourré ! - You're so drunk!Related:bourrer - to stuff, fill
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une bourrique
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Definition: (informal) - blockhead, pigheaded personQuelle bourrique ! - What a pigheaded person!(normal register) - donkeyTu es têtu comme une bourrique - You're as stubborn as a donkey!
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bousculer
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Definition: to jostle, shove, bump into; to hurry, pressure; to shake up, liven upJe n'aime pas tous ces gens qui me bousculent dans le métro - I don't like all of these people jostling me in the subwayIl a bousculé et cassé le vase - He knocked into the vase and broke itIl faut bousculer ces paresseux - We have to hurry these lazybonesRelated:être bousculé - to be rushed off one's feetla bousculade - hustle, jostle, rush, scramble
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la boustifaille
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Definition: (fam) grub, nosh, chowLe frigo est plein de boustifaille - The fridge is full of grub.
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branler
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Definition: to shake, waggle; to be shaky, loose, unsteadyIl a branlé sa tête - He shook his headCet immeuble branle quand il fait du vent - This building shakes when it's windy(vulgar slang) - to masturbateSlang expressions:Qu'est-ce qu'ils branlent ? - What the hell are they up to?Il n'en branle pas une - He doesn't do a damn thingJe m'en branle - I don't give a damn
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braquer
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Definition: to point, aim, turn the steering wheelNe braque jamais un pistolet sur quelqu'un. - Never point a gun at someone.Braquez vers la gauche ici - Turn left here.Related:le braquage - steering lock, (slang) - stickupun braqueur (familiar) - hold-up man
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brasser
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Definition: to stir, mix, knead, shuffle; to brewIl faut bien brasser la pâte - You have to knead the dough really wellIl brasse sa propre bière - He brews his own beerExpressions:brasser des affaires - to be in big businessbrasser du vent - to blow hot airRelated:le brassage - brewing, mixingune brasserie - bar, pub, breweryun brasseur - brewerun brasseur d'affaires - big businessman
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une brebis
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Definition: eweJ'aime bien le fromage de brebis - I really like ewe cheese (cheese made from ewe's milk).Related:les brebis (religious) - the flockla brebis galeuse - black sheepune brebis égarée - lost sheepà brebis tondue Dieu mesure le vent (proverb) - God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb
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un brevet
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Definition: diploma, certificate, patentJe viens de recevoir mon brevet de pilote - I just got my pilot's license.Brevet en cours d'homologation - Patent pendingRelated:brevetable (adj) - patentablebreveter - to patent
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brider
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Definition: to bridle, restrain, curb, keep in checkL'homme fort sait brider ses désirs - A strong man is able to keep his desires in checkIl faut brider les moteurs - We need to restrain (car) engines (i.e., lower speed limits)Related:avoir les yeux bridés - to have slanting eyes
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un brin
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Definition: blade, sprig, yarnIl y a un brin d'herbe sur ta chemise. - There's a blade of grass on your shirt.Elle porte un brin de muguet dans les cheveux - She has a sprig of lily of the valley in her hair.(informal) - a bitIl n'a pas un brin de bon sens - He doesn't have a bit of common sense.Related:une brindille - twig
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brouter
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Definition: to graze, to nibble, (slang) to be annoyingLes vaches broutent l'herbe pendant tout l'été. - Cows graze on grass all summer.Il nous les broute ! - He's a pain in the neck!Related:le broutement - grazing, nibblingle broutage - grazing, nibblingun broutard - grass-fed calf
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bruiner
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Definition: to drizzleOn dit qu'il va bruiner demain - It's supposed to drizzle tomorrow.Related:la bruine - drizzlebruineux (adj) - drizzly
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brut
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Definition: (adj) - uncut, rough, crude, rawJ'ai trouvé un diamant brut - I found an uncut diamond.J'adore la soie brute - I love raw silk.Produit national brut (PNB) - Gross national product (GNP)le brut - crude oil, gross salary
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buriner
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Definition: to engrave, chiselJ'ai trouvé une pierre burinée avec un joli dessin - I found a stone engraved with a nice drawing.Il a fait buriner sa bicyclette avec son prénom pour prévenir le vol. - He had his bike engraved with his name to prevent theft.Related:un burin - graver, engraving, chiselburiné (adj) - seamed, craggy
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kascher
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Definition: (invariable adj) - kosherJe cherche une épicerie fine-traiteur kascher - I'm looking for a kosher deli.Ce repas est-il kascher ? - Is this meal kosher?Alternate spellings (same pronunciation) - casher, cascher
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un képi
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Definition: kepi (sturdy hat with a flat, raised, circular top and a visor, worn by French military and police)Au début, j'ai trouvé les képis marrants - At first, I thought kepis looked funny
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klaxonner
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Definition: to honk/beep/toot one's hornQuand vous arriverez, ne klaxonnez pas ; je préfère que vous sonniez à la porte - When you arrive, don't beep your horn; I'd prefer it if you rang the doorbellPourquoi les gens doivent-ils klaxonner quand ils voient bien que c'est impossible de bouger ? - Why do people have to honk when they can see that it's impossible to move?Related:le Klaxon (trademark) - horn
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un krach
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Definition: market crashQui vient en premier, le krach immobilier ou le krach boursier ? - Which came first, the real estate market crash or the stock market crash?
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lâcher
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Definition: to loosen, let out; to let go of, releaseJ'ai dû lâcher ma ceinture - I had to loosen my beltNe lâche pas l'anse ! - Don't let go of the handle!(informal) - to leave, walk out onRelated:lâche (adj) - slack, loose, laxun/e lâche - cowardlâchement (adv) - loosely, cowardlyla lâcheté - cowardice
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une lacune
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Definition: gap, blank, deficiency, lackIl y a de graves lacunes dans ses connaissances générales - There are some serious gaps in his general knowledgeVous devez combler la lacune dans votre thèse - You need to fill in the deficiency in your thesisRelated:lacunaire (adj) - incomplete, deficient
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lambda
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Definition: (invariable adj) averageDécrivez votre lecteur lambda - Describe your average/typical readerLa personne lambda travaille pendant 40 ans - The average person works for 40 years
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le lambris
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Definition: panel, wainscotingJe n'aime pas le lambris de pin ; je le préfère en chêne - I don't like pine wainscoting; I prefer it in oak(figurative) sumptuous interior decorationLe programme des festivités a été dévoilé sous les lambris de l'hôtel Georges V - The schedule of festivities was unveiled at the sumptuous Georges V hotelRelated:un lambris d'appui - dado raillambrisser - to panel, wainscot
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larguer
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Definition: to release, let out, cast off, dropIl faut larguer la voile après avoir quitté le port - You have to let out the sail after you leave the portQuelle organisation a largué les vivres ? - Which organization dropped the provisions?(inf) to dump, ditch, get rid off; to quitIl m'a larguée ! - He dumped me!Je vais larguer ce boulot - I'm going to quit this job.Related:la largue - quartering windlargue (adj) - slack, quarteringlargué (adj) - at sea, lostlargable (adj) - releasablele largage - casting off, release, dropping
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larvé
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Definition: (adj) latent, below the surfaceIl a un talent larvé pour l'art - He has a latent talent for artMes paroles ont fait apparaître son hostilité larvée - My words made his latent hostility appearRelated:la larve - larva, grub
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lasser
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Definition: to tire, wearyLa présence de ma belle-mère me lasse - My mother-in-law's presence wears on meLa fête a lassé les enfants - The party tired out the childrenRelated:la lassitude - wearinesslassant (adj) - tiresome, wearisome
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lésiner
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Definition: to skimpJe refuse de lésiner sur l'éducation - I refuse to skimp on educationVous ne devez pas lésiner sur les moyens - You have to use all the means at your disposal, pull out all the stopsRelated:la lésinerie - stinginess
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le lest
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Definition: ballastNotre montgolfière a besoin de plus de lest - Our hot-air balloon needs more ballastExpressions: jeter du lest, lâcher du lest - to make concessionsOn va devoir jeter du lest afin de conclure ces négotations - We're going to have to make concessions to finish these negotiationsRelated:le lestage - ballastinglester - to ballast, (inf) fill
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leurrer
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Definition: to deceive, delude, lureIls m'ont leurré - They deceived meIl m'a leurré par des promesses fallacieuses - He lured me with false promisesRelated:un leurre - illusion, delusion, deception, trap, lurese leurrer - to fool, delude oneself
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une liasse
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Definition: wad, bundleIl a une liasse de billets de cent euros - He has a wad of 100-euro billsJe viens de mettre une liasse de documents sur votre bureau - I just put a bundle of documents on your desk
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licencier
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Definition: to make redundant, lay offMon père a été licencié il y a un an - My father was laid off a year ago.Related:le licenciement - lay-off, dismissallicenciement collectif - mass lay-offslettre de licenciement - letter of dismissal, pink slip
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ligoter
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Definition: to bind, tie (literally and figuratively)Les voleurs l'ont ligoté - The thieves bound him upIl est ligoté par un contrat - He is bound by a contractRelated:le ligotage - tying up, binding
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un logiciel
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Definition: software, software programCe logiciel est très utile - This software is very usefulJ'ai acheté un bon logiciel hier - I bought some good software / a good software program yesterday(Note that French takes the indefinite singular article, whereas English takes the collective article "some")
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loti
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Definition: (adjective)bien loti - well-offmieux loti - better offmal loti - badly-offRelated:lotir - to divide into lots; to allocate, allot
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louable
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Definition: (adj) - commendable, laudable; "rentable"Ces idées sont louables - These ideas are commendable.La maison est difficilement louable - The house is hard to rent (out).Related:louer - to praise; to rent
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louche
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Definition: (adj) shady, shifty, seedy, dubiousC'était une affaire louche - It was a shady dealJ'ai vu un mec louche devant le restaurant - I saw a shifty-looking guy in front of the restaurantHomophone: une louche - ladle, ladleful
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loufoque
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Definition: (inf adj) - wild, crazyC'est une idée loufoque ! - That's a crazy idea!Related:la loufoquerie - craziness, barminessfou (adj) - crazy
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louper
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Definition: (familiar) - to miss, mess up, flunkTu vas louper l'avion ! - You're going to miss the plane!Pierre a loupé ses devoirs - Pierre messed up his homework.Je sais que j'ai loupé l'examen. - I know I flunked the test.Related:le loupage - missing, messing up, flunking, spoilingun loupé - failure, defect, flaw
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lourdingue
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Definition: (informal adj)person: clumsy, oafish, annoyingIl ne danse jamais ; il est trop lourdingue - He never dances; he's too clumsyjoke: predictableC'est une blaque lourdingue - It's a predictable/obvious jokelanguage: clumsy, awkwardIl faut réécrire ce paragraphe lourdingue - You need to rewrite this awkward paragaphRelated:lourd (adj) - heavylourdement (adv) - heavily
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ludique
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Definition: (adj) playful, recreationalJ'ai acheté un logiciel pour le travail et deux qui sont plus ludiques - I bought one program for work and two that are more playfulQuelles sont les activités ludiques ? - What are the play/recreational activities?Related:ludo-éducatif (apocope of ludique-éducatif) - educational entertainment
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luné
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Definition: Luné is an adjective, but the best English equivalent is the noun "mood":Il est bien luné - He's in a good moodElle est mal lunée - She's in a bad moodComment sont-ils lunés aujourd'hui ? - What kind of mood are they in today?
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narguer
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Definition: to flout, scoff at, deride, turn up one's nose atCe n'est pas poli de narguer les gens plus pauvres que soi - It's not polite to deride people who are poorer than youIl nargue toujours les traditions de notre famille - He always scoffs at our family traditionsOh là là ! Pourquoi doit-il toujours narguer le danger ? - Oh my! Why does he always have to flout danger?(informal, figurative) to taunt, beckon toLe chocolat sur ton bureau me nargue ! - The chocolate on your desk is taunting me! (I want to eat it!)
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nature
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Definition: (adj) - plainUne omelette nature, du café nature, du whisky nature - A plain omelette, black coffee, neat whisky
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un navet
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Definition: turnipJe n'aime pas les navets - I don't like turnips(derogatory) bad movieQuel navet ! - What a terrible movie!Expressions:il a du sang de navet - he's spineless/gutless, he's lethargic
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une navette
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Definition: shuttle service, commuteIl y a une navette de l'aeroport à notre hôtel - There's a shuttle from the airport to our hotel.Mon mari fait la navette entre Rouen et Paris - My husband commutes from Rouen to Paris.Related:un navateur (Belgian French) - commuter
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navré
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Definition: (adj) - extremely sorry, distressedJe suis navré de vous déranger - I'm terribly sorry to disturb you.Elle était navrée après la mort de son chien - She was distressed after the death of her dog.Related:navrer - to grieve, distress, upset, annoynavrant (adj) - distressing, upsetting
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néanmoins
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Definition: (adv) - nevertheless, yetJ'ai peur, mais je vais néanmoins le faire. - I'm afraid, but I'll do it nevertheless.Il est impatient mais néanmoins gentil. - He is impatient, yet kind.
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net
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Definition: (adj) clean, neat, clearIl a la conscience nette - He has a clear conscienceSes ongles sont toujours nets - His nails are always cleanRelated:nettement (adv) - clearly, flatly, point-blankla netteté - neatnessle nettoiement - cleaningnettoyer - to clean
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une noce
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Definition: wedding, wedding partyJe ne suis pas allé à leur noce - I didn't attend their weddingÊtes-vous de la noce ? - Are you part of the wedding party?les noces (formal) - wedding, nuptialsExpressions:faire la noce (informal) - to live it upêtre à la noce (informal) - to enjoy oneself, have a nice time
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nocif
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Definition: nocif(adj) noxious, harmfulIl faut acheter quelque chose qui détecte le gaz nocif - We have to buy something that detects (the presence of) noxious gas.Fumer est nocif pour la santé - Smoking is harmful/hazardous to your health.
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nombriliste
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Definition: (informal adj) - self-centeredPierre est très nombriliste - Pierre is very self-centered/wrapped up in himself.Related:un nombril - navel, belly button
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nouer
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Definition: to tie, knot, fasten; to form, hatch, build upIl vient d'apprendre à nouer ses lacets - He just learned how to tie his shoesQui a noué ta cravate ? - Who knotted your tie?Je pense qu'ils nouent un complot - I think they're hatching a plotRelated:un nœud - knot; noué (adj) - knotted, tightnoueux (adj) - knotty, gnarled
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une nuée
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Definition: (figurative) cloud, hordeJ'ai vu une nuée d'insectes dans l'arbre - I saw a horde of insects in the tree(literary) thick cloudDes nuées d'orages s'approchent - Thick storm clouds are drawing near
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nunuche
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Definition: (inf adj) - namby-pamby, insipid, sillyCette carte est vraiment nunuche - This card is really insipid.Quelle histoire nunuche ! - What an insipid/a namby-pamby story!un/e nunuche - (inf) ninny
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la nuque
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Definition: nape of the neckLes chats portent les chatons par la nuque. - Cats carry kittens by the nape of their necks.J'ai une raideur dans la nuque - I've got a stiff neck
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s'obstiner
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Definition: to insist, persist, continue to do stubbornlyTu t'obstines à croire ces mensonges ? - You persist in believing these lies?Il s'obstine dans son refus - He stubbornly keeps refusing.
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obvier
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Definition: (formal) to take precautions against, overcomeNous avons obvié à la menace de guerre - We took precautions against the threat of war.Tu dois obvier à cet inconvénient - You have to overcome this inconvenience.
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occasionner
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Definition: to cause, bring aboutCette décision va occasionner beaucoup de problèmes - This decision is going to bring about a lot of problemsL'orage a occasionné pas mal de dégâts - The storm caused quite a bit of damageNous regrettons le dérangement occasionné par nos travaux - We apologize for the disturbance caused by our road workRelated:une occasion - occasion, opportunity, chanceoccasionnel (adj) - occasional, casual, chance
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octroyer
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Definition: (formal) to grant, bestowL'écrivain m'a octroyé la permission de citer son roman - The writer granted me permission to cite his novel.Le roi a octroyé une faveur à mon père - The king bestowed a favor upon my father.Related:octroi (m noun) - granting, bestowings'octroyer - to claim, win
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odoriférant
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Definition: (adj) fragrant, sweet-smelling, odoriferousLa lavande dans ton oreiller est très odoriférante - The lavender in your pillow smells really niceCes fleurs ne sont pas très odoriférantes - These flowers don't have much of a fragranceRelated:une odeur - odor, smellodorant (adj) scented, aromatic
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ondoyer
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Definition: to undulate, ripple, waveLe vent fait ondoyer l'herbe. - Wind makes the grass undulate.Les drapeaux ondoient à cause du vent - Flags ripple in the wind.Related:un ondoiement - undulation, provisional baptismondoyant (adj) - undulating, wavering, shimmeringondulant (adj) - swaying, supple, undulating; ondulation - undulation, waveSynonym: onduler
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une ornière
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Definition: rut (literal and figurative)Après la pluie, la piste était pleine d'ornières - After the rain, the trail was full of rutsJe ne peux pas sortir de l'ornière ! - I can't get out of the rut!
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ouater
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Definition: to quilt, blanket, line (with cotton); to make less noticeableQui a ouaté ce couvre-lit ? - Who quilted this bedspread?Leur débat ouatait la musique - Their argument drowned out the musicRelated:ouate (f) - cotton, paddingouaté (adj) - safe and comfortable
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un outil
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Definition: toolLe marteau est un outil essentiel - The hammer is an essential tool.Je cherche de bons outils pédagogiques - I'm looking for good teaching materials/tools.Related:un outillage - set of tools, equipmentoutiller - to supply with tools, outfitun outilleur - tool-maker
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outrer
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Definition: outrer - to outrageSa décision m'a outré ! - His decision outraged me!Related:outré (adj) - scandalized, outragedun outrage - insultoutrager - to insult
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ulcérer
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Definition: (figurative) - to sicken, appall; (medical) - ulcerateJe suis ulcéré par ces discours racistes - I'm appalled by these racist speechesSon attitude nous ulcère - His attitude sickens usRelated:un ulcère - ulcerulcéreux (adj) - ulcerated, ulcerousulcéré (adj) - ulcerated, sickened, appalled
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uni
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Definition: (adj) - plain, solid-colored; close-knitJe préfère le tissu uni - I prefer the solid-colored fabricC'est une famille très unie - It's a very close-knit familyune uni - apocope of universitéRelated:unir - to unite
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untel/unetelle
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Definition: So-and-soMonsieur Untel et Madame Unetelle - Mr. and Mrs. So-and-so; John and Jane DoeRelated:un/une - one, a, an;tel, telle, tels, telles - such
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urger
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Definition: (inf) - to be urgentViens ici, ça urge ! - Come here, it's urgent!Il n'y a rien qui urge - There's nothing urgent.Related:urgent - (adj) urgent, pressingurgentissime - (adj) extremely urgentun/e urgentiste - emergency physician
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user
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Definition: to wear out, wear away; to use upIl use ses vêtements en 3 mois - He wears out his clothes in 3 monthsLa maladie a usé ta soeur - The sickness wore out your sisterToutes ses promesses finissent par user ma patience - All of his promises end up using my patienceRelated:usé/usagé (adj) - worn outusant (adj) - exhausting, tiresomeun usager - userusité (adj) - in common use, used
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usité
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Definition: (adj) - commonly-used, in common useC'est un mot peu usité - It's not a word in common use.Les temps littéraires ne sont pas très usités - Literary tenses are not commonly used.Related:user - to wear oututiliser - to use
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jadis
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Definition: (adv) formerly, of old, long ago, in olden daysJ'ai perdu le contact avec tous mes amis de jadis - I've lost touch with all of my old friendsAu temps jadis, on s'écrivait des lettres - Long ago, In days of old, people used to write letters to each other
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jaillir
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Definition: spurt out, gush forth, spring outL'eau jaillissait du trou - Water spurted out of the holeDes centaines d'étudiants ont jailli de l'école à 15h00 - Hundreds of students sprang out of the school at 3 o'clockQuand nous sommes ensemble, nos idées jaillissent facilement - When we're together, ideas just gush forthRelated:le jaillissement - spurt, gush, outpouring
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jalonner
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Definition: to mark (figuratively); to line, stretch alongLe voyage a été jalonné d'incidents de toutes sortes - The trip was marked by all kinds of incidentsQuels sont les évènements importants qui ont jalonné sa vie ces vingt dernières années ? - What are the important events which have marked his life over the last twenty years?J'aime bien ces fleurs qui jalonnent l'autoroute - I really like these flowers that stretch along the highwayRelated:un jalon - surveyor's staff, landmark, milestonele jalonnement - marking out
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jalouser
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Definition: to be jealous of, to envyCe n'est pas bon de jalouser ses collègues - It's not good to be jealous of your co-workers.Il est jalousé de tout le monde - Everyone is jealous of him.Note that jalouser means "to be jealous, to envy" so il jalouse means "he is jealous, he envies." But the passive voice, il est jalousé, means "he is envied, people are jealous of him."Related:jaloux (adj) - jealousjalousement (adv) - jealouslyla jalousie - jealousy
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un jeton
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Definition: token; (in a game) - counter, chipAvez-vous un jeton pour le téléphone ? - Do you have a token for the telephone?Expression:toucher ses jetons - to draw one's fees(familiar) - bang, dentSa voiture est pleine de jetons - His car is all beat upExpressions:être faux comme un jeton - to be phonyun faux jeton - a phonyavoir les jetons - to have the jitters
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jonché
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Definition: (adj) - littered, strewn withLe champ est jonché de feuilles - The field is littered with leaves.Related:une jonchée - spray of flowersjoncher - to litter, strew with
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jucher
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Definition: to perchMon frère me juchait sur ses épaules - My brother used to perch me on his shoulders.Je déteste être juché tout en haut d'une échelle - I hate being perched up on ladders.
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un vacarme
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Definition: racket, row, dinC'est quoi ce vacarme ? - What's that racket?La circulation dans les grandes villes produit un vacarme constant - Traffic in big cities produces a constant din.
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un vacataire
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Definition: stand-in, temporary replacement, part-time teacherJe dois trouver un vacataire pour novembre, quand je serai en vacances - I have to find a stand-in for November, when I'll be on vacation.Il est vacataire à l'université - He's a part-time (contract) teacher at the university.Related:la vacation - vacation
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vachard
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Definition: (familiar adj) mean, nasty, rottenQu'est-ce qu'il est vachard ! - He's so mean!J'ai toujours les profs vachards - I always have the nasty teachersRelated:une vache - cowune vacherie - dirty trick, mean/nasty comment
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vadrouiller
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Definition: (informal) - to rove aroundQuand je voyage, j'aime vadrouiller dans les rues de nouvelles villes. - When I travel, I like to rove around / wander the streets of new towns.Related:une vadrouille - ramble, jaunt
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vaquer
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Definition: to attend to, see to, take care of; to be on vacationQuand il a le temps, il vaque aux affaires publiques - When he has time, he takes care of public affairsJe vaque à mes occupations - I'm taking care of / going about my businessLes cours vaqueront en juin et juillet - Lessons will stop in June and July
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vaseux
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Definition: (informal adj) - woozy, dazed, hazy, muddled; lame, stupidCette fille a toujours l'air vaseux - That girl always looks dazedJe me sentais vaseux ce matin - I felt muddled this morningC'est une blague vaseuse - It's a stupid jokeRelated:vasouiller (informal) - to flounder, strugglevasouillard (inf adj) - woozy, dazed, muddled
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la veille
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Definition: wakefulness; night before, eve, brinkJ'adore le moment entre la veille et le sommeil - I love the moment between being awake and asleep.Aujourd'hui, c'est la veille du jour de l'an - Today is New Year's Eve.J'avais peur la veille de l'examen - I was scared the night before the exam.Ils sont à la veille de la guerre - They are on the brink of war.Related:la veillée - evening meeting, evening
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veiller
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Definition: to stay/sit up, be on watch, be awake, spend the eveningQui va veiller ce soir ? - Who's going to stay up / Who's on watch tonight?veiller àto look after, see to, monitorNous devons veiller aux intérêts de nos clients - We must look after our clients' interestsVeillez à ce que tout le monde soit à l'aise - Make sure that everyone is comfortableRelated:la veille - eve, brink, night before
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une veilleuse
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Definition: night light, (car) sidelight, pilot lightIl a toujours besoin d'une veilleuse - He still needs a night lightJe pense que la veilleuse s'est éteinte - I think the pilot light went outRelated:mettre en veilleuse - to dim (a light)mets-la en veilleuse (familiar) - Shut your face! Put a sock in it!, Calm down! Cool it!
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vertement
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Definition: (adv) sharply, stronglyElle m'a vertement dit de m'asseoir - She sharply told me to sit downLe film a été vertement critiqué pour son langage - The film was strongly criticized for its language
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un viager
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Definition: life annuityC'est une bonne idée de placer de l'argent en viager - It's a good idea to invest in an annuity.Il a acheté une maison en viager - He bought a house in return for a life annuity (he bought it for a good price, but can't move in until the current owner dies - very common arrangement in France)(adj) life, for lifeà titre viager - for the duration of one's life
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virer
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Definition: to turn (a vehicle), to change (color or other aspect), to kick or chuck out; to transfer (money)Il faut virer le bateau ! - You have to turn the boat!Ma chemise a viré au rose - My shirt turned pink. "Il a viré ma femme !" (from the terrific movie "Le Dîner de cons") - He kicked my wife out!J'ai viré 100 francs à ton compte - I transfered 100 francs into your account.Related:le virement - transfer
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viser
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Definition: to aim at/for, be directed atNous visons un but plus modeste - We're aiming for a more modest objective / The objective we're aiming for is more modestCette décision vise tout le monde - This decision is directed at / has to do with / affects everyone(familiar) - to take a gander, a peekVise ce mec ! - Take a look at this guy!Related:la visée - taking aim, sightingun viseur - sights, viewfinder
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visser
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Definition: to screw on/down; (informal, figurative) to be glued to/in/on; (informal) - to be strict, keep a tight rein onCe couvercle n'est pas bien vissé - This lid is not screwed on properlyIl est toujours vissé devant la télé - He's always glued to the TVTa mère te visse vraiment bien ! - Your mom really keeps a tight rein on you!
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vivoter
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Definition: to struggle along, scrape byNous avons vivoté pendant des années - We (just barely) scraped by for yearsMon restaurant préféré vivote actuellement - My favorite restaurant is struggling along right now
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voire
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Definition: (adv) - indeed, evenIl faut attendre une semaine, voire un mois. - You have to wait a week, maybe even month.L'éducation est importante, voire essentielle - Education is important, indeed, it's essential.
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un voyou
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Definition: hoodlum, delinquent, brat (can also be an adj)Les artistes de graffiti ne sont pas tous des voyous - Graffiti artists are not all hoodlumsIl avait l'air un peu voyou - He looked a bit like a delinquent
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en vrac
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Definition: (adv/adj) - loose, (in) bulk, jumbled, disorderlyJe préfère acheter les pois chiches en vrac - I prefer buying unpackaged chickpeas / chickpeas in bulk / bulk chickpeasNe mets pas tout en vrac dans les boîtes - Don't jumble everything into the boxesRelated:un vraquier - bulk seller
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une cacahouète
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Definition: peanutJ'adore les cacahouètes - I love peanutsRelated:le beurre de cacahouètes - peanut buttervaloir son pesant de cacahouètes (informal) - to be worth one's weight in gold, to be an expert in one's field (humorous)Alternate spellings: cacahuète, cacahouette
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un cachet
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Definition: tablet, pill; stamp, seal, postmark; style, character, cachet; fee (acting)Avez-vous un cachet d'aspirine ? - Do you have a tablet of aspirin?Cette carte postale porte le cachet de Toulouse - This postcard is postmarked ToulouseLa porte violette donne son cachet à l'immeuble - The purple door give the building characterRelated:le cachetage - sealingcacheter - to sealblanc comme un cachet d'aspirine - white as a sheet
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le cadre
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Definition: frame, container, box, space (on a form), setting, scope, framework, managerJe cherche un cadre pour cette peinture - I'm looking for a frame for this paintingAvez-vous des cadres de déménagement ? - Do you have any packing crates?N'écrivez pas dans ce cadre - Don't write in this spaceC'est dans le cadre de... - It's within the framework of...Il est cadre dans une banque - He's a bank manager
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caler
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Definition: to wedge, lock; to prop upIl a calé la porte avec un livre - He wedged a book under the door(informal) - to fill up (with food); to give in/up; to be stuckJe suis calé - I'm full (up)Il va caler d'ici une semaine - He's going to give in within the next weekRelated:une cale - wedgese caler - to plant/settle oneselfse caler les joues (informal) - to chow down, have a good feed
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calfeutrer
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Definition: to fill, to stop up, to stop draftsNous devons calfeutrer l'espace en dessous de la porte - We need to stop up the space under the door (to block the draft).se calfeutrer - to shut oneself away, to make oneself snugPierre s'est calfeutré pendant deux jours afin d'étudier ! - Pierre shut himself away for two days to study!Related:le calfeutrage - draftproofing, fillingle calfatage - caulkingle feutre - felt
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un calque
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Definition: tracing, carbon copy, spitting image, loan translationJe vais prendre un calque de ce plan - I'm going to trace (take a tracing of) this map.David est le calque de son père - David is the spitting image of his father.A loan translation (also called a calque in English) is the literal translation of a word or expression into another language.« Faire une décision » est un calque de « to make a decision ». - Faire une décision is a loan translation of "to make a decision." (The correct French expression is prendre une décision.)Related:calquer - to trace, copy exactlyle calquage - tracing
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cancaner
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Definition: to gossip, to quackMes amis aiment cancaner - My friends like to gossipLes canards cancanent très fort - Ducks quack very loudlyRelated:un cancan - piece of gossipcancanier (adj or noun) - gossipy
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la canicule
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Definition: scorching heat, heatwaveOn dit que ce sera la canicule la semaine prochaine - They say there will be a heatwave next weekC'est la canicule ! - It's a scorcher!Related:caniculaire (adj) - scorching
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cantonner
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Definition: to station, quarter, confineMon frère est cantonné au Japon. - My brother is stationed in Japan.Je me sens cantonné dans ce travail - I feel confined to this job.Related:un canton - districtcantonal (adj) - localle cantonnement - stationing, quartering, quarters, camp
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un cap
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Definition: (geography) - cape, point, headlandElle va au cap Canaveral - She's going to Cape Canaveral.Expressions:changer le cap - to change directionmettre le cap - to head/steer forpasser le cap - to get past the worstpasser le cap de 30 ans - to turn 30
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un carrefour
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Definition: crossroads, junction, intersection, forum (literal and figurative)Ce carrefour est très dangereux - This intersection is very dangerousLa Belgique est le carrefour de l'Europe - Belgium is the crossroads of EuropeNous allons créer un carrefour d'idées - We're going to create a forum/meeting of ideas
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cartonner
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Definition: (inf) - to smash into, to do really well or really poorly (depends on context)Il vient de se cartonner en voiture - He just crashed his carNe t'inquiète pas ; j'ai cartonné ! - Don't worry, I did brilliantly!Oh là là, j'ai cartonné - Oh dear, I blew it / did very poorly / failedRelated:faire un carton - to do great
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un casseur
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Definition: rioter; (familiar) burglar; scrap dealerDes milliers de casseurs ont protesté contre la nouvelle loi - Thousands of rioters protested the new lawIl travaille en tant que casseur - He works as a scrap dealerRelated:casser - to break
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censé
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Definition: (adj) - supposed toOù vas-tu ? Tu es censé travailler ! - Where are you going? You're supposed to be working!Je suis censé faire mes devoirs, mais je suis trop fatigué. - I should be doing my homework, but I'm too tired.Related:censément (adv) - supposedly, virtually
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le chantier
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Definition: building site, job site, depotLe chantier du peintre est à côté du parc - The painter's job site is next to the parkinformal - shambles, messQuel chantier ! - What a mess!
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le charabia
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Definition: (informal) - gibberish, gobbledygookC'est quoi ce charabia que tu racontes ? - What's this gibberish that you're spouting?Ce bouquin est plein de charabia - This book is full of gobbledygook.Je déteste tout ce charabia administratif - I hate all of this administrative nonsense.
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charnière
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Definition: (adj) - turning (point), transitional, linkingLe point charnière, ça a été quand il m'a dit qu'il m'aimait - The turning point was when he said he loved meL'oeuvre charnière de Sartre est "Huis clos" - Sartre's transitional work was "No Exit" (The turning point in Sartre's work was "No Exit")Related:une charnière - hingeun nom à charnière (familiar) - double-barrelled name
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charrier
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Definition: to cart, carry, trundle alongLe fleuve charrie beaucoup de sable - The river carries a lot of sand.(informal) - to kid someone, put someone on(familiar) - to go too far, overstep the markRelated:un charrieur (fam) - someone who always goes too farune charrette - cart
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châtier
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Definition: to refine, perfect; (religion) - to chasten, mortify; (literary) - to punishElle ne sait pas châtier son style - She doesn't know how to perfect her styleVous devez châtier votre langage - You must refine your languageParler un français châtié - To speak very proper French; Qui aime bien châtie bien - Spare the rod and spoil the childRelated:châtié (adj) - refined, polishedle châtiment (lit) - chastisement, punishment
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chatouiller
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Definition: to tickleJe déteste être chatouillé - I hate being tickled.Arrête, ça chatouille ! - Stop, that tickles!Related:le chatouillement - tickling, ticklela chatouille (inf) - ticklecraindre la chatouille - to be ticklish
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chausser
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Definition: to put shoes on, to fitIl faut chausser les enfants - We have to put the kids' shoes on.Ces souliers chaussent bien - These shoes fit well.Related:une chaussure - shoeune chaussette - sockun chausseur - shoemakerun chausson - slipperchaussant (adj) - well-fitting, snug-fitting
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le chevet
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Definition: head of the bed, bedsidePierre reste au chevet de son père. - Pierre is staying at his father's bedside.Ne mets pas tes pieds au chevet ! - Don't put your feet at the head of the bed!J'ai toujours un livre de chevet - I always have a bedside book (a book beside my bed).
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chevronné
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Definition: (adj) - seasoned, experiencedMon frère est un alpiniste chevronné - My brother is an experienced skier.Il faut trouver des soldats chevronnés - We need to find some veteran soldiers.
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une chiffe
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Definition: spineless or weak personLe nouveau maire est une chiffe - The new mayor is spineless(archaic) - rag, old clothSynonym:un chiffon - rag
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un chiot
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Definition: puppyJe veux acheter un chiot - I want to buy a puppy.Related:un chien - dogune chiennée (archaic, rare) - litter of puppies
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choper
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Definition: (familiar) - to pinch, nick, steal; to catchQui m'a chopé mon sac à dos ? - Who nicked my backpack?La police les a chopés - The police caught themJ'espère ne pas choper la grippe cet hiver - I hope I don't catch the flu this year
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le chou
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Definition: cabbage; darlingOn va manger du chou - We're going to eat some cabbageÇa va mon chou ? - How are you, my darling (my sweet)?Related:un chouchou - darling, petchouchouter (informal) - to pamper, coddlela choucroute - sauerkrautles choux de Bruxelles - Brussels sproutsExpressions:être dans les choux (informal) - to be screwed up, lost;faire chou blanc - to draw a blank
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un chouïa
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Definition: (informal) tiny bit, smidginIl te faut un chouïa de patience ! - You need a bit of patience!Ajoute un chouïa de sel - Add a dash of salt.
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ci-joint
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Definition: (adverb commonly used in correspondence) enclosed, attachedVeuillez trouver mon CV ci-joint - Please find my résumé attached.Related expressions:ci-après - below, hereafterci-contre - oppositeci-dessous - belowci-dessus - aboveci-devant - formerlyci-inclus - enclosed
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un(e) cinéaste
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Definition: film-maker, movie directorC'est ma cinéaste préférée - She's my favorite film-makerQui est le cinéaste de ce film ? - Who is the director of this movie?Related:un cinéma - movie theater
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le cinoche
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Definition: (inf) - the pictures, moviesAllons au cinoche ! - Let's go to the movies!Related:le cinéma - movie theater
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citadin
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Definition: (adj) town, urbanQuelle est la population citadine ? - What is the town population?un citadin / une citadine - city dweller, urbanite, townspersonLes citadins conduisent moins que les campagnards - City dwellers drives less than country people.une citadine - city car
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un clébard
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Definition: (inf, pejorative) - mutt, hound, dogC'est à qui, ce clébard ? - Whose mutt is this?Que je déteste les clébards ! - I just hate dogs!
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la clef
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Definition: key; wrench, spanner; (music) - peg, clefJ'ai perdu la clef ! - I lost the key!Il vient d'acheter des clefs - He just bought some wrenches/spanners.Alternate spelling - la cléExpressions:personnage à clefs - a real person appearing as a fictitious characterroman/livre à clef - novel with personnages à clefsprix clefs en main - sticker price, on-the-road priceà la clef (informal) - at the end of it allprendre la clef des champs - to clear out, run away
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un clignotant
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Definition: turn signal, indicator; warning light/signal/signIl n'a pas mis son clignotant - He didn't put his turn signal on / He didn't indicate.Que veut-dire ce clignotant ? - What does this warning light mean?(adjective) flashing, flickeringCette lumière clignotante me fait mal aux yeux - This flashing light hurts my eyes.Related:clignoter - to blink, flash, flickerle clignotement - blinking, twinkling, flashing, flickeringcligner - to blink
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clocher
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Definition: to be defective, to have something wrongIl y a quelque chose qui cloche dans son raisonnement - There's something not quite right in his reasoningJ'espère que rien ne clochera - I hope nothing goes wrongRelated:un clocher - steeplecloche - bell-shaped, idiotic
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un clou
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Definition: nail, stud, boil, highlight/star attractionAvez-vous des clous ? - Do you have any nails?Il a un clou sur le dos - He has a boil on his back
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un cobaye
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Definition: guinea-pig (literally and figuratively)Il a acheté un cobaye pour les enfants - He bought the kids a guinea-pigJe ne vais pas servir de cobaye à ce projet ! - I'm not going to be a guinea-pig for this project!
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la cogestion
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Definition: joint management, co-managementRelated:la gestion - managementcogérer - to manage jointly, to co-manageun cogérant - joint manager
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un colis
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Definition: parcel, packageJ'ai reçu un colis hier - I received a package yesterday.Les colis piégés sont très dangereux. - Mail/Parcel bombs are very dangerous.
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le colistier, la colistière
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Definition: (politics) running mateLe choix de colistier peut être très important - The choice of a running mate can be very important.Que pensez-vous de sa colistière ? - What do you think of his (female) running mate?
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coller
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Definition: to stick, glueJ'ai collé l'affiche à côté de la porte - I stuck the notice next to the door(informal) - to stick, shove; (pejorative) - to give, land; to get detention; to fail a test; to catch outOù as-tu collé mon sac ? - Where did you stick my bag?Yves m'a collé son chien - Yves landed/stuck me with his dogCette question m'a collé - That question caught me outRelated:la colle - glue
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coltiner
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Definition: to carry, lug aroundJ'ai dû coltiner ce truc pendant toute la journée ! - I had to lug this thing around all day!se coltiner - (inf) to be stuck/landed with (doing something)On s'est coltiné plein de boulot ! - We got stuck with a lot of work!Related:le coltin (archaic slang) - choreun coltin - piece of leather to protect head + shoulders of coltineursun coltineur - person who carries heavy bags on head and shoulders
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le comble
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Definition: (figurative) height; last straw; roof trussing/timbersC'est le comble de la stupidité ! - That's the height of stupidity!Le comble, c'était quand il m'a menti - His lying to me was the last strawLa mesure est comble, je pars - That's the last straw, I'm leaving(adj) - full, packedLe cinéma est comble ! - The theater is packed!Related:combler - to fill in, make up/good, fulfillExpressions:de fond en comble - from top to bottomfaire salle comble - to play to packed houses
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un comprimé
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Definition: (medicine) pill, tabletJe ne peux pas avaler les comprimés - I can't swallow pills.Il préfère les médicaments en comprimé - He prefers (medicine in the form of) tablets.Related:comprimer - to compress
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la concertation
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Definition: dialogue, meeting, consultationIl y a une absence de concertation entre ces deux pays - There's an absence of dialogue between these two countriesL'heure est à la concertation - Now's the time for dialogueRelated:concerter - to devise (a plan)se concerter - to consult one another
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conformément
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Definition: (adv) in accordance (with), according (to), in order to conform with/matchNous avons agi conformément à la loi - We acted in accordance with the law.Tu dois le réparer conformément à l'original - You need to repair it to match the original.Related:conforme (adj) - true to, matchingcomformé (adj) - formed, shapedconformer - to model (on), match, conform
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conjoint
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Definition: (adj) - joint, linked, relatedCes problèmes sont peut-être conjoints - These problems may be related.un/e conjoint(e) - spouseMon conjoint et moi assisterons ensemble à la conférence. - My spouse and I will attend the conference together.Related:conjointement (adv) - jointly
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un connard
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Definition: (familiar) - idiot, jerk, schmuckC'est un vrai connard ! - He's a real jerk!Related:une connarde / une connasse (familiar) - bitch, cow
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consacrer
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Definition: to devote, dedicateIl a consacré sa vie à Dieu - He has devoted his life to God.Il a consacré des années à l'étude des langues - He dedicated years to the study of languages.Peux-tu me consacrer une minute? - Can you spare me a minute?Related:consacré - established, accepted, traditional, given over to, dedicated to
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constater
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Definition: to note, notice, record, certifyJe n'ai pas constaté l'erreur - I didn't notice the error.Le médecin a constaté le décès - The doctor certified that death had occurred.Related:le constat - affidavit, reportla constatation - noticing, noticing, recording, observation
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une contrepartie
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Definition: compensation, exchangeQu'est-ce qu'ils ont offert en contrepartie ? - What did they offer as compensation?Il m'a proposé un emploi en contrepartie de mon assistance - He offered me a job in exchange for my assistance
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un contretemps
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Definition: hitch, mishap, slight complication; (music) off-beat rhythmNous voulions partir ce matin, mais il y a eu un contretemps - We wanted to leave this morning, but there was a slight complicationà contretemps - at a bad/inopportune momentIl est arrivé à contretemps - He arrived at an inopportune moment
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convoiter
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Definition: to covet, lust afterJe convoite son poste depuis des années - I've been coveting his job for years.Il n'a jamais cessé de convoiter sa femme - He never stopped lusting after his wife.Related:convoité (adj) - covetedla convoitise - covetousness, lust desire
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une coqueluche
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Definition: (figurative) darling, sweetheart, idolSégolène Royal est actuellement la coqueluche des médias français - Ségolène Royal is currently the darling of the French mediaTom Cruise n'est plus une des coqueluches de Hollywood - Tom Cruise is no longer one Hollywood's idols(literal) whooping cough
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une coquille
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Definition: shell (literally and figuratively)J'ai trouvé une coquille à la plage - I found a shell at the beach.Elle rentre dans sa coquille quand les mecs lui parlent - She withdraws into her shell when guys talk to her.Related:le coquillage - shellfishcoquillettes (f) - pasta shellscoquillier (adj) - conchiferous
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une corvée
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Definition: chore, drudgery; military duty; (in Canada) - volunteer workA mon avis, nettoyer le parterre est la pire des corvées - For me, washing the floor is the worst (kind of) drudgeryQuelle corvée ! - What drudgery / What a drag!
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cossu
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Definition: (adj) well-off, opulentLes étudiants ici sont normalement assez cossus - The students here are usually fairly well-offSa maison est très cossue - His house is really opulent
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côtoyer
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Definition: to be next to, rub shoulders with; to move alongside; (figurative) to be close to, border onJean et Luc se côtoient souvent - Jean and Luc are often together.J'ai côtoyé la rivière à pied. - I walked alongside the river.Cette idée côtoie le ridicule - This idea borders on the ridiculous.Related:la côte - coast
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coucou
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Definition: (exclamation) hello, hi, peek-a-boo; cuckoo (clock)Coucou, Pierre, c'est moi ! - Hi, Pierre, it's me!Coucou, il y a quelqu'un ? - Hello, is anyone there?
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craignos
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Definition: (fam invariable adj) - shady, dodgyJ'ai vu un type craignos devant mon appart - I saw a shady-looking guy in front of my apartmentIl habite dans un quartier craignos - He lives in a seedy neighborhood
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crapoter
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Definition: (informal) - to smoke without inhaling, ~ to puffAvec les cigares, il faut toujours crapoter sans avaler la fumée - With cigars, you should always puff without inhalingSynonym: tirer des bouffées
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un créneau
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Definition: parallel parking space; gap, niche, slotJe ne sais pas me garer en créneau - I don't know how to parallel parkTrouvez-moi un créneau dans votre emploi du temps - Find me an empty spot in your time-table/scheduleExpressions:rater son créneau - to park badlymonter au créneau pour défendre - to leap to the defense ofun créneau horaire - a time slotun créneau publicitaire - an advertising slot
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un creux
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Definition: hollow, hole; slack periodIl s'est caché dans le creux de cet arbre - He hid in the hollow of this treeIl y a toujours un creux le lundi - There's always a slack period on MondaysCreux is also an adjective - hollow, slack, concaveExpressions:J'ai un petit creux (informal) - I'm a little hungry / peckishavoir une dent creuse - to have a cavity, (inf) to be hungryJ'ai la tête/cervelle creuse - My mind is blank
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criant
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Definition: (adj) - blatant, striking, shockingQuelle injustice criante ! - What shocking injustice!Voici la preuve criante - Here is the blatant (unmistakeable) proof.Related:un cri - shout, screamcrier - to scream, cry outla criée - auctionun crieur - seller, crier
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un crible
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Definition: screen, sieveNous avons besoin d'un crible pour le jardin - We need a screen for the garden (to remove the stones from the soil)passer au crible - to examine, go through with a fine-tooth comb, do a thorough investigationJe vais passer ce document au crible avant de répondre - I'm going to go over this document with a fine-tooth comb before respondingRelated:cribler - to sift, screencriblé (adj) - riddled with, covered with/in
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crisper
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Definition: to tense, to get on someone's nervesIl ne faut pas crisper les mains sur le volant en conduisant - You shouldn't tense your hands on the steering wheel while driving.Anne me crispe ! - Anne gets on my nerves!Related:se crisper - to tense, to get edgycrispé (adj) - tense, nervousla crispation - tensing, contractioncrispant (adj) - irritating, aggravating
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croquer
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Definition: (transitive) to crunch; to bite into; to sketchElle croque des biscuits - She's crunching (munching) cookiesPeux-tu croquer cette maison pour moi ? - Could you sketch this house for me?(intransitive) to be crunchyExpression:croquer le marmot (informal) - to wait aroundêtre (joli) à croquer - to be pretty as a pictureil en croque (slang) - he's a nark, he gets bribedRelated:croquant (adj) - crisp, crunchy
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culotté
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Definition: (inf adj) - cheeky, sassyIl faut pas être culotté avec tes parents ! - You shouldn't be cheeky to your parents!Related:le culot (informal) - nerve, cheekla culotte - underpants
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la cupidité
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Definition: greedLa cupidité de l'avare ne sera jamais satisfaite - The miser's greed will never be satisfiedL'homme d'affaires fut ruiné par sa cupidité - The businessman was ruined by his greedRelated:cupide (adj) - greedy
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une cure
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Definition: diet, course of treatment, cureJ'ai besoin d'une cure de sommeil - I need sleep therapyElle va faire une cure de fruits - She's going to go on a fruit dietIl a fait une cure de cinéma - He did nothing but watch moviesRelated:un curé - priestcurer - to clear/clean out
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une cuve
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Definition: vat, tankLe vin de ce vignoble vieillit dans des cuves en chêne - The wine from this vineyard ages in oak vatsLa cuve à mazout est presque vide - The oil tank is almost emptyRelated: cuver - to ferment; une cuvée - vintageExpression:cuver son vin (fam) - to sleep it off
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une dalle
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Definition: flagstone, slabJ'aime les trottoirs en dalle - I like sidewalks made of flagstone.Familiar expressions:Que dalle ! - Damn allne... que dalle - not a damn thingavoir la dalle en pente - to be a bit of a boozeravoir la dalle - to be starvingse rincer la dalle - to wet one's whistleRelated:le dallage - paving, pavementdaller - to paveun dalleur - flag layer
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déballer
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Definition: to unpack, display, let outTu peux déballer avant le dîner - You can unpack before dinner.Il faut déballer vos sentiments ! - You have to let your feelings out!Related:le déballage - unpacking, display, outpouring
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débile
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Definition: (adj) - weak, feeble, frail, sickly, poorCette organisation est débile ; elle n'a pas de vrais pouvoirs. - This organization is weak; it doesn't have any real power.L'enfant débile doit être soigné 24 heures sur 24 - The sickly child needs to be cared for around the clock.(informal) - pathetic, stupid, moronicQuel film débile ! - What a stupid movie!
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débiter
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Definition: to cut upJ'ai déjà débité tout le bois - I already cut up all the woodto produce, to sellCette usine débite 10 000 pièces par jour - This factory produces 10,000 pieces per dayNotre magasin ne peut pas débiter autant de vêtements - Our store can't sell so much clothing(informal, derogatory) to utter, spout, pour outTu ne peux pas croire les sottises qu'il a débitées - You wouldn't believe the stupid things he uttered
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déblayer
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Definition: to clear away, remove, tidy up; to prepare (ground)Pouvez-vous déblayer la porte ? - Could you clear the space by the door / the path to the door?Il faut déblayer le terrain avant de commencer - We have to clear the ground before we beginInformal expression: Déblaye (le terrain) ! - Get lost! Push off!Related:le déblai - clearing, cleaning, excavationsle déblaiement - clearingle déblayage - clearing out
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déboîter
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Definition: to disconnect, dislodge, dislocate; (driving) to pull outComment as-tu déboîté ton épaule ? - How did you dislocate your shoulderOn va devoir déboîter la porte - We're going to have to take the door off its hingesVous pouvez déboîter après la voiture blanche - You can pull out after the white carRelated:le déboîtement - dislocation, pulling outboiter - to limp, wobble
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le débordement
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Definition: overflow(ing), boiling over, (out)burstLe débordement de la rivière au printemps... - The overflow of the river in spring...Il a tout fait avec un débordement d'énergie - He did everything with a sudden burst of energyRelated:les débordements - excessesdéborder - to overflow, boil over
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déborder
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Definition: to overflow, to stick out; (fig) to be bursting withLes gouttières débordent à cause de l'orage - The gutters are overflowing due to the stormIl vient d'apprendre à colorier et il déborde encore beaucoup - He just learned how to color and he still goes outside of the lines a lotAttention, le lait va déborder ! - Watch out, the milk is going to boil over!Son annonce m'a fait déborder de joie - His announcement made me burst with joyExpressions:La goutte d'eau qui fait déborder le vase - The straw that broke the camel's backplein à déborder - filled to the brim
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un débouché
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Definition: opening, outlet, prospectY a-t-il des débouchés dans cette entreprise ? - Are there any (job) openings in this company?Il faut trouver un débouché pour notre nouveau produit - We need to find an outlet for our new productJe veux traverser la rue, mais je ne vois aucun débouché dans le défilé - I want to cross the street, but I don't see any openings in the paradeOù est le débouché de ce canal ? - Where is this canal's outlet? Where does it open out (into the lake)?
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débrider
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Definition: to unbridle, lance, inciseIl faut toujours débrider le cheval après la promenade - You always have to unbridle the horse after the rideTu ne peux pas débrider la plaie toi-même ! - You can't lance the wound yourself!sans débrider - incessantly, without a break, with no interruptionRelated:débridé - (adj) unbridled, unrestrainedle débridement - unbridling, unleashing, lancing
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un débutant
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Definition: (fem: une débutante) - beginner, noviceC'est un cours pour les débutants - It's a class for beginners.Je suis débutant en tennis. - I'm a tennis novice.(adj) - noviceRelated:un début - beginning, startdébuter - to start out, to begin
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le déca
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Definition: decaf (informal abbreviation of décaféiné - decaffeinated)Je préfère le déca - I prefer decaf.May also be written DK
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le décalage horaire
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Definition: time difference, jet lagIl y a un décalage horaire d'une heure entre la France et l'Angleterre. - There's a one-hour time difference between France and England.Je ne souffre pas de la fatigue due au décalage horaire - I don't suffer from jet lag.Related:un décalage - gap, intervaldécaler - to bring forward, to put back (in time)
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décaler
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Definition: to bring/move (forward, back, to the side)Au printemps et en automne, nous devons décaler d'une heure - In spring and fall, we have to move the clock (forward/back) by one hour.Pouvez-vous décaler la table d'un mètre vers la gauche ? - Could you move the table a meter to the left?Related:décalé (adj) - quirky, off-beat, unconventional, irregularun décalage - gap, interval, discrepancy
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décéder
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Definition: (formal) - to die, pass awayIl est décédé l'année dernière - He passed away last year.Related:décédé (adj) - deceasedMme Martin, décédée le 7 janvier 2005... - Mrs. Martin, who died on 7 January 2005...
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la déception
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Definition: disappointmentLeur déception était palpable - Their disappointment was palpableNote that this is a FALSE COGNATERelated:décevoir - to disappointdécevant - (adj) disappointing
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décerner
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Definition: to give, award, issueIls vont décerner les prix la semaine prochaine - They're going to give out the prizes next weekLa police a décerné un mandat d'arrêt pour mon père - Police have issued an arrest warrant for my father
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déchirant
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Definition: (adj) heartbreaking, heartrending, harrowingSon départ était déchirant - His departure was heartbreakingRelated:dechirer - to tear, riple déchirement - tearing, ripping, heartbreak
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déclencher
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Definition: to release, set off, trigger, launch, workLe moindre mouvement déclenche l'alarme - The slightest movement sets off the alarm.Ses paroles ont déclenché un débat prolongé - His words triggered a prolonged debate.Related:le déclenchement - triggering, release, launchingun déclencheur - release mechanism
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décortiquer
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Definition: to shell, hull, remove barkJ'aime bien m'asseoir sur le balcon et décortiquer des noix - I really like sitting on the balcony, shelling walnuts(figurative) to dissect, analyzeNous devons décortiquer ces chiffres - We need to analyze these numbersRelated:le décorticage - shelling, dissection
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découdre
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Definition: to take stitches out, unpickQui a décousu ce bouton ? - Who took the stitches out of this button / took this button off?(literary, in jest) to fight, do battleNous en décousons trop - We fight too much.Related:se découdre - to come unstitched, to come apart
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décréter
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Definition: to order, declare, decree, ordain, decideL'armée n'a pas encore décrété la mobilisation générale - The army hasn't ordered general mobilization yet.Luc a décrété qu'il ne travaillerait plus pour son père - Luc declared that he would no longer work for his father.Related:un décret - decree
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le dédommagement
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Definition: compensation, something to make up for a problemJ'ai reçu des billets en dédommagement - I received tickets in compensation.Que voulez-vous en dédommagement du mal ? - What do you want to make up for the trouble?Related:dédommager - to compensate, make up for
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défaillant
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Definition: (adj) - failing, declining, weak(ening), shakySa santé défaillante me perturbe - His failing health disturbs meIl a pris ses premiers pas défaillants hier - He took his first shaky steps yesterdayRelated:la défaillance - blackout, faintness, breakdowndéfaillir - to faint, weaken
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déferler
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Definition: to unfurl, (intransitive) to break, surge, spread, floodPeux-tu m'aider à déferler la voile ? - Can you help me unfurl the sail?Comme les vagues, les touristes déferlent sur les plages - Like waves, tourists surge across the beaches.Related:le déferlement - breaking, surge, spread, flood
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un dégât
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Definition: (often plural) - damageHeureusement, le tremblement de terre n'a pas causé beaucoup de dégâts - Fortunately, the earthquake did not cause a lot of damage.Les cigarettes font beaucoup de dégâts - Cigarettes do a lot of harm / are very harmful.
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déglinguer
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Definition: (informal) - to bust, breakL'appareil-photo que je viens d'acheter est déjà déglingué - The camera I just bought is already busted.se déglinguer - to be on the blink, fall apart, go bustSa télé se déglingue tout le temps - His TV is always on the blink.Related:la déglingue (fam) - dilapidation, decaydéglingué (inf adj) - battered, broken, run-down, kaput, ramshackle
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dégoiser
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Definition: (inf) - to spout, rattle onQu'est-ce qu'il dégoise ? - What's he rattling on about?Il n'arrête jamais de dégoiser - He never shuts up, He never stops rattling on.
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dégommer
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Definition: (familiar) - to demote, unseat, sack, fire; to put down, lay into, get told offOn veut dégommer le directeur-général - They want to sack the managerIl s'est fait dégommer par ses parents - His parents told him off / laid into himRelated:le dégommage (familiar) - demoting, unseating, sacking
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dégoter
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Definition: (informal) - to dig up, findLa police n'a pas réussi à dégoter assez de preuve - The police didn't manage to dig up enough proofOù as-tu dégoté ces livres ? - Where did you dig up these books?Alternate spelling: dégotter
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dégringoler
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Definition: to collapse, fall; to rush/fall downApparemment, il a dégringolé du toit - Apparently, he fell off the roofAprès la guerre, les prix ont dégringolé - After the war, prices collapsedIl ne faut pas dégringoler les escaliers - You shouldn't rush down the stairs
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déguerpir
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Definition: (informal) - to clear off/out, scarperIl a dit aux gosses de déguerpir - He told the kids to clear off.J'espère qu'il pourra faire déguerpir les fourmis ! - I hope he can get the ants to clear out!
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dégueulasse
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Definition: (fam adj) - lousy, rotten, filthy, disgustingCe film est dégueulasse ! - This movie is disgusting!C'est dégueulasse de voler aux enfants - It's rotten/disgusting to steal from kids.Abbreviation: dégueuRelated:un/e dégueulasse (fam) - dirty pig, disgusting persondégueulasser (fam) - to muck/up
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déguster
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Definition: to taste, sample, savorNous allons déguster du vin - We're going to taste some wineIl déguste son café - He's enjoying/savoring his coffee(informal) - to suffer, have a rough timeJ'ai un mal de tête, je déguste ! - I have a hell of a headache!, I have a headache and it's killing me!Related:une dégustation - tastingun dégustateur - wine taster
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délaisser
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Definition: to abandon, quit, give up, neglectIl a délaissé sa famille - He abandoned his family.Il ne faut pas délaisser ses amis - You shouldn't neglect your friends.Ne délaisse pas tes nouveaux jouets ! - Don't abandon your new toys!Related:le délaissement - abandonment, desertion, neglectdélaissé (adj) - neglectedlaisser - to leave
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se délecter
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Definition: to (take) delight in, to revel inEn été, je me délecte de manger dehors - In the summer, I revel in eating outsideAnne se délecte à la lecture des romans de Zola - Anne delights in reading Zola's novels(Use à when followed by a noun, de when followed by a verb)Related:délectable (adj) - delectablela délectation - delight
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délester
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Definition: (technical) to cut off power, relieve congestion / a burden; (transportation) to remove ballastLe courant sera délesté pendant une heure demain - The power will be turned off for an hour tomorrowQuand vont-ils faire quelque chose pour délester cette autoroute ? - When are they going to do something to relieve congestion on this highway?(informal) to relieve someone of something by stealing itRelated:se délester - to put down, offload
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démanger
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Definition: to itch (literally and figuratively)Mes pieds me démangent la nuit - My feet itch at nightOù est-ce que ça vous démange ? - Where does it itch?Expressions:Le poing lui démange - He's itching for a fightLa main me démange - I'm itching to hit (someone)La langue me démange - I'm dying to speakL'envie/Ça me démange de + infinitive - I'm itching to + verb
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démêler
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Definition: to untangle (literally and figuratively), to sort out, unravel, get to the bottom ofLui démêler les cheveux le matin, c'est un vrai cauchemar! - Untangling his hair every morning is a real nightmare!Nous devons démêler le vrai du faux - We need to sort out the truth from the liesRelated:le démêlage - untanglingle démêlant - hair conditionerun démêlé - dispute, quarrel
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se démener
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Definition: to thrash about, struggle, exert oneselfSi tu te démènes, je ne peux pas t'aider. - If you struggle, I won't be able to help you.Nous devons nous démener afin de le faire - We need to exert ourselves in order to do it.
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démettre
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Definition: to dislocate, dismissIl s'est démis l'épaule - He dislocated his shoulderVous devrez le démettre de son poste - You should dismiss him from his postRelated:(le poignet) demis - dislocated (wrist)une démission - resignation, abdicationdémissionnaire (adj) - resigningdémissioner - to resign, (informal) - to be fired
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demeurer
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Definition: to stay/live somewhere, to remainJe demeure en Californie - I live in California.Même dans les années 30, cette industrie demeurait très compétitive - Even in the 1930's, this industry remained very competitive.Related:la demeure - residencedemeuré (adj) - half-wittedau demeurant (adv) - incidentally, by the way
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la dépouille
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Definition: skin, hideIl a la dépouille d'un tigre devant la cheminée - He has a tiger skin in front of the fireplace.(literary) remainsQue faire avec sa dépouille mortelle ? - What should we do with his mortal remains?les dépouilles(literary) plunder, spoilsle système des dépouilles - spoils systemRelated:dépouillé - (adj) bare, plain, uncluttereddépouiller - to skim, go through, to skin, striple dépouillement - perusal, going through
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déraper
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Definition: to skid, slip, soarSa voiture a dérapé à cause de la glace - His car skidded on the ice.Le prix de l'essence dérape en Europe ! - The price of gas is soaring in Europe!Related:le dérapage - skid, unexpected increase (in a price)
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une dérive
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Definition: drift, deviation, abuseLa dérive des continents continue depuis des siècles - Continental drift has been going on for centuriesIl y a récemment une dérive au sein du Parti Socialiste - Recently there has been a deviation in the Socialist PartyC'est une dérive du système - That's an abuse of the system
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dériver
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Definition: to divert, derive, stem fromLe gouvernement a décidé de dériver la rivière - The government decided to divert the riverCes problèmes dérivent d'un manque de communication - These problems stem from a lack of communicationRelated:dérivé (adj) - derivedun dérivé - derivative (chem, ling), spin-off, by-productune dérivée - derivative (math)la dérivation - diversion, detour, derivation
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se dessaisir
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Definition: to part with, to give awayJe déteste me dessaisir de cette photo - I hate to part with this photographNous nous dessaisissons de nos vieux vêtements - We're giving away our old clothesdessaisir (legal) - to removeLe juge va dessaisir le tribunal de l'affaire - The judge is going to remove the case from courtRelated:le dessaisissement - giving up, relinquishment
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desservir
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Definition: to clear (away), to do a disservice to, to harm; (transportation) - to servePeux-tu desservir la table ? - Could you clear the table?Cette décision va desservir notre cause - This decision is going to do a disservice to our causeLa France est bien desservie - France has good public transportation
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désuet
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Definition: (adj) - outdated, old-fashioned, quaintMa grand-mère a souvent des opinions désuettes - My grandmother often has old-fashioned opinions.La maison a un charme désuet - The house has a quaint charm.Related:la désuétude - disuse, obsolescence
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détaler
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Definition: (informal) - to bolt, take off, clear out, skedaddleQuand j'ai entendu les sirènes, j'ai détalé ! - When I heard the sirens, I took off!Expressions of emphasis:détaler à toutes jambesdétaler comme un lapindétaler au triple galopdétaler d'une telle vitesse que... - to take off so quickly that...
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devancer
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Definition: to get/be/arrive/do ahead ofPour gagner, il faut devancer tous les autres coureurs - To win, you have to get ahead of all the other runners.Je te devancerai chez nous - I'll get home before you.J'allais le lui dire, mais Hélène m'a devancé. - I was going to tell him, but Hélène beat me to it.Related:devant (adv) - in front of; un devancier - precursor
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la déveine
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Definition: (informal) rotten luckQuelle déveine ! - What rotten luck!Il est dans la déveine - He's down on his luck / He's out of luck.Et puis j'avais la déveine de... - And then I had the rotten luck to...Tu as toutes les déveines ! - You have all the rotten luck!Related:la veine (informal) - good luckveinard ! - lucky dog!
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dévoiler
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Definition: to unveil, disclose, revealNous allons dévoiler nos projets demain matin - We're going to reveal our plans tomorrowLa statue a été dévoilée après les discours - The statue was unveiled after the speechesPierre n'a pas dévoilé le nom de son complice - Pierre did not disclose his accomplice's nameRelated:le dévoilement - unveiling, disclosure, revelationvoiler - to veil, hide, mist over
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un diapason
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Definition: (music) range, tuning fork, pitch pipeCette chanteuse a un diapason impressionnant - That singer has an impressive rangeExpressions:être au diapason d'une situation - to be in tune with a situationse mettre au diapason de quelqu'un - to get in tune with someone, get onto someone's wavelength
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un dicton
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Definition: saying, dicton, expressionJe ne connais pas ce dicton - I don't know that saying.Connais-tu une bonne liste de dictons français ? - Do you know of a good list of French expressions?Related:dicter - to dictate
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un dirigeant
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Definition: leader, ruler, director, managerQui est le dirigeant de ce syndicat ? - Who's in charge of this union?Il y aura une réunion pour les dirigeants à 9h00 - There will be a managers meeting at 9:00.(adj) - ruling, seniorLa classe dirigeante a tout le pouvoir - The ruling class has all of the power.Related:diriger - to run, be in charge of, manage, steer
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un dispositif
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Definition: device, mechanism; plan (of action, attack...)J'ai acheté un dispositif d'alarme - I bought an alarm / warning device.Nous devons mettre en place un dispositif - We need to begin a plan of action.Le dispositif d'attaque est compliqué - The plan of attack is complicated.Related:disposer - to arrange, incline (s.o. to do s.t.)une disposition - arrangement, mood
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dompter
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Definition: to tame, subdue, master, overcomeJe vais dompter ce renard - I'm going to tame this fox.Ces enfants doivent être domptés ! - These kids need to be subdued! (teasingly)J'ai réussi à dompter ma peur - I managed to overcome my fear.Related:domptable (adj) - tameablele domptage - tamingun dompteur - trainer
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dorénavant
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Definition: (adv) - from now on, henceforthSuzanne vient de changer son nom ; dorénavant, vous devez l'appeler Suzette. - Suzanne just changed her name; from now on, you have to call her Suzette.Dorénavant, je veux que tu fasses ton lit chaque matin - From now on, I want you to make your bed every morning.
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doté
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Definition: equipped/endowed; with a dowry/prizeCette usine est dotée d'un équipement moderne. - This factory is equipped with modern equipment.Pierre est doté d'un grand talent musical - Pierre is endowed with great musical talent.Cette compétition est richement dotée - This competition has a big prize.Related:la dot - dowryla dotation - endowment, grantdoter - to provide a dowry, to endow, to equip with
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doublé
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Definition: (adj) - lined, dubbedElle a acheté une jupe doublée de soie - She bought a silk-lined skirtJe n'aime pas les films doublés ; je préfère les sous-titres - I don't like dubbed movies; I prefer subtitlesRelated:doubler - to double, repeat (a class), dub, line, overtake
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douillet
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Definition: (adj) soft, cozy, snugC'est un appartement douillet - It's a cozy apartment(derogatory) soft, weak, unable to stand painRelated:douillettement (adv) - cozily, snuggly
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dresser
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Definition: to draw or write up; to stand up, raise, erectJ'ai dressé la liste d'invités - I drew up the guest list.Vas-tu dresser un plan pour nos amis ? - Are you going to draw up a map for our friends?Ils vont dresser une statue dans le parc - They're going to erect a statue in the park.Dressez les têtes - Raise your heads.
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l'ébullition
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Definition: (f noun) boiling, turmoilAjouter les pâtes au moment de l'ébullition - Add the pasta once (the water is) boilingPorter le potage à ébullition - Bring the soup to a boilExpression:être en ébullition - (literally) to be boiling, (figuratively) to be in turmoil, bubbling over, seething
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une échéance
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Definition: expiration/maturity/redemption/payment/due date; termJ'attends l'échéance de mon bon - I'm waiting for my bond's maturity date.Quelle est l'échéance de cette facture ? - What is this bill's due date?Related:un échéancier - payment scheduleéchéances politiques - electionspayable à l'échéance - payable when duevenir à échéance - to become dueà plus ou moins brève échéance - sooner or laterà longue échéance - in the long run, long-termà courte échéance - before long, short-termle cas échéant - if need be
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des économies
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Definition: (f plural) savings, conservationJe dois faire des économies - I need to save up.As-tu des économies ? - Do you have any savings?Il faut nous concentrer sur les économies d'énergie - We need to concentrate on energy conservation.Related:l'économie - economics; economy, thriftéconomiser - to economize, save on, conserve
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écorce
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Definition: (fem noun) - bark, peel, skinOn peut reconnaître un platane par l'écorce - You can recognize a plane tree by the barkJ'aime l'écorce d'orange couverte de chocolat - I like chocolate-covered orange peelsRelated:écorcer - to peel, strip the bark from
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écouler
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Definition: to sellIl faut écouler ce stock avant la prochaine livraison - We need to sell off this stock before the next delivery.Related:s'écouler - to leak, flow out; to pass by, disappear, melt awayL'eau s'écoule des tuyaux - Water is leaking from the pipes.Le temps s'écoule vite quand on est occupé - Time passes quickly when one is busy.
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écourter
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Definition: to shorten, cut short, curtailNotre visite a été écourtée par l'arrivée de Claude - Our visit was cut short by Claude's arrival.Vous devrez écourter votre discours - You'll have to cut down your speech.Related:court (adj) - short
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s'écrouler
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Definition: (reflexive verb) - to fall down, collapse, crumbleLe mur vient de s'écrouler - The wall just fell down.Thierry s'est écroulé quand il a vu l'accident - Thierry collapsed when he saw the accident.Ses théories s'écrouleront dans la nouvelle économie - His theories will collapse in the new economy.Related:écroulé (adj) - tumbledown, fallenécroulement - fall, collapse
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éculé
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Definition: (adj) - worn down, worn outSes nouvelles chaussures sont déjà éculées - His new shoes are already worn down (at the heel).Arrête avec ces plaisanteries éculées ! - Stop with these worn out jokes!Related:éculer - to wear down at the heels'éculer - to become hackneyed, wear thin
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édulcorer
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Definition: to water/tone down; to sweetenIl nous a raconté une version édulcorée de l'histoire - He told us a watered-down version of the storyLes idées radicales dans votre thèse doivent être édulcorées - The radical ideas in your thesis need to be toned downIl édulcorera le médicament avec du sucre - He'll sweeten the medicine with some sugarRelated:édulcorant (adj) - sweeteningun édulcorant - sweetener
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effectuer
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Definition: to carry out, to make (happen), to accomplishLe médecin n'a pas voulu effectuer l'opération - The doctor did not want to carry out the operationL'arbitre a effectué un changement des règles - The referee made a change in the rulesLes rénovations chez moi seront effectuées dans 3 mois - The renovations on my home will be done in 3 monthsRelated:effectif (adj) - effective
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effondré
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Definition: shattered, crushed, collapsedLe mur effondré doit être réparé. - The collapsed wall must be fixed.Elle était effondrée de douleur - She was crushed by grief.Related:effondrer - to make collapses'effondrer - to collapse, cave inun effondrement - collapse, caving-in, utter dejection
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égaré
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Definition: (adj) - lost, stray, distraughtIl y a beaucoup de chats égarés ici - There are a lot of stray cats here.Ça va ? Tu as l'air égaré. - Are you ok? You look distraught.s'égarer - to get lostNous nous sommes égarés ! - We're lost!Related:égarer - to mislead, lead astray, mislayun égarement - distraction, madness
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éhonté
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Definition: (adj) shameless, brazenVos actions éhontées nous ont mis en danger - Your shameless actions put us in dangerC'est un mensonge éhonté ! - That's a bold-faced lie!Related:la honte - shame
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élaguer
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Definition: to prune (literally and figuratively)Nous devons élaguer ces arbres - We need to prune these trees.Il a élagué le budget - He pruned the budget.Related:élagage (m) - pruningun élagueur/une élagueuse - pruner
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élucubrations
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Definition: wild imaginingsJe ne sais pas où il trouve toutes ces savantes élucubrations - I don't know how he imagines these wild things, where he comes up with this stuffC'est impossible de prendre au sérieux ses élucubrations - It's impossible to take his wild imaginings seriouslyRelated:élucubrer - to dream up
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emballer
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Definition: to pack (up)Il faut encore que j'emballe mes livres - I still need to pack up my books(informal) - to thrillSes idées ne m'ont pas emballé - I wasn't thrilled by his ideas(familiar) - to arrest, nick; to seduce, pick upRelated:emballage (m) - packing, wrapping, packagingemballement (m) - flash of enthusiasm or angerun emballeur - packer
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emboîter
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Definition: to fit together, intoIl a réussi à emboîter les tuyaux - He managed to fit the pipes togetherCette partie ne veut pas s'emboîter dans l'appareil - This piece won't fit into the deviceExpression: emboîter le pas à qqun - to follow close one someone's heels, to follow suitRelated:une boîte - box, can, tin
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embrouillé
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Definition: (adj) - muddled, confused, mixed-upCes papiers sont tout embrouillés - These papers are all mixed up.Je ne peux pas décider ; mes idées sont embrouillées. - I can't decide; my thoughts are all muddled.Related:embrouiller - to tangle up, mix up, confuseembrouillement - tangling, muddling up, confusion
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s'emparer
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Definition: (reflexive verb) - to seize, snatch, grab, take overLe voleur s'est emparé de mon sac à main et a disparu - The thief grabbed my purse and disappeared.La police va s'emparer de toute la contrebande - The police will seize all of the contraband.La jalousie s'est emparée de mon bon sens - Jealousy took over / took hold of my common sense.
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empiler
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Definition: to pile, stack up, squeeze inTu dois empiler ces journaux - You need to stack up these newspapers.Comment avez-vous empilé 8 personnes dans cette voiture ? - How did you squeeze 8 people into this car?(familiar) - to have, swindle, rookMon père a été empilé - My father was swindled.Related: une pile - pile, stackempilage - piling-up, stacking-upun empileur - stacker, swindler
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encastrer
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Definition: to embed, fitL'épée du roi Arthur était encastrée en pierre - King Arthur's sword was embedded in stoneLes livres s'encastrent exactement dans cette boîte - The books fit perfectly into this boxRelated:encastré (adj) - built-inencastrable (adj) - slot-in
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encenser
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Definition: to flatter, praise excessivelyLuc encense les femmes qu'il trouve jolies - Luc flatters women he finds attractiveLe critique a encensé ce film parce qu'il connaît le réalisateur - The critic praised this film excessively because he knows the directorRelated:encens (m noun) - incenseencensement - the act of burning incenseun encensoir - censer
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une enchère
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Definition: bidJe n'ai pas encore fait d'enchère - I haven't made any bids yet.Sa mort a fait monter les enchères - His death pushed up the bidding.Related:enchérir sur un offre - to outbidenchérir sur - to go one better than, go furthermettre aux enchères - to put up for auctionun enchérisseur - bidderun renchérissement - a rise in price
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enclin
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Definition: (adj) - inclined/prone (to)Je suis enclin à commencer sans lui - I'm inclined to start without himElle est encline au mélodrame - She's prone to melodrama (She's often melodramatic)
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un(e) énergumène
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Definition: firebrand, nutcaseMa fille est une vraie énergumène - My daughter is a real firebrandQui est cet énergumène à côté de Jean ? - Who's that nutcase next to Jean?
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une engelure
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Definition: chilblaindes engelures - frostbiteAttention, on peut perdre des doigts aux engelures ! - Be careful, you can lose fingers to frostbite!
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engourdir
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Definition: to make numbJ'ai la main engourdie - My hand is numb.Je suis engourdi de froid - I'm numb with cold.Related:engourdi (adj) - numb, dullengourdissement (m noun) - numbness, sleepiness, dullness
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un enjeu
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Definition: stake, issueQuels sont les enjeux de ce match ? - What are the stakes in this match?L'environnement est un enjeu important dans cette élection - The environment is an important issue in this electionRelated:en jeu - in play, at stake
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enrayer
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Definition: to (keep in) check, curb, jamY a-t-il un moyen d'enrayer la progression de cette maladie ? - Is there a way to check the spread of this disease?Quelqu'un a enrayé la machine ! - Someone jammed the machine!Related:enrayage (m noun) - jammingenrayement (m noun; also spelled enraiement) - checking, curbing
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entacher
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Definition: to soil, taint, tarnish (only figuratively), riddled, marred (with errors)Son honneur est entaché - His honor is soiled.Rien ne peut entacher notre joie - Nothing can tarnish our joy.Cette fiche est entachée d'erreurs - This form is riddled with errors.Related:une tache - mark, stain
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entamer
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Definition: to start, broach, open, cut into, eat into (literally and figuratively)Le premier ministre va entamer une visite en Égypte - The Prime Minister is going to visit Egypt.Qui a déjà entamé le pâté ? - Who already started on the pâté?J'aimerais entamer une bouteille de vin - I'd like to open a bottle of wine.Est-ce que la rouille peut entamer une porte en acier ? - Can rust eat into a steel door? (Can a steel door get rusty?)Related:une entame - first slice, piece, card
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entraîner
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Definition: to take, drag (a person), to lead, influence; to bring about, lead to; to entail, meanIl m'a entraîné vers la sortie - He dragged me to the exit.J'espère qu'elle ne t'entraînera pas à trop dépenser - I hope she won't lead you into spending too much.Les attentats ont entraîné de nouveaux mesures de sécurité - The bombings brought about new security measures.Ce projet entraînera une nouvelle manière de travailler - This project will entail a new way of working.Related:s'entraîner - to practice, trainentrain (m noun) - spirit drive, livelinessentraînant (adj) - stirring, livelyentraînement (m noun) - training, coaching, impetusun entraîneur - trainer
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entretenir
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Definition: to maintain, keep, look after, support; (formal) to talk, converseQui va entretenir la maison pendant tes vacances ? - Who's going to look after the house during your vacation?C'est difficile d'entretenir une grande famille - It's hard to support a large familyRelated:entretenu (adj) - keptentretien (m noun) - upkeep, maintenance, conversation, interview
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entrouvrir
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Definition: to half-open, open slightlyPeux-tu entrouvrir les fenêtres ? - Could you open the windows halfway?Related:entrouvert (adj) - half-opens'entrouvrir - to half-open, to gape, to part (one's lips)
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une envergure
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Definition: breadth, wingspan; scope, scale, range, significanceL'envergure de cet avion est très large - The wingspan of this plane is very wideC'est une opération de grande envergure - It's a large-scale operationMon chef manque d'envergure - My boss lacks significance, isn't very significant
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éolien
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Definition: (adj) related to windQue pensez-vous de l'énergie éolienne ? - What do you think of wind power?L'érosion éolienne va détruire ce coteau - Wind erosion is going to destroy this hillsideRelated:une éolienne - windmill, windpump
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éparpiller
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Definition: to scatter, disperseIl faut éparpiller les graines - We need to scatter the seeds.s'éparpiller - to scatter, to spread oneselfIl s'éparpille trop - He spreads himself too thin.Related:éparpillement (m noun) - scattering, dissipation, distribution
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épater
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Definition: to amaze, impressJe n'ai jamais réussi à épater mon frère - I've never managed to impress my brother.Related:épatant (informal adj) - splendid, greatl'épate - showing off; épaté - flat-bottomedépatement - flatness, amazements'épater - to spread out
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un épi
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Definition: spike, tuftAttention ! Ces fleurs ont beaucoup d'épis - Be careful! These flowers have a lot of spikesIl est mignon avec cet épi de cheveux sur son front - He's cute with that tuft of hair on his foreheadÉpi also has some less common meanings: cowlick, quiff; part(ing) of a horse's mane; and herringbone (pattern)
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une épreuve
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Definition: test, ordeal, hardship; (sports) event; (publishing) proofOn passera l'épreuve orale la semaine prochaine - We'll take the oral test next week.La colonie a connu beaucoup d'épreuves - The colony experienced a great deal of hardship.Il m'a demandé de corriger les épreuves de son livre - He asked me to proofread his book.Related:éprouver - to feel, suffer, put to the testéprouvé - proven, staunch; éprouvant - trying, testing, nerve-rackingune éprouvette - test tube
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ès
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Definition: Ès is a contraction of en + les, used in describing university degrees.Elle a une licence ès sciences et un doctorat ès lettres. - She has a BSc degree and a PhD.
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une escale
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Definition: stopover, port of callIl y aura une escale à Londres - There will be a stopover in London.Est-ce un vol sans escale ? - Is it a direct flight?Related:une escale technique - refueling stop
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escamoter
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Definition: evade, get around, dodge; to conjure away (by magic)Il préfère escamoter les problèmes que les résoudre - He prefers evading problems to resolving themIl a escamoté toutes leurs questions - He dodged all of their questions(informal) - to steal, pinch, filchOn m'a escamoté mon sac à main hier - Someone pinched my purse yesterdayRelated:escamotable (adj) - collapsible, retractible, foldawayescamotage (m) - evading, dodging, filching, retraction
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espiègle
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Definition: (adj) - mischievous, impishTon fils est très espiègle ! - Your son is very mischievous!Related:espièglerie (f) - mischievousness, impishness, roguishness; prank
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une esquisse
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Definition: sketch, outline; beginnings, hintUn peintre commence souvent avec une esquisse - A painter often starts with a sketchÉcrivez une esquisse avant de faire la recherche - Write an outline before doing the researchJ'ai vu l'esquisse d'un sourire sur ses lèvres - I saw the hint of a smile on his lipsRelated:esquisser - to sketch, outline
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un essaim
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Definition: swarm (literally and figuratively)Tout d'un coup, un essaim d'abeilles est apparu - All of a sudden, a swarm of bees appearedPourquoi y a-t-il un essaim d'étudiants devant la porte ? - Why is there a swarm of students in front of the doorRelated:essaimage (m) - swarming, scattering, spreadingessaimer - to swarm, scatter, spread
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un essor
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Definition: rapid growth, development, boom; (formal/elegant) flightCette région est en plein essor - This region is boomingPouvez-vous expliquer le grand essor de son entreprise ? - Can you explain his organization's rapid growth?Expression:prendre son essor - to develop, soar
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estival
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Definition: (adj) summer(y)Il y a plus de touristes pendant la saison estivale - There are more tourists during the summer monthsJe dois acheter des vêtements estivaux - I need to buy some summery clothesRelated:été (m noun) - summer
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estomaquer
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Definition: (informal) to stun, stagger, flabbergast, gobsmackSes nouvelles m'ont estomaqué - His news stunned meIl a resté bouche bée, estomaqué - He stood open-mouthed, flabbergasted
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estomper
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Definition: to blur, dim, soften, become indistinctLe brouillard estompe notre vue de la mer - Fog blurs our view of the seaLes lignes dans ce dessin sont trop vigoureuses ; il faut les estomper - The lines in this drawing are too bold; you need to soften themRelated:une estompe (art) - stumpestompé (adj) - blurred, soft
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étaler
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Definition: to spread, strewJ'aime étaler le journal de dimanche sur mon bureau - I like to spread out the Sunday paper on my desk.Étale du beurre sur ta tartine - Spread some butter on your toast.Related:étale (adj) - slack, steadyétalement - spreading, displaying
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étanche
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Definition: (adj) waterproof, watertightVotre montre est-elle étanche ? - Is your watch waterproof?C'est un compartiment étanche - It's a watertight compartmentRelated:étancher - to staunch, stem, dam, dry, stop up, make watertightétanchéité (f noun) - watertightness
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étatiser
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Definition: to put under state controlIls vont étatiser les banques - They are going to put bank under state controlRelated:étatisé (adj) - state-run, state-controlledAntonym:privatiser - to privatize
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éternuer
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Definition: to sneeze; (motor, engine) to coughJ'éternue souvent à cause de mes allergies - I sneeze a lot because of my allergiesLe moteur a commencé à éternuer hier - The motor started coughing yesterdayRelated:un éternuement - a sneeze
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étirer
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Definition: to stretchEn faisant le tatouage, faut-il étirer la peau ? - When doing a tattoo, do you need to stretch the skin?N'oublie pas de t'étirer avant le match - Don't forget to stretch before the matchRelated:étirement (m) - stretching
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étoffer
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Definition: to enrich, fill in, flesh out, extend, beef up, strengthenIl a étoffé son récit avec de petites plaisanteries - He enriched his story with little jokesOn va étoffer l'équipe avec deux nouveaux membres - We're going to beef up the team with two new membersRelated:étoffé (adj) - fleshy, meaty, substantial, strengthened
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une étourderie
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Definition: absent-mindedness; (familiar) - careless mistakeL'étourderie de ma mère m'inquiète - My mother's absent-mindedness worries me.Tu fais trop d'étourderies ! - You make too many careless mistakes!Related:étourdi (adj) - scatterbrained, absent-minded, (noun) - scatterbrainétourdiement (adv) - carelessly, rashlyétourdir - to stun, daze, deafen, make dizzyagir avec/par étourderie - to act without thinking
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éventuellement
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Definition: (adv) - possibly, if need beNous pourrions visiter la France, éventuellement - We could possibly visit FranceEventuellement je prendrais ma voiture - If need be, I would take my carRelated: éventuel (adj) - possible, une éventualité - possibilityNote that éventuellement and "eventually" are FALSE COGNATES
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exaucer
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Definition: to fulfill, grant, answerNos voeux ont été exaucés - Our wishes have been grantedDieu a exaucé leurs prières - God has answered their prayersRelated:exaucement (m noun) granting, fulfillment (of a wish/prayer)
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une expectative
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Definition: state of uncertainty, cautious approachNous serons dans l'expectative jusqu'aux élections - We will be in a state of uncertainty until the electionsIl faut demeurer dans l'expectative en attendant sa réponse - We have to take a cautious approach while waiting for his response.
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fabuler
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Definition: to fantasize, invent storiesLes enfants aiment fabuler - Children like to fantasize.Related:fabulateur (adj) - fantasy, fantasizing, (noun) - storytellerune fabulation - fantasizing, storytelling, fable, story, talefabuleusement (adv) - fabulously, fantasticallyfabuleux (adj) - mythical, legendary, fabulousun fabuliste - writer of fables or tales
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fâcheux
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Definition: (adj) unfortunate, regrettableIl est fâcheux que vous n'y ayez pas réussi - It's regrettable that you didn't succeedÇa c'est vraiment le point fâcheux dans cette histoire - That's really the unfortunate thing in this story.
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fainéant
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Definition: (adj) lazy, idleTu es vraiment fainéant ! - You are really lazy!Related:un/e fainéant/e - idler, lazybonesfainéanter - to idle/loaf aboutEtymology: fais (from faire - to do) + (le) néant - nothingness
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un faix
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Definition: (literary, old-fashioned) burdenMon fils n'est jamais un faix ! - My son is never a burden!Elle vieillit sous le faix de ses soucis - She is aging due to the burden of worrying.
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une falaise
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Definition: cliffCes falaises sont magnifiques ! - These cliffs are magnificent!As-tu visité les falaises blanches de Douvres ? - Have you visited the white cliffs of Dover?
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falot
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Definition: (adj) - colorless, wan, paleLes personnages de cet écrivain sont falots - This writer's characters are colorless, flat.Son teint est falot - His complexion is pale.Related:un falot - lantern
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fameux
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Definition: (adj before noun) - first-rate; real, quite a, big; famous, much talked-aboutJ'ai acheté un fameux vin - I bougth a first-rate / excellent wineC'est un fameux problème - It's a real problem, quite a problemComment s'appelle ton fameux frère ? - What is your much talked-about brother's name?Comment était le film ? Pas fameux - How was the movie? Not that great(adj after noun) - famous, infamousC'est un homme fameux - He's a famous/infamous manYes, fameux can be positive or negative, so be careful with it!
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fané
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Definition: (adj) - faded, wiltedMes rideaux sont fanés par le soleil - My curtains are faded by the sun.C'est dommage que les fleurs soient fanées - It's too bad that the flowers are wilted.Related:se faner - to fade, wiltfaner - to toss, turn (e.g., hay)un faneur - hay-maker
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le fard
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Definition: make-up, greasepaintJe ne mets plus de fard - I don't put on make-up anymoreRelated: le fard à joues - blusher; le fard à paupières - eye shadow; farder - to make up, dress upCette femme est toujours très fardée - That woman is always very made-upExpressions:sans fard - unpretentious, simpleparler sans fard - to talk openlypiquer un fard - to turn bright red
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farfelu
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Definition: (informal adj) - cranky, scatty, hare-brained, eccentricIl est bizarre ce mec, toujours avec ses projets farfelus - That guy is strange, always with these hare-brained plansIl y a plus de gens farfelus aujourd'hui qu'hier - There are more eccentric people today than yesterdayRelated:un(e) farfelu(e) - eccentric person
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fastueux
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Definition: luxurious, sumptuousC'est un hôtel fastueux - It's a luxurious hotelIl mène une vie fastueuse - He leads a life of luxuryRelated:fastueusement - (adv) sumptuously, luxuriously
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se faufiler
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Definition: to inch, thread, worm (into)Je me suis faufilé dans le passage - I inched my way into the passagewayTu dois te faufiler entre les gens - You have to thread you way through the peopleSa moto s'est faufilée au milieu des voitures - His motorbike dodged in and out of the trafficRelated:faufiler - to baste, tackun faufil - tasking/basting threadle faufilage - taking, basting
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un fauteur
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Definition: ~ one who does something (usually bad)Les fauteurs seront punis - The participants will be punishedC'est un fauteur de troubles - He's a trouble-makerQuel fauteur de guerre ! - What a warmonger!Related:faire - to do
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fêlé
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Definition: (adj) cracked, (informal) crazyCette assiette est fêlée - This plate is crackedTu est complètement fêlé ! - You are totally nuts!Related:un fêlé / une fêlée (informal) - nutcase, crackpotfêler - to crack
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fermeté
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Definition: firmness, solidness, confidenceNous devons négocier avec fermeté - We need to be firm in our negotiations.La fermeté de ses croyances est impressionnante - The solidness of his beliefs is impressive.Related:ferme (adj) - firm, solidfermer - to close
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féru
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Definition: (formal adj) interested, keen on; (noun) buff, enthusiastIl est féru de musique classique - He's interested in classical musicIl n'est pas féru de notre idée - He's not wild about our ideaC'est un féru de la Deuxième Guerre mondiale - He's a World War II buff
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fiançailles
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Definition: (fem plural noun) - engagementNos fiançailles ont duré 6 mois, et puis je les ai rompues - Our engagement lasted 6 months, and then I broke itIls ont invité le tout-Paris à leur dîner de fiançailles - They invited everyone who's anyone in Paris to their engagement dinnerRelated:se fiancer - to get engagedun/e fiancé/e - fiance
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ficher
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Definition: (ranges from inf to slang) - to do, give, put, leaveQu'est-ce qu'il fiche ? - What the heck is he doing?Fiche-moi la paix ! - Leave me the hell alone! Shut up!Il me fiche la migraine - He gives me a headacheFiche-le sur la table/dans un tiroir - Stick it on the table/in a drawerFiche(-moi) le camp ! - Get lost!Ça lui a fichu un coup - He was touched, That touched himse ficher de qqun - to make fun of, to kid s.o.Je m'en fiche - I could care less, I don't give a damnRelated:fichu (adj) damned, darn, blinking
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fichu
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Definition: (informal adj) - lousy, rotten, foul; one heck of a; done for, bust; put together, dressed; damnedIl fait un fichu temps - The weather is lousyIl est dans une fichue humeur - He is in one heck of a moodMa caméra est fichue - My videocamera is done forRegarde comme elle est fichue ! - Look at how she's dressed!Ce fichu stylo ! - This damned pen!
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figurer
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Definition: to represent, appearCes images figurent le soleil - These images represent the sunMon nom ne figure pas sur la liste - My name isn't on the listse figurer - to believe, imagineIl a gagné, figure-toi - He won, imagine that/if you can believe thatFigure-toi qu'il ne m'en a rien dit - Believe it or not, he didn't tell me anything about itRelated:figuré - figurativeun figurant - extra (in a movie)
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le filigrane
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Definition: watermark, filigree; (figurative) hint, implicationIl faut trouver le filigrane avant d'accepter les billets de 100 euros - You have to find the watermark before accepting 100 euro notesIl y a un message en filigrane dans ce film - There's a hidden message in this movieRelated:filigraner - to watermark, filigree
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le flair
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Definition: (figurative) nose, ability; (people) intuition, sixth sense; (dogs) sense of smellIl a du flair pour la politique - He has a good nose for politics.Elle a du flair - She has good intuition.Ce chien a du flair - This dog has a good sense of smell.Related:flairer - to smell, sniff, scent, sense
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flairer
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Definition: to smell, senseJe flaire quelque chose de louche - I smell something fishyMon chien flaire toujours le danger - My dog always senses dangerRelated:le flair - sense of smell, intuitionavoir du flair - to have a good nose, to have intuition
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flâner
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Definition: to stroll, hang around, dawdle J'aime bien flâner dans la ville le matin - I really like strolling around town in the morning Va chercher ton frère, et sans flâner - Go get your brother, and don't dawdle! Related: la flânerie - stroll, strolling; un flâneur - person who strolls |
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un fléau
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Definition: curse, plague, bane; flailNos enfants connaîtront le fléau de la guerre - Our children will know the curse of war.Il est le fléau de mon existence ! - He's the bane of my existence!Utilisez-vous un fléau dans la ferme ? - Do you use a flail on the farm?
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la flemme
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Definition: (inf) - lazinessIl a la flemme de faire la lessive - He can't be bothered to do the laundry.J'ai la flemme ! - I'm too lazy (to do it)! I don't feel like it!Expessions: avoir la flemme - to be too lazy to...; tirer/traîner sa flemme - to loaf aboutRelated:flemmarder - to laze/loaf aboutflemmard (adj) - lazy, idleun flemmard - lazybonesflémingite - acute laziness (medical)
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un flingue
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Definition: gun, rifleJe n'ai jamais tiré un flingue - I've never shot a gun.Related:(all familiar)flinguer - to gun down, to harangueun flingueur - hitmanune flingueuse - contract killer
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flippant
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Definition: (inf adj) - grim, depressingC'est une situation flippante - It's a grim situation.N'invite pas Charles, il est flippant - Don't invite Charles, he's depressing.Related:flipper (inf) - to feel down, blue, depressed; to freak out, go temporarily crazy (due to stress, drugs, etc)
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un flocon
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Definition: flake, fleckLes flocons de neige sont uniques - Snowflakes are unique.Je n'aime pas les flocons de maïs - I don't like cornflakes.Related:floconneux (adj) - frothy, fluffy
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une flopée
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Definition: (informal) - a bunch, tons, loads, massesJ'ai une flopée d'idées pour demain - I have a bunch of ideas for tomorrowIl y a une flopée de touristes en été - There are loads of tourists in the summer
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flotter
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Definition: to float, drift, hang (in the air), flutter, hoverCe bateau ne flotte pas - This boat doesn't float.Son parfum flottait dans l'air - Her perfume hung in the air.Les vêtements flottent au vent - The clothes are fluttering in the wind.Un sourire flottait sur ses lèvres - A smile hovered on his lips.Related:le flot - tide; flottant (adj) - floating; une flotte - fleet
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fofolle
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Definition: (inf adj) - crazy, nutty, scattyCette dame, elle est fofolle ! - That lady is crazy!Synonyms: fou/folle, foufou
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le foin
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Definition: hayIl y a du foin dans tes cheveux - There's some hay in your hair.Related:le foin d'artichaut - choke (inedible part of artichoke)faire du foin (inf) - to make a fuss/racketle rhume des foins - hay fever
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foncer
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Definition: (informal) - to rush, tear, charge alongJ'ai foncé au bahut - I rushed to schoolIl faut que je fonce - I've got to get a move on, I've got to flyVas-y, fonce ! - Come on, hit it!(normal register) - to make darkerC'est plus facile de foncer les cheveux que de les éclaircir - It's easier to make your hair darker than lighterto line a baking dish with (pie) doughto charge at (with vers or sur) or into (with dans)Related:foncé (adj) - darkfonceur/euse (inf adj) - audacious and dynamicun/e fonceur/euse (inf) - someone who is audacious and dynamic
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foncièrement
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Definition: (adv) - fundamentally, basicallyJe crois que les gens sont foncièrement bons - I believe that people are basically goodIl a l'air égoïste, mais en fait il est foncièrement généreux - He seems selfish, but in fact he is fundamentally generousRelated:foncier (adj) - land, landed;fundamental, basic, innate;le foncier - land/property tax
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forain
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Definition: (noun) - fairground entertainer, carnieTravailler comme forain, ça doit être intéressant - Working as a carnie must be interesting.(adj) - of a fairground/carnivalJ'ai visité toutes les baraques foraines - I visited all of the carnival stalls.
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un forfait
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Definition: fixed/set price, package (deal), (sports) withdrawalC'est mieux de faire un forfait pour la construction - It's better to work out a fixed price for constructionLe forfait internet n'est pas cher - The internet package is not expensiveIls ont gagné par forfait - They won by default (i.e., the other team didn't show up)Related:forfaitaire (adj) - fixed, set, inclusive;forfaitairement (adv) - inclusively;forfaitiser - to charge a flat rate
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un fossé
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Definition: (lit and fig) - ditch, gulf, gapIl y a un fossé entre mes frères - There's a gulf between my brothers.Il est tombé dans le fossé - He fell in the ditch.Related:une fosse - pit, graveune fossette - dimple
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un fouet
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Definition: whip, whiskJ'ai entendu le claquement d'un fouet - I heard the crack of a whip.Le fouet est un outil essentiel dans la cuisine - The whisk is an essential tool in the kitchen.un coup de fouet - (lit) lash, (fig) boostLe café me donne un coup de fouet le matinRelated:fouetter - to whip, flogle fouettement - whippingle père Fouettard - the Bogeyman
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la fougue
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Definition: ardor, spiritSon discours est plein de fougue - His speech is full of spirit, His speech is ardentRelated:fougueusement (adv) - with spirit, ardentlyfougueux (adj) - fiery, ardent
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la fouille
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Definition: search, excavation, digLa fouille policière n'a rien donné - Nothing was found during the police searchLe plombier va devoir faire une fouille pour réparer la fuite - The plumber wil have to dig (into the wall) to repair the leak
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un fouillis
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Definition: jumble, muddleIl y a un fouillis de papiers sur mon bureau - There's a tangle of papers on my desk; My desk is a jumble of papersExpressions:faire du fouillis - to make a messêtre foullis (informal) - to be untidy
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fourrer
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Definition: to stuff, fillJ'aime le gâteau fourré aux fraises - I like cake stuffed with strawberries(informal) - to put, stick, shove, stuffJ'ai fourré mes mains dans mes poches - I stuck my hands in my pocketsLuc a fourré les livres dans son sac à dos - Luc shoved the books into his backpackRelated:fourré (adj) - stuffed, filledun fourre-tout - lumber/junk room, holdall
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la fourrière
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Definition: dog pound, impound yardJ'ai trouvé mon chien à la fourrière - I found my dog at the poundMa voiture est actuellement à la fourrière - Right now, my car is at the impound yard; My car has been impoundedRelated:un fourrier (military) - harbinger, quartermaster
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fourvoyer
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Definition: to mislead, get someone lost, lead astrayCes informations m'ont fourvoyé - This information led me astray.Il ne faut pas fourvoyer les étudiants - You shouldn't mislead the students.Related:se fourvoyer - to lose one's wayle fourvoiement - losing one's way, mistake
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à la bonne franquette
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Definition: informal, simple, without any fussC'est une réunion à la bonne franquette - It's an informal meetingNous avons mangé à la bonne franquette - We ate a simple meal
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frasques
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Definition: (f noun) - escapadesMon frère m'a raconté toutes ses frasques - My brother told me about all of his escapades.Ne fais pas de frasques ! - Don't get into any mischief!
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la fredaine
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Definition: mischief, prank, escapade (esp. sexual)Sois sage cette fois - pas de fredaines - Be good this time - no mischief.Sa dernière fredaine était la pire - His last escapade was the worst.
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frêle
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Definition: (adj) - flimsy, fragile, frailC'est une petite vieille à la voix frêle - She's a dear old lady with a thin voiceTous ses enfants sont frêles - All of his children are frail
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friand
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Definition: (adj) - partial to, fond ofJe suis friand de chocolat - I'm fond of chocolat.Related:friand (adj to describe a person) - gourmetun friand - meat pieun friand sucré - almond cakeune friandise - delicacyaffriander (literary) - to lure, entice
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le fric
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Definition: (fam) - cash, bread, moneyElle fait beaucoup de fric - She makes a lot of breadJe n'ai pas de fric - I don't have any cash
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frileux
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Definition: (adj) - sensitive to cold; (economics) - overcautious, nervousMon mari est moins frileux que moi - My husband is less sensitive to cold than I amL'économie était frileuse après les attentats - The economy was nervous after the attacksRelated:frileusement (adv) - (huddled together) against the coldla frilosité (econ/politics) - overcautiousness, nervousnessla frilosité (literary) - high sensitivity to cold
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une friperie
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Definition: used/second-hand clothing storeJe vais donner tous mes vêtements à la friperie - I'm going to give all my clothes to the using clothing store.Related:la fripe (inf) - the clothing business (new or used)friper - to crumple/crushun fripier - second-hand clothes dealer
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froisser
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Definition: to crumple, offendIl a froissé la lettre et l'a jetée. - He crumpled up the letter and threw it away.Je ne veux pas vous froisser, mais... - I don't want to offend you, but...Related:froissé (adj) - offended, hurt; se froisser - to take offense
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frôler
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Definition: to brush against, skim, verge onLa voiture a frôlé l'arbre. - The car brushed against the tree.Le ballon de football a frôlé l'enfant. - The soccer ball skimmed past the child.Related:le frôlement - light touch, light contactun frôleur - fondler
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frotter
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Definition: to rub, scrapeTu dois frotter tes mains avec du savon - You need to rub some soap on your hands.Il faut d'abord frotter le pain d'ail - First you have to rub garlic on the bread.se frotterto rub (one another), to fightMes frères se frottent constamment l'un à l'autre - My brothers are always fighting.(slang) - to have sexRelated:le frottement - rubbing, scrapingle frottoir - friction strip (on a match)
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fugace
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Definition: (adj) - fleeting, transientJe n'ai que des souvenirs fugaces de cette époque - I have only fleeting memories of that periodIl y a une fraîcheur fugace ce soir - There's a fleeting freshness (to the air) tonightRelated:la fugacité - fleetingness, transiencela fugue - running away
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fuguer
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Definition: (informal) - to run away, run offMa petite soeur a fugué trois fois - My little sister ran away three times.Related:la fugue - running away, fugue (music)un fugueur - absconder, runawayfaire la fugue - to run away, abscond
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fulgurant
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Definition: (figurative adj) lightning, dazzling, blinding, searingJe suis étonné par son progrès fulgurant - I'm astonished by his lightning progressLa douleur fulgurante a failli me faire perdre connaissance - I almost passed out from the searing painRelated:une fulguration - flash of lightningfulgurer - to flash
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fuser
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Definition: to gush, spurt, burst forthL'eau fusait du tuyau éclaté - Water gushed out of the burst pipe.Les cris fusaient de toutes parts quand le feu a commencé - Screams burst forth from all over when the fire started.Homophone: une fusée - rocket
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futé
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Definition: (adj) - wily, crafty, cunning, slyQuelle petite fille futée ! - What a cunning little girl!J'aime bien ses idées futées - I really like his wily ideas.
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gager
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Definition: to bet, wager; to guarantee (a loan)Je gage qu'il gagnera facilement - I bet he'll win easily.Je serais prête à gager que c'est un coup de pub - I'd be willing to bet that it's a publicity stunt.Mes parents vont gager l'emprunt - My parents are going to guarantee the loan.Related:un gage - security, guarantee, proof
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un gagne-pain
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Definition: (inf) - jobL'enseignement est mon gagne-pain. - Teaching is my job.Related:gagner - to earn, le pain - bread
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une galère
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Definition: galley (of a ship)Expressions:Qu'est-il allé faire dans cette galère ? - Why did he get involved in this business?Je me suis laissé entraîner dans une drôle de galère - I got caught up in some crazy stuff.Dans quelle galère me suis-je embarqué ? - What have I gotten myself into?(informal) Quelle galère ! / C'est la galère ! - It's a real grind!Related:galérer - (familiar) to slog, sweat blood, struggle
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un gamin
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Definition: (informal) - kid, urchinQuand j'étais gamin... - When I was a kid...Il y a trop de gamins des rues - There are too many street urchins.(adj) - mischievous, playful, childishElle est gamine, ta fille ! - Your daughter is so mischievous!Related:la gaminerie - playfulness, childishness
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une gamme
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Definition: range, variety, line (of products), (music) scaleLa nouvelle gamme de French Connection est très intéressante - French Connection's new line is very interestingIl a resenti toute une gamme d'émotions - He felt a whole range of emotionsTu dois faire des gammes chaque jour - You have to practice scales every day
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une garderie
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Definition: day school, day-care center, preschool; after-school center/clubJe cherche une bonne garderie pour mes enfants - I'm looking for a good day-care center for my kids.Il faut ouvrir une garderie pour les parents qui travaillent l'après-midi - They should open an after-school center for parents who work in the afternoon.Related:garder - to keep, look after, mindun gardien - warden, keeperle gardiennage - caretaking, security
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gâter
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Definition: to spoil, damage, ruinLes parents ne devraient pas gâter leurs enfants. - Parents shouldn't spoil their children.Il fait trop chaud ; cette viande est gâtée. - It's too hot; this meat is bad.Le papier est gâté ! - The paper is ruined!Related:se gâter - to go bad, take a turn for the worsegâté (adj) - spoiledune gâterie - treat
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gaver
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Definition: to forcefeed; to fill up, cramLes oies sont gavées pour le foie gras - Geese are forcefed for foie gras.Je suis gavé ! - I'm full/stuffed!Related:se gaver - to stuff oneselfun gaveur - forcefeederle gavage - forcefeeding
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le gazole
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Definition: (fuel) dieselBeaucoup de voitures en France semblent marcher au gazole - A lot of cars in France seem to run on dieselLe gazole est le carburant des moteurs diesels - Diesel is the fuel of diesel enginesRelated:l'essence (f) - gasoline, petrol
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gazouiller
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Definition: to chirp, to babbleEn faisant une randonnée au bois, j'ai entendu les oiseaux gazouiller - While hiking in the woods, I heard birds chirpingLe bébé a gazouillé de joie - The baby babbled with happinessNous avons trouvé un endroit parfait à côté d'un ruisseau gazouillant - We found the perfect spot next to a babbling brookRelated:le gazouillis - babbling
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gémir
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Definition: to moan, bemoan, groan; to creakJ'ai gémi de plaisir en goûtant le gâteau - I groaned with pleasure upon tasting the cakeIl gémit toujours sur son sort - He's always bemoaning his fateLa porte gémit chaque fois qu'on l'ouvre - The door creaks each time it's openedRelated:gémissant (adj) - wailing, creakingle gémissement - groan, moan
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gercer
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Definition: to chap, crackJ'ai toujours les lèvres gercées en hiver - I always have chapped lips in the winter.Il a les mains gercées - His hands are all cracked.Related:une gerçure - crack, chapping
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gérer
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Definition: to manage, administerCette entreprise est bien gérée. - This company is well managed.Ces fonds sont gérés par les Nations Unies. - These funds are administered by the UN.Related:le/la gérant(e) - managerla gérance - managementgérable (adj) - manageable
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une giboulée
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Definition: sudden downpour, possibly accompanied by wind, hail, or snow, shortly followed by sunJ'étais sur mon vélo quand la giboulée a commencé à tomber - I was on my bike when the downpour beganles giboulées de mars ~ April showers
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giratoire
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Definition: (adj) - gyrating, circular movementun sens giratoire - roundabout, traffic circle (these are common throughout the French countryside)
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un gisement
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Definition: (geology) deposit; pool, source; (boating) bearingIls ont découvert un gisement de pétrole - They struck oil, found a new oilfieldDans notre gisement de clients... - In our pool of clients...
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un gîte
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Definition: shelter, tourist cottageIl pleut ; nous devons trouver un gîte. - It's raining; we need to find shelter.Nous avons loué un gîte bien mignon en France - We rented a really cute cottage in France.Related:rentrer au gîte - to return homele gîte et le couvert - room and board, board and lodging
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un glaçon
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Definition: ice cube; block of iceTu veux des glaçons ? - Do you want ice (cubes)?Mes pieds sont comme des glaçons - My feet are like blocks of ice.(derogatory) cold fishC'est un vrai glaçon, cette fille ! - That girl is a real cold fish!Related:la glace - ice, ice cream, mirrorglacé (adj) - frozenglacer - to freeze
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gober
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Definition: to swallow whole, (inf) to swallow hook, line, and sinkerIl faut gober les huîtres - You're supposed to swallow oysters wholeIl a gobé les mensonges - He swallowed the lies hook, line, and sinkerExpressions: ne pas pouvoir gober qqun (inf) - to not be able to stand someone; rester à la gober les mouches - to stand there gawking; Il te ferait gober n'importe quoi (inf) - He'd have you believe anythingRelated:un gobeur (fam) - sucker, idiot
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godiche
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Definition: (informal adj) silly, awkward, lumpish, oafishTu es godiche de faire ça tout seul - It's silly of you to do that aloneQu'il est godiche ! - He's so awkward! He's such an oaf!
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se gourer
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Definition: (familiar) - to goof, boob, screw upIl s'est gouré d'heure - He goofed over the time / got the time wrongJ'espère que tu ne t'es pas gouré dans ton addition - I hope you didn't screw up the total
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le gré
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Definition: liking, desireCe n'est pas à mon gré - It's not to my liking; I'm not wild about it.Je l'ai fait contre le gré de mes parents - I did it against my parents' wishes.Expressions:de gré à gré - by mutual agreementde gré ou de force - whether one likes it or notbon gré mauvais gré - whether one likes it or notde son plein gré - of one's own free will; de bon gré - willinglyde mauvais gré - reluctantly
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la greffe
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Definition: transplant, graftIl a besoin d'une greffe de rein - He needs a kidney transplantLa greffe de ce noyer n'a pas bien marché - The graft on this walnut tree did not work very wellRelated:le greffage - graftingle greffe - Court Clerk's officeun greffé - transplant patientgreffer - to transplant, to graft
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grignoter
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Definition: to nibble, gnaw at; to eat away atIl a grignoté seulement un peu de son dîner - He only nibbled at his dinnerIl va falloir commencer à grignoter sur nos économies - We're going to have to start eating away at (using) our savingsRelated:le grignotage - gradual erosion, whittling awayle grignotement - nibbling, gnawing
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un gril
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Definition: steak/grill panJe préfère le bifteck cuit sur le gril - I prefer steak cooked in a grill panExpressions:être sur le gril (informal) - to be on tenterhooks, to be like a cat on a hot tin roofle gril costal - rib cage
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grognon
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Definition: (adj) grumpy, gruffTu es très grognon aujourd'hui ! - You're so grumpy today!Related:la grogne - simmering discontentun grognement - grunt, snortgrogner - to grumble
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un groupuscule
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Definition: (derogatory) - small political groupCe groupuscule ne sera jamais élu - This little group will never be elected.Related:groupusculaire (adj) - relating to a small political groupun groupe - group; minuscule (adj) - tiny, lower case
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une grue
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Definition: crane (machinery and bird)Il vont louer une grue pour cette émission - They are going to rent a crane for this programJ'ai vu une grue sur le fleuve - I saw a crane on the river(familiar, derogatory) hooker, tart, slutInformal expression:faire le pied de grue - to stand around waiting
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guetter
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Definition: to watch, watch out for, lie in wait for; to be at risk ofLe chat guette une souris - The cat is watching a mouseElle guette n'importe quelle réaction négative - She's lying in wait for any kind of negative reactionLa faillite te guette - You're at risk of / heading for bankruptcyRelated:un guetteur - lookout
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un guidon
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Definition: handlebarsTiens bien le guidon ! - Hold the handlebars tightly!Related:guider - to guide
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un guillemet
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Definition: quotation mark, inverted commaIl faut mettre ce mot entre guillemets - You have to put this word in quotes / inverted commasL'expert, entre guillemets, va nous l'expliquer - The quote unquote "expert" is going to explain it to usRelated:guillemeter - to put in quotes / inverted commas
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hâler
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Definition: to get some sun (can mean "to tan" or "to burn")Les pêcheurs sont toujours hâlés - Fishermen always have lots of sun (e.g., on their faces and arms)Sa peau hâle facilement - His skin colors (tans or burns) easilyRelated:le hâle - suntan, sunburnhâlé (adj) - tanned, sunburnedhaler - to haul, tow
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hisser
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Definition: to hoist, heave, haul upIl a hissé David sur ses épaules - He hoisted David up onto his shouldersHissez les voiles ! - Up sails!Related:hisser les couleurs - to run up the colors / flaghisser qqun au pouvoir - to put someone into a position of poweroh hisse (exclamation) - heave ho
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un hivernant
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Definition: winter visitor, winter resident, ~snow bunnyLe Midi accueille beaucoup d'hivernants chaque année - The South of France see a lot of winter visitors every year.Les hivernants préfèrent ce marché - The winter residents prefer this marketRelated:hiver (m) - winter
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holà
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Definition: (exclamation) - hello! hang on!Holà, Marie, tu es là ? - Hey, Marie, are you there?-- Viens David ! -- Come on David!-- Holà ! Je dois trouver mes chaussures -- Wait! I have to find my shoesRelated:mettre le holà à quelque chose - to put an end to something
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hoqueter
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Definition: to hiccup, hiccough« Merci » dit-elle en hoquetant - "Thank you" she hiccupped.Related:le hoquet - hiccupavoir le hoquet - to have hiccups
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hormis
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Definition: (literary preposition) except, apart from, saveRien n'est sacré, hormis l'amour - Nothing is sacred, except loveTous les enfants, hormis Émile, pleurèrent en voyant l'accident - All of the children, save Émile, cried when they saw the accidentSynonym: hors (normal register)
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horripilant
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Definition: (adj) - exasperating, tryingCes enfants sont horripilants ! - These kids are exasperating!Related:horripiler - to try someone's patience, exasperate someonel'horripilation (fem) - exasperation, goose bumps
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hors service
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Definition: out of orderCet appareil est hors service - This device is out of order.Abbreviation: HSRelated:hors (preposition) - except for, apart fromhormis (literary preposition) - but, save for
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houleux
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Definition: (adj) - stormy, turbulent, tumultuousNotre rendez-vous était assez houleux - Our meeting was rather tumultuousJe n'aime pas être en bateau quand la mer est houleuse - I don't like to be on a boat when the sea is turbulent
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huppé
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Definition: (inf) rich, swanky, poshIls habitent une banlieue huppée de Paris - They live in a rich suburb of ParisMes amis ne sont pas trop huppés - My friends aren't too swanky
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îlotier
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Definition: community policemanLes îlotiers travaillent dans les communautés difficiles et essaient de devenir plus proches des gens qui y habitent afin d'améliorer les relations et, on espère, réduire le taux de crimeCommunity policemen work in difficult communities and try to get closer to the people who live there in order to better relations and, hopefully, reduce the crime rateRelated:une île - islandun îlot - small islandîlotage (masc) - community policing
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imbiber
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Definition: to soak, saturateMes chaussures sont imbibées d'eau - My shoes are soaking wet.J'aime le gâteau imbibé de rhum - I like cake soaked in rum.
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imbu
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Definition: (adj) - pompous, full of oneselfCe mec est imbu de lui-même - This guy is full of himselfJe déteste les gens imbus de leur personne - I hate pompous people
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impec
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Definition: (informal adj, short for impeccable) - great! terrific!Ce film est impec ! - This movie is great!C'est impec ! - Brilliant!Related:impeccable (adj) - perfect, impeccable, faultlessimpeccablement (adv) - perfectly, faultlessly
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implanter
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Definition: to introduce, settle, establishCe mode de transport a été implanté en 1973. - This method of transportation was introduced in 1973.Ils vont implanter des usines dans 13 pays. - They are going to establish / set up factories in 13 countries.Related:un implant - implantimplantation - introduction, setting up
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imprégner
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Definition: to soak, permeate, fill, pervadeTon mouchoir est imprégné de parfum - Your handkerchief is soaked with perfume.L'odeur de pain imprégnait la cuisine - The scent of bread filled the kitchen.Note that imprégner is a false cognate of "to impregnate" > féconderRelated:imprégnation - filling, permeation, imbuing
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imputer
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Definition: to attribute/ascribe to; to charge toJe ne sais pas à qui imputer ce travail - I don't know who to attribute this work to (who to credit with this work)Il m'a imputé toutes les erreurs - He attributed all of the mistakes to me (blamed me for...)Nous pouvons imputer ces frais à notre budget - We can charge these fees to our budget (include them in)
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incontournable
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Definition: inescapable, inevitable, indispensableLa conclusion est incontournable - The conclusion is inescapableCes réformes sont incontournables - These reforms are indispensableRelated:contourner - to bypass, circumvent, get around
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inédit
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Definition: (adj) - unpublished; novel, new, originalJ'ai lu un manuscrit inédit de Sartre. - I read an unpublished manuscript by Sartre.Nous avons découvert une méthode inédite de faire le vin - We've discovered a new way to make wine.Related:un inédit - unpublished work/manuscript
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inopiné
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Definition: (adj) - unexpectedLeur arrivée était inopinée - Their arrival was unexpectedSa mort inopinée nous a choqués - His unexpected (sudden) death shocked usIl nous a annoncé une nouvelle tout à fait inopinée - He gave us some unexpected (surprising) newsRelated:inopinément - (adv) unexpectedly
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inouï
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Definition: (adj) - unprecendented, unheard of; extraordinary, incredibleLes événements de la semaine dernière sont inouïs - The events of last week are unprecedentedJ'ai une nouvelle inouïe pour toi ! - I have some extraordinary news for you!Related:ouïr - to hear
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installer
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Definition: to set up, put in, fit out, get settledLe téléphone n'est pas encore installé - The phone isn't set up / installed yet.Nous venons d'installer notre appartement - We've just fitted out our apartment.Elle s'est bien installée à l'université - She is all settled at college.Related:un installateur - fitterinstallation - installation, setting upinstallé - fitted out, equipped
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instar
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Definition: à l'instar de - following the example of, likeJe vais étudier la loi à l'instar de mon frère. - I'm going to study law, following my brother's example.Peux-tu nettoyer ta chambre à l'instar de Jacques ? - Could you clean your room, like Jacques (did)?
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intercalaire
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Definition: (adj) intercalary, inserted, insetCe livre a trop de feuillets intercalaires - This book has too many inserted/extra pagesAujourd'hui, le 29 février 2008, est un jour intercalaire - Today, 29 February 2008, is an intercalary day (leap day)Related:un intercalaire - inset, insert, dividerintercaler - to insert, intercalate
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interpeller
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Definition: to hail, call out to; to question, heckle; be of concern to, appeal toJ'ai interpellé Laurent, en vain - I called out to Laurent, to no effect.La police doit toujours interpeller les témoins - The police still need to question the witnesses.Le terrorisme nous interpelle énormément - Terrorism is extremely disturbing to us.Related:un interpellateur - questioner, hecklerinterpellation - hailing, questioning, heckling
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une issue
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Definition: exit, solutionIssue de secours - Emergency exitLa situation est sans issue - There is no solution to this situationNote that this is a FALSE COGNATE with the English word "issue"Related:issu de (adj) - stemming or resulting from
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un machin
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Definition: thingie, whatsit, contraptionPasse-moi le machin pour la télé - Pass me the thingie for the TVJe n'ai jamais vu un tel machin - I've never seen a contraption like thisMachin - what's-his-nameHé, Machin ! - Hey, you!
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maculer
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Definition: to stainAprès le match, mon short était maculé de boue - After the game, my shorts were covered in mudLes murs sont maculés de graffiti - The walls are stained with graffitiRelated:une macule - smudge
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un magnétoscope
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Definition: VCR / video cassette recorderJe dois acheter un nouveau magnétoscope - I need to buy a new VCRRelated:magnétoscoper - to videotapemagnétophone - tape recorder
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maint
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Definition: (adj) - many, a lot, muchMaints problèmes ont été découverts - A lot of problems were discoveredJ'ai beaucoup de clients et maints d'entre eux habitent à Marseille - I have a lot of clients and many of them live in MarseillesOn le lui a dit maintes fois mais il n'écoute jamais - We've told him many times but he never listens
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la mairie
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Definition: town/city hall; town/city council; mayor's officeC'est à côté de la mairie - It's next to the town hallLa mairie a décidé de fermer le théâtre - The city council decided to close the theaterla Mairie - CityJ'aime bien la publicité de la Mairie de Toulouse - I really like the City of Toulouse's ad (Toulouse: One step closer to perfection)Related:la mairie d'arrondissement - town hall of an arrondissementle secretaire de mairie - town clerk
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maîtriser
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Definition: to control, overcome, suppress; to masterC'était difficile de maîtriser la foule - It was difficult to control the crowd.J'ai enfin maîtrisé mes difficultés avec les maths - I finally overcame my difficulties with math.Est-il possible pour un adulte d'arriver à maîtriser une langue étrangère ? - Is is possible for an adult to master a foreign language?Related:se maîtriser - to control oneselfun maître/une maîtresse - master, rule, authority, teachermaîtrisable (adj) - controllable; la maîtrise - (self-)control, mastery
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la mal-bouffe
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Definition: (fam) unhealthy eating, junk foodLa mal-bouffe est aussi dangereuse que les cigarettes - Unhealthy eating is just as dangerous as cigarettes.De temps en temps, j'aime bien un peu de mal-bouffe - Once in a while, I really like a bit of junk food.
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un malentendu
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Definition: misunderstandingQuelle est la cause de ce malentendu ? - What is the cause of this misunderstanding?Une explication dissipera les malentendus - An explanation will clear up misunderstandingsRelated: entendre - to hear, understand; un malentendant - person who is hard of hearingExpression:à bon entendeur, salut - a word to the wise is enough
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un malfrat
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Definition: (informal) - thug, crook, gangster, truantIl y a une bande de malfrats dans ce quartier - There's a gang of truants around hereRelated:malfaisant (adj) - evil, wickedun malfaiteur - criminal, gangster, thief
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malin
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Definition: (informal adj) - shrewd, cunningIl faut être malin pour réussir - You have to be shrewd in order to succeed.Il m'a donné un sourire malin - He gave me a knowing smile.un malin - crafty or clever personRelated:malignement (adv) - maliciouslyla malignité - malice, spite
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un mandat
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Definition: mandate; postal/money orderIl m'a donné un mandat - He gave me a mandate.Je dois lui envoyer un mandat - I need to send him a money/postal order.A money order may also be called un mandat-poste.Related:un mandataire - proxy, attorneyle mandatement - payment by money order
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marrant
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Definition: (informal adj) - funny, oddCe n'est pas marrant ! - It's not funny!David, il est marrant ! - David is so funny!C'est marrant, parce que je ne me souviens pas de son prénom. - It's strange, because I can't remember his name.
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masser
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Definition: to assemble, gather together; to massageNous devons masser les membres - We need to assemble the members.Il a promis de me masser le dos - He promised to rub my back.Related:un massage - massageune masse - mass
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un matelas
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Definition: mattress; reserve, cushionJe viens d'acheter un nouveau matelas - I just bought a new mattress.Il nous faut un petit matelas de sécurité - We need a little cushion (of money to fall back on).Related:un matelas de billets (informal) - wad of moneyIl a un joli petit matelas (inf) - He has a tidy sum put awaymatelasser - to pad, upholster, quilt, lineun matelassier - mattress makerla matelassure - padding, quilting, lining
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maussade
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Definition: (adj) - sullen, gloomy, moroseIl est très maussade aujourd'hui. - He's very sullen today.Quel temps maussade ! - What gloomy weather!Related:maussadement (adv) - sullenly, glumlyla maussaderie - sullenness, moroseness
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un mécène
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Definition: patron, sponsor (of artists or writers)Avoir un mécène, ça aide beaucoup les artistes - Having a patron helps artists a lotAlso spelled: un MécèneRelated:le mécénat - patronage
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une mèche
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Definition: wick, fuse; lock of hair; streak; (medicine) pack, dressingLa mèche de la bougie est trop longue - The candle's wick is too longJe me suis fait faire des mèches - I got my hair streaked
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méduser
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Definition: to dumbfound, paralyze, stupefySa réaction m'a laissé médusé - His reaction dumbfounded meLes attentats nous ont laissés médusés - The attacks left us paralyzedRelated:une méduse - jellyfish
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mégoter
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Definition: (inf) - to skimpNe mégote pas sur le fromage - Don't skimp on the cheese.On va pas mégoter cette fois ! - We're not going to skimp this time!Related:un mégot - cigarette butt, (British) fag endle mégotage - miserly attitude
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un métier
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Definition: job, trade, occupation, craft, skill, experienceVous devez choisir votre métier avant l'université - You need to pick a trade/career before you go to collegeAvez-vous du métier dans ce domaine ? - Do you have any experience in this field?Expressions:un homme de métier - expert, specialistQuel métier ! (informal) - What a job!C'est le métier qui rentre (informal) - It's learning the hard wayun métier à tisser - loom
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le métrage
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Definition: length, measurement, yardageLe métrage est le même pour ces femmes - The length is the same for these womenQuel métrage voulez-vous ? - What yardage do you need?(of a movie) - lengthun long métrage - feature-length filmun court métrage - short movieRelated:un mètre - metermétrer (technical) - to measure
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un mets
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Definition: dish of foodTout le monde doit amener un mets à partager - Everyone needs to bring a dish to shareLes mets sont assez variés dans ce restaurant - The dishes in this restaurant are quite varied
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la mie
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Definition: the soft part of breadJe préfère la mie - I like the soft part betterBread is a much more important part of the French meal, as seen by the fact that they have a word for both the crust (la croûte) and the soft part (la mie). Types of French breadExpression:à la mie de pain (informal) - worthlessle pain de mie - sandwich bread
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mijoter
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Definition: to simmerIl faut mijoter la sauce pendant vingt minutes - The sauce must simmer for twenty minutes(informal) - to plot, hatch, cook upQu'est-ce que tu mijotes, là ? - What are you cooking up over there?Related:une mijoteuse - slow cooker
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minorer
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Definition: (finance) to cut, reduce; to underestimate; to play down, minimizeIl veut minorer les impôts - He wants to cut taxes.Je crois que tu as minoré la valeur de ces bijoux - I think you underestimated the value of these jewels.Il nous faut minorer cet incident - We need to play down this incident.Related:la minoration - cut, reduction
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miraud
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Definition: (informal adj) myopic, near-sightedJe porte des lunettes parce que je suis miraud - I wear glasses because I'm near-sightedIl est complètement miraud ! - He's blind as a bat!
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mitigé
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Definition: (figurative adj) lukewarm, half-heartedJe m'attends à un accueil mitigé - I expect a lukewarm welcome.Leur enthousiasme était mitigé - Their enthusiasm was half-hearted.Related:sentiments mitigés - mixed feelingsmitigé de - mixed/mingled withun succès mitigé - not a great successréactions mitigées - mixed reactions
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modique
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Definition: (adj) modest (only used with money)Il gagne un salaire modique - He earns a modest amountElle reçoit une pension modique - She receives a modest pensionC'est un prix modique - It's a modest priceRelated:modiquement - modestly
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moelleux
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Definition: (adj) soft, mellow, tender, moist, sweetCe lit est trop moelleux - This bed is too soft.La viande devrait être moelleuse - The meat should be tender.Je préfère un vin plus moelleux - I prefer a sweeter wine.
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un montant
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Definition: post, upright, jamb; total, sumIl va mettre des montants ici - He's going to put some posts hereQuel est le montant ? - What's the total?adj - rising, upward, highJ'aime regarder la marée montante - I like to watch the rising tide.
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mordiller
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Definition: to nibble, chew onIl ne faut pas mordiller son crayon - You shouldn't chew on your pencilJe n'aime pas les chiens qui mordillent pour jouer - I don't like dogs that nibble playfullyRelated:le mordillage - nibble, nibblingle mordillement - nibblingmordre - to bite
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mouiller
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Definition: to wet, drench, waterOh là là ! La pluie va mouiller mes chaussettes ! - Oh no! The rain is going to drench my socks!(familiar) - to drag into, to mix up inPierre m'a mouillé dans cette affaire louche - Pierre got me mixed up in this shady dealRelated:mouillé (adj) - wet, drenchedune poule mouillée - softie, coward
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la mouise
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Definition: (familiar) - poverty, hard timesIl est toujours à la mouise - He's always brokeC'est la mouise chez elle - She's having a hard time; She has hit hard times
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moule
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Definition: mussel; (inf) - idiotJe n'aime pas les moules - I don't like musselsun moule - (form, model) mold, mouldIl a une bonne collection de moules - He has a nice collection of moldsRelated:fait sur le même moule / coulé dans le même moule - cast in the same moldêtre fait au moule - to be shapelyun moule à briques - brick moldun moule à beurre - butter moldun moule à gâteaux - cake panun moule à gaufre - waffle ironun moule à tarte - pie platemouler - to mold, make a cast of
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la mouture
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Definition: milling, grinding, grounds; draft, rehashingLa mouture du blé fait du bruit ! - The grinding of wheat is noisy!Je préfère la fine mouture de café - I prefer finely ground coffee.C'est la première mouture de mon article - It's the first draft of my article.Related:moudre - to mill, grindun moulin - mill
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mouvementé
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Definition: (adj) eventful, turbulent, roughIl a eu une vie assez mouvementée - He's had a fairly eventful lifeAttention, le terrain est mouvementé par ici - Be careful, the ground is rough around here
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muer
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Definition: to molt, shed; (voice) to break, changePourquoi est-ce que les chiens muent ? - Why do dogs shed?Il a treize ans et il mue / sa voix mue - He's thirteen and his voice is changing/breakingRelated:la mue - molting, shedding, changing
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muter
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Definition: to transferIl va être muté en France - He's going to be transferred to FranceJe ne veux pas être muté à l'administration - I don't want to be transferred to administration
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la pagaille
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Definition: mess, chaos, shamblesQuelle pagaille ! - What a mess!en pagaille (informal) - loads, tons, massesIl y en a en pagaille - There are tons of them.Alternate spellings: pagaïe, pagaye
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paillard
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Definition: (informal adj) - bawdy, coarse, lewdCe mec est trop paillard - This guy is too bawdy.Aimes-tu les histoires paillardes ? - Do you like lewd stories?Related:la paillardise - bawdiness, lewd/dirty joke
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un paletot
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Definition: cardiganJe vais tricoter un paletot. - I'm going to knit a cardigan.Familiar expression: Il m'est tombé / m'a sauté sur le paletot - He jumped on me.
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pallier
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Definition: to overcome, get round, compensate forJe sais que nous pouvons pallier cette difficulté - I know that we can overcome this difficulty.Nous devons pallier ce manque dans notre produit - We have to compensate for this lack in our product.Related:palliatif (adj) - palliativeun palliatif - palliative, stopgap measure, makeshift repair
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pantouflard
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Definition: (inf adj) - uneventful, quietNous avons passé une journée pantouflarde. - We spent an uneventful day.un pantouflard - stay-at-home personRelated:une pantoufle - slipperpantoufler - (inf) to laze/lounge around at home
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papoter
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Definition: to chatterJe préfère papoter sur IRC - I prefer chatting on IRCVeux-tu papoter avec nous demain ? - Do you want to chat with us tomorrow?
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parcourir
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Definition: to travel, cover; to skim through, run one's eye overNous avons parcouru toute la ville en trois jours - We covered the whole city in three days.J'ai déjà parcouru le livre - I've already skimmed through the bookRelated:le parcours - distance, journey, route; career, pathcourir - to run
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parer
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Definition: to fend off, prepare for; to dress, deck out, embellishL'armée a paré l'attaque de l'ennemi - The army fended off the enemy's attackIl se pare toujours pour les cas d'urgences - He always prepares for emergenciesLa mariée était parée de ses plus beaux bijoux - The bride was adorned with her most beautiful jewelsRelated:paré (adj) - ready
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parfaire
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Definition: to perfect, completeJ'aime toujours parfaire mon travail - I always like to perfect my workPour parfaire le tout, elle a ajouté des coussins dans le salon - To complete it, she added some cushions in the living roomRelated:parfait (adj) - perfectparfaitement (adv) - perfectly
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un pataquès
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Definition: mistaken elision or liaison, malapropism; muddle, incoherent jumbleIl a fait un pataquès de son discours - His speech was an incoherent jumble.faire un pataquès - to make an incorrect elision/liaisonExample: "Tu es allé" should be pronounced [tu ay a lay], but many French learners (including myself) unconsciously add a T (es => est) and say [tu ay ta lay]. This is known as a pataquès - mispronouncing a French phrase by adding or changing a liaison.
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le patrimoine
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Definition: inheritance, heritageCe patrimoine doit être divisé en trois - This inheritance has to be divided in threeIls sont très fiers de leur patrimoine culturel - They are very proud of their cultural heritageRelated:le patrimoine immobilier - property, buildingsle patrimoine social - public housingle patrimoine mondial de l'Unesco - Unesco World Heritageles Journées du Patrimoine - annual "open house" of public buildings in France, including the Élysée Palace and ministriesla patrie - homelandpatrimonial (adj) - relating to an inheritance or heritage
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paumé
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Definition: (inf adj) lost, bewildered; poorJe me sens tout à fait paumé dans cette classe - I'm completely lost in this classIl n'y a pas beaucoup de ressources pour les jeunes paumés - There aren't a lot of resources for poor youthsRelated:la paume - palm
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peaufiner
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Definition: to polish, refine, put the finishing touches onNous pouvons partir dès que j'aurai fini de peaufiner mon article - We can leave as soon as I put the finishing touches on my article.Related:la peau - skin
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pédaler
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Definition: to pedal, (inf) - to hurryTu dois pédaler vite afin de grimper cette colline. - You have to pedal quickly in order to climb this hill.Il est tard, il va falloir qu'on pédale ! - It's late, we have to hurry!Familiar expressions: pédaler dans la choucroute / la semoule / le yaourt - to be at a complete lossRelated:une pédale - pedal, (familiar and pejorative) homosexual
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peinard
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Definition: (familiar adj) - cushy, easyC'est un boulot peinard - It's a cushy job.On va être peinard - We're going to take it easy.Alternate spelling: pénardRelated:rester / se tenir peinard - to keep out of troublepeinardement (adv) - quietly
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peler
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Definition: to peelD'abord, il faut peler les pommes de terre. - First, we have to peel the potatoes.Je pèle les oranges et toi, les bananes. - I'm peeling the oranges; you do the bananas.Familiar expression: On pèle ici ! - It's damn cold! We're freezing our butts off here!
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une pelle
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Definition: shovelJ'ai besoin d'une pelle - I need a shovel.Peux-tu ramasser la neige à la pelle ? - Can you shovel the snow?On en ramasse à la pelle , Il y en a à la pelle - There are loads of it/themavoir de l'argent à la pelle, remuer l'argent à la pelle - to have piles of money(se) ramasser une pelle (familiar), se prendre une pelle (familiar) - to fall flat on one's face, to be send packingrouler une pelle à qqun (familiar) - to give someone a French kiss, to kiss someone with tongues
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percuter
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Definition: to strike, crash intoSon corps, éjecté de la voiture, a percuté un arbre ! - His body flew out of the car and hit a tree!Le train a percuté un autre train - The train struck another trainL'automobiliste, qui était ivre, a percuté deux passants - The driver, who was drunk, hit two pedestriansAttention ! Tu continues comme ça et on va percuter un arbre - Watch out! You keep going like this and we'll crash into a treeRelated:la percussion - percussionun/e percussioniste - percussionist
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périmé
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Definition: (adj) - expired, out of date, invalid, outdatedMon passeport est périmé - My passport is expiredJ'ai trouvé un billet, mais il est périmé - I found a ticket, but it's invalidToutes ses idées sont périmées - All of his ideas are outdatedRelated:se périmer - to expire, become outdated
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piauler
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Definition: to cheep, sing, whimperLes oiseaux piaulent en été - Birds sing in the summer.Je n'aime pas quand les enfant piaulent - I don't like it when children whimper.Related:une piaule (inf) - rented room, bedroomle piaulement - whimpering, cheeping
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une pie
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Definition: magpie, (informal) chatterboxJ'ai vu une pie ce matin - I saw a magpie this morningElle est bavarde comme une pie ! - She's a real chatterbox!(inv adj) piebald, black and white spotted/patchedComment s'appellent les vaches pie ? - What are black and white cows called?
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un piège
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Definition: trap, pit, pitfallIl y a trop de pièges dans la forêt - There are too many traps in the forest.Ce texte a beaucoup de pièges pour le traducteur - This text has a lot of pitfalls/traps for a translator.Related:piéger - to traple piégeage - trapping, setting of traps
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piger
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Definition: to twig, get it, understandTu piges ? - You get it?Je ne pige pas - I don't get itJe pige enfin - The penny has finally dropped (for me) / I finally understand.Je ne pige rien à ça - That's all Greek to me.
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pinailleur
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Definition: (inf adj) - persnickety, fussyTa mère est trop pinailleuse ! - Your mother is too fussy!Related:;pinailler (inf) - to split hairs, quibblele pinaillage - hair-splitting, quibbling
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le pinard
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Definition: (familiar) - cheap wine, plonkNe me donne pas de pinard ! - Don't give me any cheap wine!Related:un pinardier - wine tanker
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une piqûre
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Definition: sting, bite; injectionEst-ce une piqûre de moustique ? - Is it a mosquito bite?Non, c'est une piqûre d'abeille - No, it's a bee sting.Je dois me faire faire des piqûres avant le voyage - I need to get some shots before the trip.Related:piquer - to sting, bite, prick
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planer
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Definition: to glide, hang (over), remain; (informal) to be high (on drugs), to have one's head in the cloudsC'est étonnant de voir les oiseaux planer dans le ciel - It's amazing to see birds gliding in the skyUn sens de danger planait sur la ville - A sense of danger hung over the townArrête de planer ! - Get your head out of the clouds!
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planter
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Definition: to plant; to hammer/knock/drive/stick (in)Qui a planté tous ces arbres ? - Who planted all these trees?Il faut planter les pieux dans la terre - You have to drive the stakes into the groundse planter (informal) - to mess up, to crashJe me suis planté - I messed upRelated:une plante - plantune planteuse - potato planterplantureux (adj) - fertile
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un plouc
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Definition: (informal, derogatory) - country bumpkin, hickIl n'est jamais allé une ville ; c'est un vrai plouc. - He's never been to the city; he's a real hick.(adj) - dowdySa robe fait plouc - Her dress looks dowdy.
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poignarder
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Definition: to stab, knife (literally and figuratively)As-tu jamais été poignardé ? - Have you ever been stabbed?Il ne faut jamais poignarder ses amis dans le dos - One should never stab one's friends in the back.La jalousie me poignarde chaque fois que je les vois ensemble - Jealousy cuts through me each time I see them together.Related:un poignard - dagger
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pointer
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Definition: to check off, clock in, aim; to stick (into)Les employées doivent pointer à l'arrivée - Employees must clock in upon arrival.Ne pointe pas ton fusil sur les gens ! - Don't point your gun at people!Il a pointé sa canne dans mon dos - He stuck his cane in my back.se pointer (informal) - to turn upÀ quelle heure s'est-il pointé ? - What time did he turn up?Related:le pointage - checking offla pointe - pont, tipun pointeau - needleun pointeur - timekeeperune pointeuse - time clock
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une pommade
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Definition: ointment, creamMa sœur utilise beaucoup de pommades pour cheveux et peau - My sister uses a lot of hair creams and skin ointments.Related:pommader - to (use) pommadepasser de la pommade à quelqu'un (informal) - to butter someone up, to soft-soap someone
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potager
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Definition: (adj) - edible, vegetableIl faut trouver des plantes potagères - We have to find some edible plants.J'aimerais un jardin potager - I'd like a vegetable garden.Related:le potage - soup
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potasser
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Definition: (informal) - to cram, bone upIl y a un examen demain ; je dois vraiment potasser - There's a test tomorrow; I really need to cramJ'ai oublié de potasser l'histoire - I forgot to bone up on history
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un pote
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Definition: (informal) mate, buddy, chumJe sors avec mes potes ce soir - I'm going out with my mates tonight.Salut mon pote ! - Hi, buddy!
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la poupe
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Definition: stern (of a ship)Le contraire de la poupe est la proue - The opposite of the stern is the bow.Expression: avoir le vent en poupe - to have the wind in your sails (to head toward success)
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poussé
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Definition: (adj) - advanced, intensive, exhaustiveLes cours poussés à cette école sont formidables - The advanced classes at this school are great.Nous avons mené une enquête poussée - We led an intensive investigation.Related:la poussée - dustla pousse - shoot, growthpousser - to push
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préalable
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Definition: (adj) - preliminary, previous, precedingJ'ai fait l'entretien préalable - I did the preliminary interview.L'accord préalable a expiré - The previous agreement expired.La réunion préalable à cette décision... - The meeting which preceded this decision...Related:un préalable - prerequisitepréalablement (adv) - first, beforehand, prior to
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préconiser
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Definition: to strongly recommend, advise, advocateIl est le seul médecin qui ne préconise pas ce médicament - He is the only doctor who doesn't strongly recommend this medicineÊtes-vous d'accord avec ceux qui préconisent toujours la guerre ? - Do you agree with those who always insist on war?
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un prédicateur
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Definition: preacherJ'aime beaucoup notre prédicateur - I really like our preacherSynonym: un prédicantRelated:la prédication - teaching, sermon
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prestations
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Definition: (feminine) - benefitsJe ne reçois pas de prestations de mon patron - I don't receive benefits from my employer.Related:un prestataire - person receiving benefits
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une prime
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Definition: gift, bonus, premium, subsidy, allowanceCe magasin donne un livre en prime avec un achat quelconque - This store is giving away a book with any purchase.Ma prime d'assurances est très élevée - My insurance premium is very high.Y a-t-il une prime à l'exportation ? - Is there an export subsidy?J'ai reçu une bonne prime de licenciement - I received good severance pay.Quels pays offrent une prime de naissance ? - Which countries offer a child birth allowance?
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prochainement
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Definition: (adv) soon, shortlyDes précisions seront communiquées prochainement - Details will be released soonProchainement sur vos écrans : le nouveau film de Luc Besson - Coming soon to a theater near you: Luc Besson's new movieRelated:prochain (adj) - next
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provisoire
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Definition: (adj) - temporary, provisional, interimC'est une bonne solution provisoire - It's a good temporary solution.Le gouvernement provisoire sera là pendant un an de plus - The interim government will be there for another year.Related:à titre provisoire - temporarily, provisionallyc'est du provisoire - it's a temporary/provisional situationliberté provisoire - temporary release
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la pudeur
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Definition: sense of modesty, decency, proprietyHollywood a perdu son sens de la pudeur il y a longtemps - Hollywood lost its sense of modesty a long time agoIl ne faut pas agir sans pudeur - You shouldn't act without regard to proprietyRelated:pudibond (adj) - prudish (exaggerated)la pudibonderie - prudishnessla pudicité - modesty, discretionpudique (adj) - modest, discreetpudiquement (adv) - modestly, discreetly
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un rabais
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Definition: reduction, discountJ'ai acheté cette jupe au rabais - I bought this skirt at a discount.Nous faisons un rabais de 10 % sur ces meubles - We're offering a 10% discount on this furniture.au rabais (pejorative) - third-rate, cheapC'est un journaliste au rabais - This journalist is third-rate.Related:rabaissant (adj) - disparaging, derogatory, degradingrabaisser - to belittle, reduce
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rabioter
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Definition: (inf) - to beg, mooch, scrounge, wangle, swindleIl a rabioté tout le vin - He mooched all the wine.J'ai essayé de rabioter 5 minutes de sommeil - I tried to snatch 5 minutes of sleep.Elle m'a rabioté ! - She swindled me!Related: (all informal)un rabiot - an extradu rabiot - some extraun/e rabioteur/euse - scrounger, moocher
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rade
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Regardez tous les bateaux en rade ! - Look at all the boats in the harbor!Related:laisser en rade - to leave stranded, in the lurchtomber en rade - to run out of gas/petrol, to break down
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radier
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Definition: to cross off, strike offIl s'est fait radier des listes électorales - He got himself crossed of the electoral listsAprès tous ces problèmes, ce restaurant va se faire radier du guide - After all of these problems, this restaurant is going to get struck from the guidebook
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radin
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Definition: (informal adj) stingy, (UK) meanNe sois pas si radin ! - Don't be so stingy!un(e) radin(e)skinflint, cheap personRelated:la radinerie (informal) - stinginess, meanness
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raffoler
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Definition: to be keen on, wild aboutIl raffole de Juliette Binoche - He's wild about Juliette Binoche.Raffoles-tu de Chantal ? - Are you keen on Chantal?Related:affoler - to terrify, throw into a panic
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un ragot
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Definition: (inf) - piece of gossip (usually plural)Ce n'est pas gentil de faire des ragots - It's not nice to gossipRelated:ragoter - to gossip
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ragoûtant
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Definition: (adj) appetizing, savory (used in negative or ironic constructions)Ce n'est guère ragoûtant - It's not very appetizing.Cet homme est peu ragoûtant - This man is unsavory.Related:un ragoût - stew
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raidir
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Definition: to stiffen, harden, tighten, tenseQuand le médecin te touchera, ne raidis pas tes muscles - When the doctor touches you, don't tense your muscles.Si tu laisses cette chemise sans la sècher, le tissu va raidir - If you leave this shirt without drying it, the fabric will stiffen.Related:raide (adj) - stiff, taut, tightla raideur - stiffness, straightness, tightnessle raidissement - stiffening
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une raie
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Definition: line, scratch, mark, stripe, (hair) part, parting; (fish) ray, skateJe vois des raies sur le CD que je viens d'acheter - There are scratches on the CD I just boughtNe porte pas de chemise avec des raies - Don't wear a striped shirtJe préfère avoir la raie au milieu - I prefer having my hair parted in the centerRelated:rayer - to rule, line, scratch
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râlant
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Definition: (adj) - infuriatingCet embouteillage est râlant ! - This traffic jam is infuriating!Related:râler - to groan, moan, infuriaterâleur (adj, noun) - complaining, complainer
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râler
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Definition: to moan, groanIl n'a pas râlé en se faisant faire la piqûre - He didn't moan when he got the shot(informal) to complain, whineArrête de râler ! - Stop whining!
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la rancune
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Definition: grudge, rancorIl a encore de la rancune contre / à l'égard de Christine - He still has a grudge against ChristineIl ne faut pas garder de la rancune contre ses amis - One shouldn't hold a grudge against one's friendsSans rancune ! - No hard feelings!Related:rancunier (adj) - vindictive, spiteful
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rassasier
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Definition: to satisfyCe repas va-t-il te rassasier ? - Is this meal going to satisfy you?Merci, mais je suis rassasié - Thanks, but I'm full.J'ai toutes les réponses ; ma curiosité est enfin rassasiée. - I have all the answers; my curiosity is finally satisfied.
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raturer
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Definition: to alter, make an alteration; to cross out, eraseSi tu ratures l'adresse, tu peux réutiliser cette enveloppe - If you cross out the address, you can reuse this envelopeQui a raturé ce document ? - Who altered this document?Related:la rature - erasure, crossing out, alteration
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rayé
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Definition: (adjective) - striped, scratchedJe préfère la chemise rayée - I like the striped shirt betterMon nouveau CD est rayé - My new CD is scratchedSynonyms: à raies, à rayuresRelated:rayer - to rule, line, scratchle rayage - crossing outune raie / une rayure - stripe
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rébarbatif
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Definition: forbidding, dauntingC'est une tâche rébarbative - It's a daunting task.Ta mère a l'air rébarbatif - Your mom looks forbidding/has a forbidding look.
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à rebours
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Definition: wrong way, against the nap, backwardsPeux-tu compter à rebours ? - Can you count backwards?Expressions:prendre quelqu'un à rebours - to rub someone the wrong waycomprendre à rebours - to misunderstand, get the wrong ideafaire tout à rebours - to do everything the wrong way aroundà rebours de (fig) - against; c'est à rebours du bon sens - it goes against common sense
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une recette
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Definition: recipe, formula; takingsJ'ai une bonne recette de soupe à l'oignon - I have a good recipe for French onion soup.C'est une recette secrète - It's a secret formula.On a fait une bonne recette aujourd'hui - The takings were good today.Related:faire recette - to be successfulles recettes - receipts, revenue
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récidive
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Definition: second offense, recurrence, repetitionComme c'est de la récidive, votre amende sera triplée - Because it's a second offense/you committed the crime a second time, your fine will be tripled.Son cancer est en récidive - His cancer has recurred.Related:récidivant (adj) - recurringrécidiver - to reoffend, commit a second offense, recurle récidivisme - reoffendingrécidiviste - second/habitual offenderla récidivité - recurring nature (of a disease)
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réclamer
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Definition: to ask for, to claim, to demand; to complainIl a réclamé une minute de silence - He asked for a minute of silenceNous réclamons justice ! - We demand justice!Si vous n'êtes pas content, vous pouvez réclamer à la mairie - If you're not happy, you can complain (file a complaint) at city hallRelated:se réclamer de - to claim to belong to / follow / be a part of s.t.
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un recul
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Definition: retreat, recoil, shrink back, recession, decline, (temporal) distanceOn attend un recul de l'armée - We're waiting for the army to retreatHeureusement, l'épidémie est en recul - Fortunately, the epidemic is decliningAvec le recul, je vois clairement mes erreurs - With time, I clearly see my mistakesRelated:une reculade - retreat, withdrawalreculé (adj) - remote, distantreculer - to move/step/draw back, to reverse
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rédiger
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Definition: to write, compose, draftJ'aimerais rédiger un article pour un journal international - I would like to write an article for an international newspaperNous devons rédiger un nouveau contrat - We need to draft a new contractRelated:la rédaction - editingun rédacteur - editor
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la redite
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Definition: needless repetitionOui, oui, tu me l'as déjà expliqué... cesse cette redite ! - Yes yes, you already explained it to me... stop this needless repetition!
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le référencement
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Definition: referencing; web site linkingLe référencement d'articles pour votre thèse est essentiel - Referencing articles for your thesis is essential.L'action d'inscription d'un site-web dans un moteur de recherche s'appelle référencement - The adding of a website into a search engine is called "linking."Related:référencer - to reference, linkune référence - reference, footnote
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un régal
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Definition: delight, treatQuel régal ! - What a treat! It's delicious!C'est un régal pour les yeux - It's a sight for sore eyes, It's a delight to behold
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la régie
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Definition: government control; state-owned companyCette entreprise est en régie - This company is government-controlledJe travaille pour la Régie autonome des transports parisiens (RATP) - I work for the Paris city transport authority
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un rejeton
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Definition: descendantLes rejetons de cette civilisation ont complètement disparu - The descendants of this civilization completely disappeared.(informal, ironic) - kidIl envoie son rejeton à une école privée - He's sending his kid to a private school.(botany) - shootTu peux avoir un rejeton de cette plante pour ton jardin - You can have a shoot from this plant for your garden.
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le relais
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Definition: (sports) relay, handover, pass; (electronics) relayOn va regarder le relais - We're going to watch the relay (race).Où se trouve le relais de CNN ? - Where is CNN's relay station?Related:un relais routier - transport café, truck stopune ville relais - stopoverle crédit-relai / le prêt relais - bridging loan
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un reliquat
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Definition: remainder, outstanding amount, balanceAprès ce versement, le reliquat est de 100 francs. - After this payment, the outstanding balance is 100 francs.Il n'y a pas de reliquat - There is nothing left over.Related:une relique - relic
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reluquer
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Definition: (inf) - to eye, ogleJe n'aime pas être reluqué - I don't like to be ogled.Ce mec reluque mon repas depuis 10 minutes - This guy has been eyeing my meal for 10 minutes.
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remuer
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Definition: to move, twitch, stir, shift, shakeSes lèvres remuent ; il doit être en train d'essayer de ne pas rire - His lips are twitching; he must be trying not to laugh.Avec difficulté, j'ai réussi à remuer l'étagère - With difficulty, I managed to move the bookshelves.La table remue quand j'essaie d'écrire - The table shakes when I try to write.Related:remuant (adj) - restless, fidgetyle remuement - moving, movement
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renâcler
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Definition: to snort; to complain, grumbleQuand ce cheval renâcle, ça veut dire qu'il est en colère - When this horse snorts, that means that he's angryIl m'a aidé pendant toute la journée, sans renâcler - He helped me all day, without complainingExpressions:renâcler à la besogne/tâche - to grumble/to complain (about having to do something)renâcler à faire qqch - to do something reluctantly/grudginglysans renâcler - uncomplainingly / without grumblingfaire qqch en renâclant - to do something grudgingly/reluctantly
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rendement
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Definition: yield, output, returnCe champ a le rendement le plus élevé - This field has the highest yield.Le rendement de cette machine diminue quand elle n'est pas propre - The output of this machine decreases when it's not clean.C'est un très bon taux de rendement - It's a very good rate of return.
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le renfort
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Definition: help, helpersLe renfort arrive ! - Help is on the way!les renforts - reinforcements, suppliesOn ne peut pas le faire sans renforts - We can't do it without reinforcementsRelated:de renfort - strengthening, supporting, extraenvoyer qqun en renfort - to send someone as an extrarecevoir un renfort de... - to receive more/further/additional...à grand renfort de - with a great many
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renfrogné
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Definition: (adj) - sullen, scowling, sulkyQuel visage renfrogné ! - What a sullen face!Related:se renfrogner - to sulk, scowlle renfrognement - scowling, sullenness
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rentable
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Definition: (adj) - profitable, worthwhileCette affaire ne sera pas rentable - This deal will not be profitableJe cherche toujours un projet rentable - I'm still looking for a worthwhile projectRelated:la rentabilité - profitabilityrentabiliser - to make profit
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la rente
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Definition: annuity, allowance; government stock/loan/bondSa famille lui fait une rente - His family gives him an allowance.Les rentes sont à 5 pour cent - Government bonds are at 5 percent.les rentes - private/unearned incomeJe pense qu'il a des rentes - I think he has private income.Related:la rente viagère - life annuityles rentes perpétuelles - perpetual loans, irredeemable securities
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un répondeur enregistreur
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Definition: answering machine which takes messagesMes parents n'ont pas de répondeur enregistreur - My parents don't have an answering machineRelated:un répondeur téléphonique - answering machine with a pre-recorded message that does not take messages
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un resquilleur
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Definition: (informal) line-jumper, queue-jumper, fare-dodger, gate-crasher, squatterC'est une resquilleuse, j'étais devant elle ! - She's a line-jumper, I was in front of her! (She cut in front of me!)Ces vieux immeubles ont toujours des problèmes avec des resquilleurs - These old buildings always have problems with squatters(adj) one who cuts in line, sneaks in without paying, gate crashes, or squatsRelated:le resquillage (inf) - line-jumping, fare-dodging, squattingla resquille (inf) - line-jumping, fare-dodging, squattingresquiller - to line jump, fare dodge, squat
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retors
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Definition: (adj) sly, underhanded, wilyJe déteste les manoeuvres retors de politiciens ! - I hate the wily machinations of politicians!Il m'a donné des conseils retors - He gave me some underhanded advice
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rêvasser
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Definition: to daydream, let one's mind wanderFaites attention - ne rêvassez pas ! - Pay attention - don't daydream!Elle rêvasse toujours en classe - She's always letting her mind wander in classRelated:la rêvasserie - daydreamingun rêve - dream
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revendiquer
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Definition: to claim, demand, take responsibility forIl faut revendiquer vos droits - You have to demand your rights.J'ai décidé de revendiquer - I decided to make a claim.Des terroristes ont revendiqué cet attentat - Terrorists have claimed responsibility for this attack.Related:revendicateur (adj) - related to a claimrevendicatif (adj) - of protestla revendication - claiming, claim, demand
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la rigueur
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Definition: harshness, severity, rigidness, strictness, rigor, precisionIls traitent les criminels violents avec la plus grande rigueur - They treat violent criminals with the greatest severity.J'apprécie sa rigueur morale - I appreciate his moral strictness.Expression: à la rigueur - or even, if need beNous pouvons à la rigueur prendre l'autobus. - We can take the bus if we have to.Achète deux tartes... trois à la rigueur. - Buy two pies, or even three.Related:rigoureux (adj) - rigorousrigoureusement (adv) - rigorously
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ringard
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Definition: (informal adj) - corny, rinky-dink, old-fashionedQuelle expression ringarde ! - What a corny expression!Je n'aime pas ces livres ; ils sont ringards - I don't like these books; they're old-fashionedRelated:un/e ringard/e - fuddy duddy, old-fashioned personune ringardise - fuddy duddy
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une riposte
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Definition: retort, counter-attack, (fencing) - ripostePierre a la riposte rapide - Pierre always has a quick retort.Nous ne nous attendions pas à une riposte - We weren't expecting a counter-attack.Related:riposter - to retort, retaliate
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la risée
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Definition: mockery, ridicule; light breezeCela va t'exposer à la risée générale - That's going to lay you open to ridicule.Philippe est un objet de risée - Philippe is a laughing stock.
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rôder
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Definition: to loiter, lurk, prowlOn a toujours des chats affamés qui rôdent autour de nos poubelles - We always have starving cats that lurk around the garbage cansC'est un quartier mal famé avec des jeunes qui rôdent la nuit - It's a seedy area with young people prowling around at nightRelated:un/e rôdeur/euse - prowler
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romanesque
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Definition: (adj) - fabulous, fantastical, storybook, romanticC'est une histoire romanesque - It's a fantastical story.Leur amour romanesque m'inspire - Their storybook love inspires me.Related:le romanesque - romantic side, romanceun roman - novel
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rompre
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Definition: to break (off, up)Les Etats-Unis ont rompu les relations diplomatiques avec la Chine. - The US has broken off diplomatic relations with China.Elle va rompre avec son fiancé - She is going to break up with her fiancé.Peux-tu rompre le pain ? - Can you break the bread?Related:rompu (adj) - exhausted, worn-out
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ronchon
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Definition: (adj) - grumpy, grouchy; (noun) - grumbler, grouchMon père est toujours ronchon - My father is always grumpy.Tu es un vrai ronchon aujourd'hui ! - You're a real grouch today!Related:ronchonneur (adj) - grumpy, grouchyun/e ronchonneur/euse - grump, grouchle ronchonnement - grumbling, grouchingronchonner - to grumble, grouch
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rondement
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Definition: (adv) - briskly, franklyIl a rondement conclu les négociations - He briskly/efficiently concluded the negotiations.Puis-je parler rondement ? - May I speak frankly?Related:rondelet (adj) - plump, chubbyune rondelle - slice, round (of a carrot, cucumber, etc.)la rondeur - plumpness, roundnessrondillard (informal adj) - tubby, pudgy
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un rosier
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Definition: rosebushIl y a beaucoup de rosiers en Californie - There are a lot of rosebushes in California.Related: une rose - roseThe -ier suffix indicates a tree or bush that produces the first part of the word: un abricotier - apricot tree, un cerisier - cherry tree, un poirier - pear tree, un pommier - apple tree, etc.
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rouspéter
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Definition: (inf) - to moan, grumbleTu rouspètes vraiment trop - You really complain too much.Related:se faire rouspéter par qqun - to get scolded by s.o., to get an earful from s.o.la rouspétance - moaning, groaningrouspéteur/euse (adj) - grumpy, (noun) - groaner, grouch
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un routard
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Definition: backpackerIl n'y a pas beaucoup de routards à cet hôtel - There aren't many backpackers at this hotelC'est un bon guide de voyage pour les routards - It's a good travel guide for backpackers
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une rubrique
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Definition: (news) colum, heading, rubricJ'aime bien la rubrique de Dave Barry - I really like Dave Barry's columnVous pouvez expliquer ces deux inventions sous la même rubrique - You can explain these two inventions under the same heading
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rudement
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Definition: (adv) - roughly, hard, harshlyTu ne devrais pas répondre si rudement ! - You shouldn't respond so harshly!Le pauvre, il est rudement tombé - The poor thing fell down hard.(informal) - very, terribly, awfullyTu chantes rudement bien ! - You sing terribly well!Related:rude (adj) - rough, harsh, toughla rudesse - roughness, harshness
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rupin
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Definition: (fam adj) ritzy, swanky, filthy richJ'imagine qu'il habite dans un appartement rupin - I imagine he lives in a ritzy apartmentSon pater est rupin - His old man is filthy richRelated:un/e rupin/e - rich person
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un sabot
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Definition: clog, hoofJe n'aime pas les sabots - I don't like clogs.Le cheval donne beaucoup de coups de sabot - The horse kicks a lot.(informal) - wreck, idiotC'est un sabot - It's an old wreck.Expressions:Je le vois venir avec ses gros sabots - I know just what he's aftertravailler/jouer comme un sabot - to be a shoddy worker/playermettre un sabot à une voiture - to clamp a car
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saccadé
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Definition: (adj) - jerky, spasmodic, fitful, haltingSon style de danse est assez saccadé - His dance style is rather jerky.Sa respiration est saccadée - His breathing is spasmodic.D'une voix saccadée, elle m'a raconté l'histoire - In a halting voice, she told me the story.Related:une saccade - jerking motionavancer par saccades - to jerk alongparler par saccades - to speak haltingly
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saillant
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Definition: (adj) - prominent, protruding, jutting; salientC'est l'homme au nez saillant - It's the man with the prominent nose.Pouvez-vous résumer les points saillants ? - Can you summarize the salient points?Related:une saillie - projection, witticismsaillir - to jut out, stick out, project
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la saisie
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Definition: seizure, confiscation, foreclosure, data entryLe taux de saisie de maisons continue à monter - The rate of home foreclosures continues to climbLa police a opéré une saisie de contrebande - The police seized the contrabandTous articles prohibés sont sujets à saisie - All prohibited articles are subject to confiscationJe déteste la saisie manuelle - I hate manual data entryRelated:saisir - to seize, grab
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un(e) saltimbanque
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Definition: acrobat, performer, entertainerJ'adore les saltimbanques chinois - I love Chinese acrobatsC'est toute une famille de saltimbanques - It's a whole family of performers
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la sape
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Definition: (familiar) - clothes, gear, dudsT'as acheté de nouvelles sapes ? - You bought some new duds?(normal register) - undermining, sappingRelated:saper - to sap, underminese saper (familiar) - to do oneself up
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saper
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Definition: to undermineLe fleuve a sapé ce mur - The river has undermined this wall.Il essaie de saper mon authorité - He is trying to undermine my authority.Related:se saper (informal) - to get dressedla sape - undermining, sapping
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un sas
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Definition: airlock, security door; sieve, screenLe sas de cet avion a été compromis - That plane's airlock was compromisedJe vais passer la sauce au sas - I'm going to put the sauce through a sieve
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une saucée
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Definition: (informal) downpourOn a eu une vraie saucée hier - We had a real downpour yesterdayExpressions:recevoir une saucée, prendre une saucée - to get soaked/drenched
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un sbire
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Definition: henchmanDans les films, les méchants ont toujours des sbires - In movies, the bad guys always have henchmenUn sbire de ce dictateur a été tué - One of that dictator's henchmen was killed
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sceller
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Definition: to sealL'enveloppe doit être scellée avec la signature du maire - The envelope must be sealed with the mayor's signatureNous avons scellé le pacte en nous serrant la main - We sealed the pact by shaking handsRelated:le scellement - sealingles scellés - sealsle scellofrais (trademark) - cling film, Saran Wrap
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sciemment
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Definition: (adv) - knowingly, on purposeC'est risqué de revendre sciemment des articles volés - It's risky to knowingly resell stolen goodsLes prisonniers ont sciemment avalé le poison - The prisoners knowingly swallowed the poisonRelated:consciemment (adv) - consciously
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scier
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Definition: to saw (up, off)Qui a scié cet arbre ? - Who sawed up this tree?(informal) to stagger, bowl over; to boreÇa m'a scié ! - It staggered me!Ce livre m'a scié - This book bored me sillyRelated:une scie - sawune scierie - sawmillun scieur - sawyer
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un séisme
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Definition: earthquake, upheavalIl y a eu un séisme à 4h00 du matin. - There was an earthquake at 4am.Le séisme de divorce peut faire de la peine aux enfants - The upheaval of divorce can hurt children.Synonyms:(earthquake) - un tremblement de terre(upheaval) - un bouleversement, des perturbations, une crise
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une selle
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Definition: saddleJe ne suis jamais monté sans selle - I've never ridden barebackles selles(medical term) stoolExpressions:mettre en selle - to mount, get into the saddlemettre quelqu'un en selle - to give someone a boost/leg-upse remettre en selle - to get back in the saddle (literally and figuratively)être bien en selle - to be firmly in the saddleÊtes-vous allé à la selle aujourd'hui ? - Have your bowels moved today?
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une sellette
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Definition: standJ'ai acheté une sellette pour ce pot de fleurs - I bought a stand for this pot of flowersExpressions:être sur la sellette - to be in the hot seatmettre qqun sur la sellette - to question/grill someone, to put someone in the hot seat
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semer
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Definition: to sow, scatter, strewNous avons déjà semé les graines - We've already scattered the seeds.On va semer les confettis quand il arrivera - We're going to throw the confetti when he arrives.Sa silence a semé le doute dans l'esprit de sa femme. - His silence sowed the seeds of doubt in his wife's mind.Related:semé (adj) - full ofla semence - seed, semenun semeur - sower
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sempiternel
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Definition: (adj that precedes noun) - eternal, never-endingVous m'ennuyez avec vos sempiternelles plaintes - You annoy me with your never-ending complaints.Une simplicité « qui me repose du sempiternel romanesque » (Henry de MONTHERLANT) - A simplicity "which gives me a rest from eternal romance."Related:sempiternellement (adv) - eternally
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sevrer
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Definition: to wean, lessen dependence on / addiction toLe bébé n'est pas encore sevré - The baby isn't weaned yetPenses-tu que cette loi va sevrer les fumeurs ? - Do you think this law will help smokers give up?
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sidérer
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Definition: (informal) to stupefy, shock; (medical) - to go into shockL'annonce m'a sidéré - The announcement stupefied meIls étaient tous sidérés par les résultats - They were all shocked by the resultsRelated:sidérant (adj) - shockingla sidération (medical) - shock
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sillonner
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Definition: to cross, cut across, furrow, scarLe bateau a vite sillonné le lac - The boat quickly cut across the lake.Cette campagne est sillonnée de ravins - This countryside is scarred with ravines.Related:un sillon - furrow
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siroter
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Definition: (informal) to sip, savorSi tu sirotes le café, tu l'apprécieras mieux et tu laisseras le marc au fond de la tasse - If you sip the coffee, you'll enjoy it more and also leave the grounds at the bottom of the cup.Nous avons siroté un verre de Châteauneuf-du-Pape - We savored a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
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un smicard
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Definition: (informal) - minimum-wage earnerComment est-ce que les smicards peuvent survivre ? - How can minimum-wage earners survive?Note: Smicard comes from SMIC, the acronym for Salaire Minimum Interprofessionel de Croissance, which means as minimum wage.
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un socle
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Definition: base, pedestal, foundation (literal and figurative)Le socle de cette statue devrait être remplacé - The base of this statue should be replacedIl perd son socle électoral - He's losing his electoral baseC'est le socle de notre nation - It's the foundation of our country
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soit
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Definition: (conjunction) - that is, for exampleVoici des numéros de téléphone importants, soit pour le médecin, l'hôtel, et cetera - Here are some important phone numbers, for example the doctor, the hotel, etcsoit... soit - either... orSoit l'un, soit l'autre, ça m'est égal - Either one or the other, I don't care(formal adv) - so be it, very well thenIl veut partir ? Alors, soit, qu'il parte - He wants to leave? Very well then, let him leave.
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un sosie
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Definition: double, twinOn dit que tout le monde a un sosie - They say that everyone has a doubleTon fils pourrait être ton sosie ! - Your son could be your twin! Your son is the spitting image of you!
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souder
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Definition: to solder, weld, seal, fuse, knit togetherTu dois savoir souder pour faire des vitraux - You have to know how to solder to make stained glass.Nous nous sommes soudés afin de lutter contre la répression - We united/joined together to fight against repression.Ce couple est soudé l'un à l'autre ! - This couple is joined together!Related:soudé (adj) - united, joinedun/e soudeur/euse - solderer, welderla soudure - soldering, welding, binding, uniting
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soudoyer
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Definition: to bribeDans certains pays, il faut soudoyer les fonctionnaires afin de faire quoi que ce soit - In some countries, you have to bribe civil servants in order to do anythingPenses-tu que le juge ait été soudoyé ? - Do you think the judge was bribed?
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sournois
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Definition: sly, shifty, underhanded, insidiousCet homme-là a l'air sournois - That guy looks shiftyIl n'hésite pas à utiliser des méthodes sournoises - He doesn't hesitate to use underhanded methods.Related:sournoisement (adv) - slyly, stealthilyla sournoiserie (literary) - slyness, shiftiness, underhanded nature
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soutenu
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Definition: (adj) - elevated (figuratively), sustainedSon langage est très soutenu - His language (style) is very elevated/proper.Avec un effort soutenu, nous pouvons le faire - With sustained effort, we'll be able to do it.Related:soutenir - to support, withstand
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stationner
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Definition: to parkOn ne peut pas stationner ici - You can't park hereRelated:stationné (adj) - parkedle stationnement - parking
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strier
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Definition: to streak, ridge, groove, striateCes images sont toutes striées - These images are all streakyCe poisson a un corps strié - This fish has a body marked with stripesVous pouvez strier la pâte avec une fourchette - You can ridge the (pie) crust with a fork
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subalterne
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Definition: (noun, adj) - subordinate, inferiorLes subalternes gagnent moins que les directeurs. - Subordinates earn less than managers.Il a un rôle subalterne dans ce projet - He has an inferior role in this plan.Related:alterne (adj) - alternatealterner - to alternate, rotate
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subitement
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Definition: (adv) - suddenly, all of a suddenJ'ai subitement compris son hésitation - I suddenly understood his hesitation.... et puis subitement, on a vu... - ... and then all of a sudden we saw ...Related:subit (adj) - suddensubito presto (adv) - all of a sudden
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une succursale
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Definition: branch (of a company)Y a-t-il une succursale de cette banque au centre-ville ? - Is there a branch of this bank downtown?Je n'aime pas les magasins à succursales (multiples) - I don't like chain stores
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le supplice
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Definition: torture, tormentLe supplice est soi-disant illégal dans beaucoup de pays - Torture is supposedly illegal in many countriesCe cours est un vrai supplice ! - This class is absolute torture!Expressions:le dernier supplice - death, executionéprouver le supplice de... - to be tormented by...être au supplice - to be in agony/miserymettre qqun au supplice - to torture someoneC'est un vrai supplice de Tantale - It's really frustrating
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une supplique
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Definition: petition, official requestSupplique à être enterré à la plage - Petition to be buried at the beachQuand va-t-il présenter sa supplique ? - When is he going to make his official request?Related:supplier - to implore, beseech, beg
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supprimer
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Definition: to delete, remove, cancelTu devrais supprimer cette phrase - You should delete this sentence.J'espère qu'il pourra supprimer les obstacles - I hope he'll be able to remove the obstacles.Notre vol a été supprimé - Our flight was canceled.Related:la suppression - deletion, removal, withdrawal, suppression, elimination
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une surenchère
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Definition: overbid, higher bid, overstatement, oneupmanshipJ'ai enfin réussi à faire une surenchère sur Paul - I finally succeeded in outbidding Paul.Il est roi de la surenchère - He's the king of overstatement.Je préfère que tu ne fasses pas de surenchère - I prefer that you don't play at oneupmanship.Related:surenchérir - to bid higher, raise one's bid, try to outdoun surenchérisseur - high bidder
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surmener
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Definition: to overwork, overtaxCe n'est pas gentil de surmener les animaux - It's not kind to overwork animals.À la fin de l'année, tous les étudiants se sentent surmenés - At the end of the year, all students feel overtaxed.Related:le surmenage - overworking, overtaxingmener - to take, lead
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un sursis
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Definition: reprieve, defermentCondamné à mort, il a reçu un sursis la veille de son exécution - Condemned to death, he was reprieved the night before his executionL'argent de la vente de la maison nous assure un peu de sursis avant la faillite totale - The money from the sale of our house gives us a bit of a reprieve before bankruptcyRelated:sursitaire (adj) - deferredsurseoir - to defer, postpone, stay (a sentence)
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susciter
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Definition: to incite, arouse, provokeQu'est-ce qui a suscité toutes ces questions ? - What provoked all of these questions?Cet homme suscite l'admiration de tout ceux qui le connaissent - This man incites admiration in everyone who knows him.
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susurrer
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Definition: to whisper (literally and figuratively)Il m'a susurré des mots doux à l'oreille pendant une heure - He whispered sweet nothings into my ear for an hour.On susurre que c'est la faute à Michel - They are whispering / The word is that it's Michel's fault.Related:le susurrement - whisper, whispering, murmuring
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un tabac
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Definition: tobacco; smoke shop (shop that sells tobacco and stamps)Informal expressions:passer qqun à tabac - to beat someone upun passage à tabac - beating upfaire un tabac - to be a roaring successc'est toujours le même tabac - it's always the same old thingquelque chose du même tabac - something along those linesun coup de tabac - squall
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tabler
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Definition: to count/bank/rely on somethingIl table sur une promotion - He's counting on a promotionIl ne faut pas tabler sur la chance - You shouldn't rely on luckHomophone:une tablée - table (of people)
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un tabouret
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Definition: stoolJe viens d'acheter des tabourets pour la cuisine - I just bought some stools for the kitchen.Préfères-tu un tabouret avec ou sans dossier ? - Would you rather have a stool with or without a back?Related:un tabouret de bar - bar stoolun tabouret de piano - piano bench
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un tac
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Definition: (noun and interjection) tap, clack (sound)J'aime bien le « tac » des billes - I love the "clack" of billiard balls.Et puis tac, tac, tac à la porte - And then "tap, tap, tap" at the door.Tac is commonly used in pairs to indicate the sound of machine gun fire: le tac tac (or tacatac) des mitrailleuses - the rat-a-tat of machine guns.(informal abbreviation) taxiJ'veux prendre un tac - I want to take a taxi.Expression:répondre/riposter du tac au tac - to always have a ready answer, to come back at someone quick as a flash, to snap back
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tailler
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Definition: to cut, carve, prune, trimInf expressions: tailler une bavette - to chat, rap, natter; tailler un costard/une vest à qqun - to talk about someone behind his/her back; tailler la route - to hit the roadse tailler - to beat it, split, run offExpressions:se tailler un beau/franc succès - to be a great successse tailler la part du lion - to take the lion's sharese tailler une place - to carve out a place for oneselfRelated:la taille - size
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taler
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Definition: to bruise (literally and figuratively)Si tu laisses tomber les citrons sur les pêches, ils les taleront - If you drop the lemons on the peaches, they'll bruise themLes accusations ont talé son amour-propre - The accusation bruised his egoRelated:talé (adj) - bruisedLes bananes talées sont à moitié prix - The bruised bananas are half price
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talonner
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Definition: to follow hot on someone's heels, to hotly pursue; to hound, gnaw at; to kick, spur on; (boats) to touch the bottomLes fugitifs ont été talonnés par la police - The fugitives were hotly pursued by the police; The police were hot on the heels of the fugitivesLes débiteurs me talonnent depuis deux ans - Creditors have been hounding me for two yearsIl ne faut pas talonner son cheval - You shouldn't kick the horse, hit the horse with spursLe bateau va talonner si tu ne fais pas attention - The boat is going to hit the bottom if you don't pay attentionRelated:un talon - heel, stub (of a check)le talonnade (rugby) - heel, (soccer) back heelle talonnage - heelingun talonneur (rugby) - hooker
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un tamis
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Definition: sieve, sifter; raquette head/stringsIl vient d'acheter un tamis à farine - He just bought a sieve (for flour).Je cherche une raquette grand tamis - I'm looking for a large-headed raquette.Related:passer au tamis - to sift, sieve, searchle tamisage - sifting; tamiser - to sift, sieve
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tamponner
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Definition: to mop up, plug; crash into; stampIl a tamponné le sang de ses plaies - He mopped up the blood from his cutsLe train a failli tamponner notre voiture - The train nearly crashed into our carCe document n'est pas tamponné - This document is not stamped (~ notarized)Related:un tampon - stopper, plug, stample tamponnement - collision, crash
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taper
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Definition: to type; to beat, hit, bang, knock; (inf) to scrounge, hit upIl ne sait pas taper - He doesn't know how to type.Il m'a tapé de 20 dollars - He hit me up for 20 dollars.Related:le tapement - banging noiseune tapette - little tapun tapeur (inf) - cadgerune tapineuse (fam) - streetwalker, hustler
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taquiner
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Definition: to tease, bother, (humorously) to dabble atMarie me taquine constamment - Marie teases me constantlyTu me taquines ! - You're bothering me!Il taquine la muse - He dabbles at poetryRelated:taquin (adj) - teasing, mishievousla taquinerie - teasing
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tarabiscoté
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Definition: (adj) - ornate, fussy, (overly) involvedJe n'aime pas les édifices tarabiscotés - I don't like ornate buildingsSon style d'écriture est trop tarabiscoté - His writing style is too fussyJ'espère que cette explication n'est pas trop tarabiscotée - I hope this explanation isn't too involved (complicated)
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tarabuster
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Definition: to badger, pester, bother, worryArrête de me tarabuster ! - Stop pestering me!Ces problèmes me tarabustent depuis hier. - These problems have been bothering me since yesterday.
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taré
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Definition: (adj) - defective; (inf) perverted, crazyLa pomme que j'ai achetée est tarée - The apple I bought has a defect.Il faut être taré pour faire ça ! - You have to be sick (perverted) to do something like that!Il est taré, ce mec ! - That guy is crazy!Related:un taré - degenerateune tare - defect, flaw
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se targuer
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Definition: to boast, bragIl se targue toujours de sa voiture - He's always bragging about his car.Il se targue de faire son lit - He prides himself on making his bed.
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Tartempion
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Definition: (informal) - average Joe, nobodyJe suis sûr que c'est un Tartempion quelconque qui a obtenu mon poste - I'm sure it was some average Joe / some nobody who got my job.Elle va voir des gens à Paris, je ne sais pas qui, des Tartempion - She's going to see some people in Paris, I don't know who, some nobodies.Synonym: M Untel, Mme Unetelle. However, Tartempion has a slightly pejorative nuance to it that Untel (which is more like John Doe or John Q. Public) does not.
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un tas
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Definition: pile, heapMets tes vêtement en tas - Put your clothes in a pile.un tas de / des tas de (inf) - tons of, lots of, piles ofJ'ai des tas de choses à faire - I have lots of things to do.Il m'a raconté un tas de mensonges - He told me a pack of lies.Expressions:dans le tas (inf) - in the crowdtirer dans le tas - to fire into the crowdfoncer dans le tas - to charge intaper/piocher dans le tas - dig in (to the bag, box, etc.)sur le tas - on the fly, as one goes alongla formation sur le tas - on the job training
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tatillon
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Definition: (adj) - finicky, nit-pickyTu es vraiment trop tatillon ! - You are really too finicky!Je n'aime pas cette attitude tatillonne - I don't like this nit-picky attitude.un tatillon - a finicky person
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une taule
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Definition: (fam) - jail, slammer, clink, nickIl est en taule ! - He's in the slammer!Related:aller en taule - to go downmettre/foutre qqun en taule - to put someone in jailfaire de la taule - to do timeun taulard - convict
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le taux
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Definition: rate, levelQuel est le taux de change ? - What is the exchange rate?Le taux de mortalité baisse - The mortality rate is decreasing.Nous avons vu un taux de pollution très élevé - We've seen a very high level of pollution.
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telautre
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Definition: so-and-so, John Doe, some guy (usually used in conjunction with Untel)Si Untel dit oui et Telautre dit non... - If some guy says yes and some other one says no...Que faire si Untel reçoit plus d'assistance que Telautre ? - What should you do when Mr. so-and-so gets more help than Mr. such-and-such?
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temporiser
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Definition: to delay, stall, play for timeArrête de temporiser ! - Stop stalling!Le tribunal temporise encore malgré toutes les preuves et remet à plus tard son verdict - The court is stalling again despite all the proof and putting off its verdictIl est toujours prêt à temporiser et à négocier - He is always ready to play for time and to negotiateRelated:temporisateur (adj) - delaying, stallingun temporisateur - temporizerla temporisation - delaying, stalling, playing for time
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tendre
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Definition: to tighten, tauten, tense; to hang; to set (a trap)Je dois faire tendre les cordes de ma raquette de tennis - I need to get the strings on my tennis racket tightened.Ils n'ont pas bien tendu cette tapisserie - They did not hang this tapestry well.Il a tendu un piège aux intrus - He set a trap for trespassers.(adj) soft, tenderCe bois n'est pas assez tendre pour être sculpté - This wood is not soft enough for carving.
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la teneur
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Definition: terms, contentQuelle est la teneur du traité ? - What are the terms of the treaty?Je ne peux pas révéler la teneur de sa lettre - I can't reveal the content of his letterNous cherchons un fromage de faible teneur en matières grasses - We're looking for a low-fat cheese (a cheese with low fat content)
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la tenue
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Definition: upkeep, running, handling, control; good manners, behavior; standard, quality; posture; performance; dress, appearanceMon père se charge de la tenue de la maison - My father takes care of the upkeep on the houseElle a une bonne tenue en classe - She behaves in classEst-ce une publication qui a de la tenue ? - Is it a quality publication?Il a une très mauvaise tenue - He has very bad postureLe dollar a une bonne tenue face à la livre - The dollar is performing well against the poundTenue correcte exigée - Strict dress code
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têtu
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Definition: (adj) - stubborn, pigheadedNe sois pas têtu, parle-moi ! - Don't be stubborn, talk to me!Tu es têtu comme une mule - You're as stubborn as a mule.Related:entêté (adj) - stubborn, (noun) - mule, stubborn person
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un tiers
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Definition: (fraction) third; third party/personIl m'a donné un tiers de l'argent - He gave me a third of the money.J'ai appris la nouvelle par un tiers - I learned the news from a third party(adj) thirdle Tiers Monde - the Third WorldRelated:la tierce épreuve - final draftun tiers arbitre - independent arbitrator
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timoré
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Definition: (adj) - fearful, timid; (literary, religious) - over-scrupulousMon petit frère est trop timoré - My little brother is too timidPourquoi es-tu si timoré ? - Why are you so fearful?
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tiquer
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Definition: to make/pull a face, to raise an eyebrow, to bat an eyeLes résultats m'ont presque fait tiquer. - The results almost made me make a face.Il n'a pas tiqué quand j'ai mentionné notre rendez-vous - He didn't bat an eye when I mentioned our date.
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la tisane
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Definition: herbal teaJ'aime bien la tisane - I really like herbal tea.Related:une tisanière (rare) - teapotC'est de la tisane (inf) - It's very watery.
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tocard
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Definition: (familiar adj used with things) cheap, trashy Ces meubles sont vraiment tocards - This furniture is really cheap un tocard - loser, deadbeat, washout Il ne faut pas écouter ce tocard - You shouldn't listen to this deadbeat Alternate spelllings: toquard, tocquard |
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un tollé
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Definition: general outcry, protestIl y a eu un tollé après l'annonce - There was an outcry after the announcement.Je vais éviter un tollé cette fois en expliquant notre point de vue - I'm going to avoid a protest this time by explaining our point of view.
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la tombée
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Definition: (figurative) fallNous partirons à la tombée de la nuit - We'll leave at nightfallC'est mystérieux ici à la tombée du jour - It's mysterious here at the close of the day (at dusk)
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tondre
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Definition: to shear, mow, clip, cropLes moutons doivent être tondus - The sheep need to be shorn.Peux-tu tondre le gazon ? - Could you mow the lawn?Tu t'es tondu les cheveux ! - You chopped off your hair!Related:tondu (adj) - closely-croppedun tondeur - shearerune tondeuse - clippers, lawnmower
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le tonus
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Definition: (biology) tone; energy, dynamism, driveIl a un bon tonus musculaire - He has good muscle toneL'arrivée de Caroline a donné du tonus à notre projet - Caroline's arrival gave our project new life, brought energy to our project
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torpiller
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Definition: to torpedo, sabotageSon bateau a été torpillé - His boat was torpedoedQui a torpillé les projets ? - Who sabotaged the plans?Related:le torpillage - torpedoingune torpille - torpedoun torpilleur - torpedo boat
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toucher
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Definition: to touch; to approach, be/go near; to affectPrière de ne pas toucher les peintures - Please don't touch the paintings.Nous touchons une période de calme - We're approaching a calm period.Ma chambre touche la cuisine - My bedroom is next to the kitchen.Cela ne te touche pas - That doesn't concern/affect you.Related:Touche pas ! (inf) - Hands off!toucher la main à qqun - to briefly shake hands with someoneTouchons du bois (inf) - Touch/Knock on woodfaire toucher du doigt qqch à qqun - to bring something home to someonetoucher un chèque - to cash a checkune touche - button, key; touch, stroke
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une tournure
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Definition: turn (of phrase, events), appearanceCette tournure est un bon exemple d'ironie - This turn of phrase is a good example of ironyIl faut éviter les tournures à l'anglaise - Anglicisms must be avoidedLa tournure que prenait la situation... - The turn that the situation was taking..., The way the situation was developing...Related:tourner - to turntourné (adj) - shaped, phrased, worded
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un traiteur
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Definition: delicatessen, catererJ'aime bien le traiteur à côté de la banque - I really like the deli next to the bankVa-t-on s'adresser à un traiteur pour organiser la réception ? - Are we going to find a caterer to organize the reception?
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la trempe
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Definition: caliber, moral fiber, temper, quality; damping, wetting, soakingJe cherche un homme de trempe - I'm looking for a man of caliber / with moral fiberLe processus commence avec la trempe du papier - The process begins with soaking the paper(inf) - hiding, thrashingRelated:flanquer une trempe à qqun (inf) - to give someone a hidingfiler une trempe à qqun au tennis/foot (inf) - to thrash someone at tennis/soccertremper - to soak
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une trêve
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Definition: truce, respiteIl semble qu'une trêve dans ce pays soit impossible - It seems like a truce in that country is impossible.Related:s'accorder une trêve - to allow oneself a moment's peacefaire trêve à - (literary) to rest from; trêve de ça - enough of that, joking asidesans trêve - unceasingly
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le tri
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Definition: sorting, selection, grading, siftingPréférez-vous un tri par prix ou par date ? - Do you prefer it sorted by price or date?Il m'a aidé à faire le tri des lettres - He helped me sort out the lettersLe tri des candidats s'est vite passé - The candidate selection went quicklyExpression:faire le tri entre les rumeurs et les faits - to separate fact from fiction
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trimbaler
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Definition: (informal) - to lug, cart aroundJe déteste trimbaler toutes ces valises ! - I hate lugging all of these suitcases around!Alice le trimbale depuis ce matin - Alice has been dragging it around since this morning.Related:Qu'est-ce qu'il trimbale ! - He's as dumb as they get!le trimbalage, le trimballage - carting/lugging aroundAlternate spelling: trimballer
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trinquer
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Definition: to toast, drink to; to be damagedOn doit trinquer au futur des nouveaux mariés - We have to toast the future of the newly-weds.C'est le vase qui a trinqué - The vase was damaged.(informal) - to take the rapPierre a trinqué pour ses amis - Pierre took the rap for his friends.(informal, old-fashioned) to booze; to bump into one another
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la tripe
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Definition: (informal, figurative) - core, fiberIl a la tripe républicaine - He is Republican through and through / to the coreles tripes(informal) gutsCette nouvelle m'a pris aux tripes - That news got me right there / in the gutsrendre tripes et boyaux - to be sick as a dog(normal register) - tripeRelated:la triperie - tripe shop / trade
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le troc
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Definition: trade, exchange, barterJ'ai fait le troc de mon vélo contre le skateboard de Lise - I traded my bike for Lise's skateboard.Nous voulons faire un troc avec vous - We want to make an exchange with you.Related:troquer - to barter, exchange
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la trouille
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Definition: (fam) - extreme fearJ'ai la trouille ! - I'm scared to death!Il a eu la trouille de sa vie - He got the fright of his lifeExpression: flanquer/ficher la trouille à quelqu'un - to scare the pants off someoneRelated:trouillard (familiar adj and noun) - yellow, chicken, yellowbellyun trouillomètre - fearavoir le trouillomètre à zéro - to be scared witless
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un turbin
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Definition: (familiar) - job, daily grindIls vont au turbin - They're off to the daily grindRelated:turbiner (familiar) - to slog/slave away, to keep one's nose to the grindstone
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la turne
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Definition: (informal) simple/basic (bed)room, dorm, dive J'ai habité une turne dans le IXe pendant deux ans - I lived in a dive in the 9th arrondissement for two years Vas-tu vivre dans une turne ou bien un appart en ville ? - Are you going to live in a dorm or an apartment in town? Alternate spelling: thurne |
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un tuyau |
Definition: pipe, (inf) - tip, piece of advice Il doit remplacer ce tuyau - He needs to replace this pipe. J'ai quelques tuyaux pour toi - I have a few tips for you. C'était un tuyau crevé - It was a useless tip. Related: tuyauter - to give someone a tip, to tip someone off la tuyauterie - piping, organ pipes un tuyauteur (informal) - informant |
