The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Uploaded by
mahmudafnanofficialThe Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Uploaded by
mahmudafnanofficialTHE CAMBRIDGE
Thesaurus
MARIE-NOELLE LAMY
The Cambridge
French-English
Thesaurus
This is the first ever bilingual thesaurus of its kind.
The book is aimed at all English-speaking learners
and users of French at intermediate and more
advanced levels, and is structured in a uniquely
helpful way. The book is arranged thematically
rather than alphabetically, with 1 5 part titles
subdivided into a total of 142 subheadings which
are further subdivided into topic categories. In each
category learners will find synonyms and related
French words and phrases of use for writing or
speaking about the topic, as well as sayings,
metaphors, proverbs, famous quotations or usage
notes connected with the topic. Every word, phrase
and example has an English translation. Illustrations
provide additional help, and there is a special
section on conversational gambits. Two alphabetical
indexes of more than 8,000 words each, one listing
English vocabulary and the other French, help
readers find what they're looking for easily.
.
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012
http://archive.org/details/cambridgefrencheOOIamy
The Cambridge
French-English
Thesaurus
Marie-Noelle Lamy
Open University
Advisory Editor:
Richard Towell
1 Cambridge
UNIVERSITY PRESS
Pour Denise Lamy
PUBLISHED BY THE PRESS SYNDICATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
The Pitt Building, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CB2 2RU, UK
40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 1001 1-421 1, USA
477 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207, Australia
Ruiz de Alarcon 13, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Dock House, The Waterfront, Cape Town 8001, South Africa
http://www.cambridge.org
© Cambridge University Press 1998
I
This book is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception
and to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements,
no reproduction of any part may take place without
the written permission of Cambridge University Press.
Firstpublished 1998
Fourth printing 2005
Printed in the United Kingdom at the University Press, Cambridge
Typeset in Frutiger 7/8.5 pt
A catalogue record for this book is available from
the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloguing in Publication data
Lamy, Marie-Noelle, 1949-
The Cambridge French-English thesaurus / Marie Noelle Lamy;
advisory editor, Richard Towell.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 521 56348 8 (hb). - ISBN 521 42581 6 (pb)
1. French language - Synonyms and antonyms Glossaries,
vocabularies, etc. 2. English language - synonyms and antonyms -
Glossaries, vocabularies, etc. I. Towell, Richard. II. Title.
PC2591.L24 1998
443'21-dc21 96-29914 CIP
ISBN 521 56348 8 hardback
ISBN 521 42581 6 paperback
wo
5
1
Contents
Preface page vii 36 Politics, society and community 71
How to use this book viii 37 Control, authority and the law 73
Abbreviations xi 38 Rituals and beliefs 78
39 Dangers, risks and conflicts 81
Bilingual thesaurus
40 Disputes and negotiations 84
Full list of contents 1 41 Showing, giving and owning 86
Bilingual thesaurus 13
Emotions, feelings and attitudes 90
Position, movement and travel 13
42 Temperament and emotion 90
1 Shape 13 43 Observing and failing to observe rules of
2 Position 14 behaviour 91
3 Direction and distance 15 44 Doing things well and doing them badly 96
4 Arrival and departure 16 45 Positive and negative feelings 97
5 Movement 18 46 Help and encouragement 103
6 Travel 21 47 Alertness and degrees of contentment 104
7 Cars 22 48 Strength and weakness 108
8 Ships, planes and trains 24 49 Aesthetic feelings 110
Time 27 Wanting 111
9 Measuring time 27 50 Wanting to have, seeking and finding 111
10 Repetition in time 30 51 Wanting to happen, effort and difficulty 112
1 Changes in time 31 52 Wanting to achieve, success and failure 115
12 Old and new 32
13 Being on time 33
Knowledge and thought processes 118
53 Ways of knowing and finding out 118
The natural environment 37 54 Thinking 119
14 Animals 37 55 Differentiating and identifying 121
1 Pets and small animals 39 56 Selecting and ordering 123
16 Reptiles, insects and birds 39 57 Evaluating and judging 125
17 Water animals 40 58 Quantifying and measuring 127
18 Plants 41 59 Education, learning and teaching 133
19 Minerals and metals 42 60 Correct and wrong 138
20 States of matter 43 61 Cause and effect 139
21 Light 44
Body and health 140
22 Geography and astronomy 45
23 Weather and temperature 47 62 Describing the human body 140
63 The senses 143
Everyday things 49 64 Anatomy and physiology 148
24 In the house 49 65 Health professions 152
25 Clothes, accessories and cosmetics 54 66 Being well and being ill 153
26 Textiles and materials 56 67 Hurting, killing, dying 156
27 Repairs, decoration and construction 57 68 Treatments and substances affecting
28 Machines and energy 59 the body 157
29 Arranging and handling objects 59 69 Caring for the body 159
30 The cleanliness of objects 60
Food and drink 160
31 Closing, enclosing and fastening objects 62
32 Usefulness of objects 63 70 Fruit and vegetables 160
71 Bread, biscuits and cakes 161
Society, family and relationships 66 72 Food derived from animals 162
33 Age 66 73 Flavours and seasonings 164
34 The family 68 74 Cooking and eating 165
and gender 69 75 Drinks and drinking 168
35 Groups, individuals
Contents
Work and leisure 170 105 Asking for someone 213
106 Expressing good wishes 213
76 Work and working conditions 170
107 Expressing sympathy 214
77 Office work 171
108 In shops/stores 214
78 Shopping 171
109 Thanking 215
79 Farming 172
110 Permission 216
80 Gardening 173
111 Offers 216
81 Relaxing, playing and sport 174
112 Invitations 217
82 The media and the performing arts 177
113 Advice 217
83 The visual arts, arts and crafts 179
1 14 Information 218
Money, worth, economy 181 115 Instructions 218
116 Directions 218
84 Money and business 181
117 Warnings 219
85 Worth 184
1 18 Promises 219
86 Economy 185
119 Agreeing to a date 219
Abstract terms to describe the world 186 120 Plans and intentions 220
121 Asking favours 220
87 Existence, presence and absence 186
122 Apologies 220
88 Truth, reality and illusion 187
123 Reminding somebody of something 220
89 Transformation and imitation 190
124 Reassuring 221
90 Full and empty 191
125 Complaints 221
91 Whole and fragmented 191
126 Persuading 221
92 Certainty, probability and possibility 194
127 Suggesting 221
93 Necessity 196
128 Agreeing/Disagreeing 222
94 Chance 197
129 Opinions 222
95 Usual and unusual 197
1 30 Preferences 222
Ways of communicating 199 131 Degrees of certainty 222
Communicating with the voice and 132 Obligation 223
96
133 Expressing surprise 223
the body 199
97 Mailing and sending 134 Expressing pleasure/displeasure 224
205
Communicating 135 Praises/compliments/congratulations 224
98 electronically 206
136 Announcements 225
Conversational gambits 137 Reacting to news 225
Full list of contents 209 138 Talking about the time 225
Conversational gambits 139 Describing and reporting 225
211
140 Problems of communication 225
99 Introductions 211
141 Written communication 226
100 Forms of address 211
142 Post and telecommunications 228
101 Greetings and leave-takings 211
102 Opening a conversation 212 Verb conjugations 231
103 During a conversation 212 English-French index 241
104 Ending a conversation 213 French-English index 283
Preface
Many learners of French understand more vocabulary and or do you mean that she's cunning and knowing (finaude?,
phrases than they are able to summon when called upon to roublarde~>) or that she wasn't born yesterday (Elle n'est pas
speak or write in French. Words may be on the tips of their nee de la derniere pluie)'? If none of these phrases fit, you
tongues (ils ont le mot sur le bout de la langue), or their could look further afield for instance to 59.2 Competence,
pens, but may not materialize when needed. The aim of 59.3 Competent people, 59.12 Intelligence, or use antonym
The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus is to fill this categories as your source of inspiration, for instance 59.4
need by providing those who wish to add variety and Stupidity (Elle est loin d'etre sotte). In this way. The
authenticity to their spoken or written French with a Cambridge French-English Thesaurus builds up several
reference tool for quick and easy consultation. Organised layers of vocabulary around an idea, in order to ensure that
according to topics, the book can be thought of as a users have a full and flexible resource from which to
thesaurus, or dictionnaire analogique, with a difference: choose.
the French language not presented as a list of words but
is Secondly, unlike a standard thesaurus, this book offers a
as a network of ideas. This approach permeates the book, translation for every word, phrase and example provided,
whose specific nature can be summarized in two ways. and specific help for dealing with 'false friends'. Particular
Firstly, unlike many thesauri, The Cambridge French- care has been taken to provide translations reflecting
English Thesaurus not limited to listing synonyms but
is British English and American English usage, and our thanks
provides information to allow users to select a word or go to editorial consultantJohn Bailie (for UK usage) and to
phrase with the right intensity in the right circumstances. Donna Farina who has carefully analysed the French in
Here are two instances: order to create appropriate American translations. Thank
• You have just seen an excruciatingly boring film. How you also to Paul Heacock for extensive supplementary
do you convey your feeling in French? 'Ennuyeux'? This advice on American usage.
book will help you do better than this. Look up 'boring' in The order of the verb tables in the 'Verb conjugations'
the index: you will be referred to topic category 10.2. There section is based on that adopted by Le Nouveau Bescherelle
you will find a choice of adjectives, metaphors and stylistic (Hatier, 1990), though the tables differ significantly in other
information which will help you express your criticism with ways from the ones reproduced in that book.
maximum impact. Finally, many thanks are due to Adrian du Plessis who
Perhaps the film was plain dull (ennuyeux comme la provided the original idea for this book and whose support
pluie) or it felt endless (long comme un jour sans pain), or for the project was unfailing, to Liz Walter for contributing
perhaps it was so dire that your verdict (delivered in the in many different ways to its development, and to Clare
strongest terms to an audience which is robust enough not Orchard for tirelessly editing the typescript.
to take offence) will be: 'C'etait horriblement emmerdant!' We hope that The Cambridge French-English
• Or suppose that you are trying to translate 'She's really Thesaurus will be used in many different ways: as an aide-
clever!' Look up 'clever' in the index, then consult topic memoire, as a tool for prose translation, as an inspiration
category 59.13 as directed. There you will find a variety of for composition, or simply as a means of browsing through
ways of praising her intelligence, depending on the reason the French language for pleasure.
for your admiration: is she very brainy (c'esf un cerveau'.),
.
How to use this book
The following examples give a clear indication of the
structure of The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus and
of the most efficient methods of extracting information
from the book.
Part title showing which of the 1 5 general themes is being
illustrated.
Subheading and number, showing one of the
title
subdivisions within the main theme. (There are 142 such 50 Wanting to have,
subdivisions within the book as a whole).
seeking and finding
Topic category with its translation and number.
Cross-reference to a synonym category (sometimes cross 50.1 Desir et passion Desire and passion
references are to antonym categories, i.e. with opposite
45.3 Affection
meanings).
1 [longing for a specified thing] longing mon
verdure/paix my desire for greenery/peace 2 [used
French headword. All headwords appear in the French
£, refers to carnal longing] desire
index p 283 in alphabetical order, followed by their topic
1 [want carnal relations with. Obj: e.g. man,
category number.
b desire 2 [in shops, restaurants, etc] would like
une biere, s'il vous plait. I would like a beer,
Part of speech The part of speech is given for the headword
wherever possible. See list of parts of speech and other
passion nf [great love of anything, from food to persons]
abbreviations p xii.
passion avoir une passion pour qqch to have a passion for
sthg E lie a une passion pour I'electronique. She's mad
Verb conjugation number Main verb forms, listed under
about electronics. Elle a une passion pour le copain de son
theirnumber and conjugated, appear p 231
frere. She's besotted with her brother's friend.
How to use this book
62.3 Adjectifs affectueux designant la
grosseur Terms for fatness: affectionate
jouff lu, e adj chubby-cheeked.
Synonyms Differences between synonyms are indicated
potele, e adj [describes esp babies] chubby
through glosses showing typical collocation or register.'
rondouiliard, e adj [humorous. Describes adults and
implies small stature] tubby
62.4 Termes pejoratifs et insultes
designant la grosseur Terms for fatness:
unflattering
gros lard! also gros-plein-de-soupe! fat slob!
mastodonte nm [man or woman. Tall, large and ugly]
great hulk
patapouf nm [male or female child. Clumsy and fat] fatty
66.6 Decrire sa douleur Describing pain
Ca fait mal! That hurts!
Ca pique! That stings!
Lexical fields Phrases that relate to each other in some way Ca brule! That burns!
are grouped together to help find the 'right' way of Ca (me/le) lance! It's a throbbing pain!
expressing a particular communicative or translation need Ca tire! [when a stitch is being removed] It's pulling my
skin!
Ca me demange! I've got an itch (there)!
C'est comme si on m'enfoncait des aiguilles. It feels as
if needles. were being pushed into me.
aie! ouch!
Locutions Idioms
Idioms Images, similes, sayings or idioms belonging to a "^ avoir la tete sur les epaules to be level-headed
topic (here: parts of the body) are grouped together at the avoir les pieds sur terre to have both feet (firmly
end of the topic. planted) on the ground
Ca va lui mettre du plomb dans la cervelle [implies
that the person spoken of is irresponsible] That'll teach
him a thing or two.
Citation Quotation
Quotations Where a famous quotation is in currency as part / Le cceur a ses raisons que la raison ne connait point.
of today's culture, it is given, together with details of its [This line from Blaise Pascal, the 17th-century philosopher,
provenance, at the end of the topic. is often quoted.It is due as much to its meaning, excusing
irrational behaviour as long as it stems from the heart, as to
its poetic form] The heart has its reasons that reason does
not recognize.
How to use this book
Near-synonyms inheadwords or in examples are | etaler {6} vt [pejorative. Obj:
indicated by the word ALSO. knowledge, erudition] to show off
Head translations and example translations All headwords difficile adj difficult difficulty nf difficulty
including phrases, idioms and quotations are given one complique, e adj complicated
(sometimes two) head translation. nqu ring tact; tricky Je n'ose
d«li co * > m a dj
^—
i i
[ t
Examples, each with its example translation,—— que je ne veux pas d'elle dans mon equipe, c'«
show the meanings in context. All head translations are daren't tell her that don't want her on my team,
I it's
listed in the English index p 241. tricky.
penible adj [|
reeable and difficult. The translation of
this depe on context] unpleasant Marcher, c'est
peniblj 'arcette chaleur. Walking in this heat is really
un asant. // faut repasser par chez eux, que c'est
'nible! We have to go back via their place, what a drag!
Les enfants ont ete penibles, cet apres-midi. The children
were hard work this afternoon.
rond-point nm, pi ronds-points BrE roundabout AmE
British and American English All head translations which traffic circle
differ in the British and American varieties of the English carrefour nm crossroads
language are shown as BrE or AmE. American and British croisement [ impli es simpler junction than carrefour] nm
usage is also signalled in example translations where" jw««*««*»^Bpcrossing
necessary.
le parquet the legal profession
le barreau the bar
juriste n lawyer, attorney
avocat, e n A lawyer whose work includes advocacy on
Glosses and explanations Sometimes a translation isn't behalf of a client in a court of law, similar to an English
quite enough to convey the exact meaning. In thoses cases, barrister, or in some circumstances a solicitor.
additional glosses help supplement the translation. Where notaire nmt
the reality described is so different that no direct
translation can be offered, an explanation is provided.'
La cuisson a la chaleur Cooking with heat
All the cooking verbs below can be used transitively, e.g.
v + n, or preceded by faire + v + n. E.g.: dorer des
oignons or faire dorer des oignons. Both mean: to brown
Grammatical information Verb constructions and other"""" onions. The cooking verbs can also be used intransitively:
useful grammatical information are given under the topic pendant que les oignons dorent while the onions are
concerned. browning
cuire {32} vt and vi 1 [obj: all foods except dough-based] to
cook
cuire ala vapeur to steam cuire au bain-marie to cook in a
double-boiler 2 [obj: dough-based foods] to bake
dorer {6}vt and vi to cook until golden brown
Notoriete nf and notoire adj
False friends The main tend to be a source
false friends that Notoriete means fame, and notoire means famous.
of confusion between English and French speakers are These words do not necessarily have negative
explained and illustrated with examples™ connotations in French, but derive their sense from the
context: e.g. // y avait au village une dentelliere dont la
notoriete s'etendait a des kilometres a la ronde. In the
village there was a lacemaker who was famous for miles
around, un ivrogne notoire a notorious drunkard un
botaniste notoire a noted botanist
. .
How to use this book
Usage Throughout the book, interesting usages are usage
They illustrate a variety of aspects of language,"
signalled.
including: gueule nf
Gueule is the mouth of an animal: ie chat tenait une
- pitfalls for English-speaking users of French/ souris dans sa gueule. The cat had a mouse in its mouth.
Gueule is neutral when referring to animals, but vulgar
and pejorative when talking about humans: Ta gueule!
BrE Shut your gob! AmE Shut your trap!
usage
- socio-cultural information designed to help use
banlieue nf faubourg nm and zone nf
vocabulary appropriately. The most common translation for banlieue is suburb, but
in French the word often suggests the deprivation,
unemployment and ghettoization more often associated
with inner-city areas in Britain and in the United States.
"Faubourg is the outer edge of a town. In large towns
the name faubourg was given to outlying districts but as
the towns extended their boundaries, streets called
faubourg became part of the city centre, for example Ie
faubourg Saint-Honore in the heart of Paris.
Une zone is an area designated for a particular purpose,
generally specified by the following word, e.g.: zone
industrielle industrial estate, zone inondable area liable
to flooding. In large towns the phrase la zone refers to a
run-down area. In Britain it is associated with the inner
while in France
city, it tends to be associated with the
deprived suburbs.
Conversational gambits Useful phrases to help with ^—^— ,
103.3 Pour soutenir /'argumentation de
conversations and spoken French in general are organised quelqu'un Supporting someone's point of
into 43 different numbered topics. A selection of head
phrases can be found under each topic, with translations
view
and, if necessary, glosses. The gambits have their own table Comme tu dis As you say
of contents p 209. Je suis d'accord avec ce que tu dis/avec toi. agree I
with what you're saying/with you.
[more formal] Je partage votre opinion. share your I
views.
Non seulement cela, mais . . . Not only that, but . .
J'ajouterais que ... I'd also say that . .
103.4 Interruptions Interrupting
Desole(e) de vous couper la parole . . . Sorry to butt
in . . .
[rather formal] Excusez-moi de vous interrompre. Sorry
to interrupt you.
[When you feel you cannot get a word in, or someone is
dominating the conversation] (Vous) permettez! Hang
on (a minute)!
Laissez-moi parler! Let me speak!
Laissez-moi terminer! Let me finish!
[when a child is trying to interrupt you] Je parle! I'm
talking!
Vous n'avez pas repondu a ma question! You didn't
answer my question!
List of abbreviations
adj adjective
adv adverb
AmE American English
BrE British English
esp especially
inv invariable
n noun
nf noun feminine
nm noun masculine
Pi plural
obj object
qqch quelque chose
qqn quelqu'un
rel pron relative pronoun
sb somebody
sthg something
subj subject
usu usually
v ref 1 verb reflexive
vi verb intransitive
vt verb transitive
1 1
Bilingual thesaurus full list of contents
Position, movement and travel page 13 7 Cars 22
7.1 Cars - parts and accessories 22
1 Shape 13
7.2 The outside of the car 22
1.1 Shapes 13
7.3 The inside of the car 23
1.2 Two-dimensional shapes 13
7.4 On the dashboard 23
1.3 Three-dimensional shapes 13
7.5 Cars - driving 23
1.4 Shapes used for decoration 13
7.6 Verbs for driving 23
1.5 Lines 13
7.7 Petrol/Gas station 23
1.6 lr r egular shapes 14
7.8 Road network 23
1.7 Changing shapes 14
7.9 Motorways/Highways 24
7.10 Roads 24
2 Position 14
7.11 Streets 24
2.1 Boundaries and edges 14
7.12 Various vehicles 24
2.2 Position 14
2.3 To place in a particular position 15 8 Ships, planes and trains 24
8.1 Ships 24
3 Direction and distance 15
8.2 Main parts of ships 24
3.1 Directions 15
8.3 Main terms used for movement of ships 24
3.2 Main directions 15
8.4 Shipwrecks 25
3.3 Points of the compass 15
8.5 Shipbuilding 25
3.4 Place names that include points of the compass ..15
8.6 Passengers on ships 25
3.5 Distance 16
8.7 Small craft 25
3.6 Near 16
8.8 Types of large ships 25
3.7 Far 16
8.9 People who work on ships 25
8.10 Aircraft 25
4 Arrival and departure 16
8.1 Main types of aircraft 25
4.1 Arrival 16 25
8.12 Main parts of the aircraft
4.2 Departure 17
8.13 To fly 25
4.3 Visits 18 26
8.14 Airports
8.15 People who works in airports and aircraft 26
5 Movement 18
8.16 The railways 26
5.1 To bring and to move 18
8.17 Locomotives 26
5.2 To avoid 18
8.18 The track 26
5.3 To push and to pull 18
8.19 The station 26
5.4 To carry 19 26
8.20 The train
5.5 To throw 19
8.21 Train staff 26
5.6 To go forward and to walk 19
5.7 To run 20
Time 27
5.8 To follow 20
5.9 To follow in order to catch 20 9 Measuring time 27
5.10 People who follow other people 20 9.1 Times, dates and seasons 27
5.1 To jump and to leap 20 27
9.2 The days of the week
5.12 To fall 20 28
9.3 The months of the year
5.13 To come down from a height 21
9.4 The four seasons 28
5.14 To go up 21 28
9.5 Festivals and important dates
5.15 Circular movement 21
9.6 Periods of time 29
5.16 To wave 21
9.7 Time and duration 29
9.8 Telling the time 29
6 Travel 21
9.9 Longer periods of time 29
Tickets for travel 21 30
6.1
9.10 Adjectives and adverbs dealing with time
6.2 Journeys and trips 22
6.3 Luggage 22
6.4 Crossing borders 22
11
The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
10 Repetition in time 30 17 Water animals 40
10.1 Frequency 30 17.1 Fish 40
10.2 Monotony 30 17 2 Sea creatures 40
10.3 Routine 31 17.3 Comparison with human beings 40
17.4 Places for keeping water animals 41
11 Changes in time 31
18 Plants 41
11.1 To start 31
11.2 To end 31 18.1 Plants 41
18.2 Wild flowers 41
12 Old and new 32
1 8.3 Parts of plants 41
12.1 New 32 18.4 Decorative plants 41
12.2 New and interesting 32 18.5 Medicinal plants 41
12.3 Modern 33 18.6 Meaning attached to certain plants 41
12.4 Old-fashioned 33 18.7 Types of trees 42
18.8 Parts of trees 42
13 Being on time 33
Trees growing together
18.9 42
13.1 Early 33 18.10 Names of deciduous trees 42
13.2 Late 33 18.1 Names of evergreen trees 42
13.3 Being on time 33 18.12 Names of fruit trees 42
13.4 Ready 34
19 Minerals and metals 42
13.5 Close - in time 44
13.6 To put off until later 34 19.1 Precious stones 42
13.7 Quick 35 19.2 Metals 42
13.8 To try to be quick 35
20 States of matter 43
13.9 Quick to happen or act 35
13.10 Slow 35 20.1 Gases 43
13.11 Waiting 36 20.2 Dampness 43
20.3 Solids and liquids 43
The natural environment 37 20.4 Flows of liquids 43
20.5 Dryness 43
14 Animals 37
20.6 Fire 44
14.1 Farm animals 37 20.7 Consequences of a fire 44
14.2 Wild animals 37 20.8 To make things burn 44
14.3 General words for animals 37 20.9 To put out a fire 44
14.4 Feeding habits 38 20.10 The air 44
14.5 Wild animal names used for people 38
14.6 Parts of animals' bodies 38
21 Light 44
14.7 Animal noises 38 21.1 Darkness and half-light 44
14.8 Baby words for animal noises 38 21.2 Light 44
21.3 To make light 44
15 Pets and small animals 39
21.4 Quality of light 45
15.1 Pets 39 21.5 Kinds of light 45
15.2 Cats 39
5.3 Dogs 22 Geography and astronomy 45
1 39
1 5.4 Other pets 39 22.1 Physical and human geography 45
15.5 Small animals 39 22.2 Human geography 45
22.3 Natural elevations 45
16 Reptiles, insects and birds 39
22.4 Rocks 46
16.1 Reptiles 39 22.5 Expanses of water 46
16.2 Reptile names used for people 39 22.6 The land bordering a stretch of water 46
16.3 Inserts 39 22.7 Features of the sea 46
16 4 Insect habitats 40 22.8 Flowing water 46
16.5 Birds 40 22.9 Waterfalls 46
16 6 Names of birds 40 22.10 Flat regions 46
16.7 Actions performed by birds 40 22.1 Ways of dividing up areas of the world 46
22.12 Astronomy 47
22.13 The science of the stars 47
22.14 The universe 47
5
11
Bilingual thesaurus full list of contents
23 Weather and temperature 47 26 Textiles and materials 56
23.1 Weather and climate 47 26.1 Textiles 56
23.2 Verbs describing weather conditions 47 26.2 Common materials 56
23.3 Types of rain 48 26.3 Materials 57
23.4 Types of wind 48 26.4 Verbs describing the use of materials 57
23.5 Fog and clouds 48
27 Repairs, decoration and construction 57
23.6 Unusual weather conditions 48
23.7 Cold 48 27.1 To put together 57
23.8 Hot 48 27.2 Separation 57
27.3 Ways of separating 58
Everyday things 49 27.4 Repairs and Do It Yourself 58
27.5 Equipment 58
24 In the house 49
27.6 Decorating 58
24.1 Architecture 49 27.7 Water and electricity 58
24.2 Parts of buildings 50 27.8 To build and to make 58
24.3 Tall buildings 50 27.9 Manufacturing 58
24.4 Fine historic buildings 50 27.10 Constructing buildings 58
24.5 Simple buildings 51
28 Machines and energy 59
24 6 People who work on buildings 51
24.7 To live somewhere 51 28.1 Machines 59
24.8 Accommodation 51 28.2 Some industrial machines 59
24.9 People and the places where they live 52 28.3 Energy 59
24.10 Around buildings 52
29 Arranging and handling objects 59
24.1 Ways in and out 52
24.12 Levels 52 29.1 Orderly 59
24.13 Inside buildings 52 29.2 Methodical and neat 59
24.14 Different levels 52 29.3 Untidy 59
24.1 Inside rooms 52 29.4 Groups of objects 60
24.16 Living room 52 29.5 To group objects together 60
24.17 Kitchen and kitchen equipment 53
30 The cleanliness of objects 60
24.18 Small kitchen utensils 53
24.19 Tableware 53 30.1 Clean 60
24.20 Bedroom 53 30.2 Dirty 60
24.21 On the bed 53 30.3 Making things dirty 60
24.22 Bathroom and toilet 54 30.4 Housework 61
24.23 Heating the house 54 30.5 To clean with liquids 61
24.24 Hotels 54 30.6 To clean floors 61
30.7 To clean surfaces 61
25 Clothes, accessories and cosmetics 54
30.8 To wash up 61
25.1 Clothes 54 30.9 Laundering clothes 61
25.2 Parts of clothes 54
31 Closing, enclosing and fastening objects 62
25.3 To wear clothes 54
25.4 Ordinary clothes for day wear 55 31.1 Closing 62
25.5 Knitted clothes 55 31.2 Opening 62
25.6 Underwear 55 31.3 Covered 62
25.7 Nightwear 55 3 1 .4 Coverings 63
25.8 Sports and dance wear 55 31.5 Uncovered 63
25.9 Shoes 55 31.6 Cavities and hollow spaces 63
25.10 Headgear 55 31.7 Fasteners 63
25.1 For keeping warm and dry 55
32 Usefulness of objects 63
25.12 Bags and briefcases 56
25.13 Accessories and jewels 56 32.1 Use 63
25.14 Cosmetics 56 32.2 Containers 64
25.15 Handkerchiefs 56 32.3 Useful 65
32.4 Useless 65
32.5 Rubbish/Garbage 65
32.6 To get rid of 65
32.7 Informal words for throwing away 65
1
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The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Society, family and relationships 66 37.8 Police officers and their duties 75
37.9 Prison 75
33 Age 66 37.10 Lawyers 75
33.1 Babies 66 37.1 In court 75
33.2 To have a baby 66 37.12 Freedom 76
33.3 Babies and modern medicine 66 37.13 Allowed 76
33.4 People who care for babies 66 37.14 Forbidden 76
33.5 Baby equipment 66 37.15 Guilt 77
33.6 Old 67 37.16 Wicked 77
33.7 Euphemisms for aged 67 37.17 Enduring and being passive 77
33.8 Ranking within the family according to age 67 37.18 Victims 77
33.9 Young 67
38 Rituals and beliefs 78
33.10 Inexperience 67
38. Customs 78
34 The family 68 38.2 Celebrations 78
34.1 Parents 68 38.3 Religious ceremonies 78
34.2 Children 68 38.4 The wedding ceremony 78
34.3 Grandparents and grandchildren 68 38.5 Funeral 78
34.4 Marriage 68 38.6 Believing 79
34.5 Uncles, aunts, cousins 68 38.7 The strength of one's beliefs 79
34.6 Family ties 68 38.8 To believe too easily 79
38.9 Religion 79
35 Groups, individuals and gender 69 38.10 World religions 79
35.1 People 69 38.1 Christian denominations 79
35.2 Adolescents 69 38.12 Divine beings 80
35.3 People living together 69 38.13 The clergy 80
35.4 Informal words for referring to men 69 38.14 Worship 80
35.5 Informal words for referring to women 69 38. 1 Sacred writings 80
35.6 Male 69 38.16 Holy 80
35.7 Female 69 38.17 Life after death 81
35.8 Many people together 70 38.18 Non-belief 81
35.9 To form a group 70 38.19 Astrology 81
35.10 People who are alone 70
39 Dangers, risks and conflicts 81
35.1 Loneliness 71
39.1 War 81
36 Politics, society and community 71 39.2 The army 81
36.1 Society and community 71 39.3 The air force 81
36.2 Social classes 71 39.4 The navy 81
36.3 Politics 71 39.5 Weapons 82
36.4 Elections 72 39.6 To fight 82
36.5 Parties and ideologies 72 39.7 To fight other than in war 82
36.6 Pejorative terms for political orientations 72 39.8 Opposition and hostility 82
36.7 Struggles 72 39.9 Verbs of opposition 82
36.8 Revolution 72 39.10 Grudges 82
36.9 Embassies 73 39 1 Risk 82
36.10 Monarchy 73 39.12 Made safe 83
36.1 Royal and noble titles 73 39.13 Protection 83
36.12 Nobility 73 39.14 Objects that protect 83
39.15 Heroism and courage 83
37 Control, authority and the law 73
40 Disputes and negotiations 84
37.1 Control 73
37.2 People who exercise authority 74 40.1 Disagreement 84
37.3 Organization of society 74 40.2 Personal disagreements 84
37.4 To run an organization 74 40.3 Inflexible 84
37.5 Laws and regulations 74 40.4 Refusal 84
37.6 The judiciary 75 40 5 Agreement 84
37.7 Offences 75 40.6 Persuasion 85
40.7 Acceptance 85
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Bilingual thesaurus full list of contents
40.8 Suggestion 85 44 Doing things well and doing them badly 96
40.9 To promise 85
44.1 Reliability 96
40. 1 To intervene 86
44.2 Conscientious 96
44.3 Lazy 96
41 Showing, giving and owning 86
44.4 Sloppiness 97
41.1 To show 86
44.5 To do things carelessly 97
41.2 To show in order to be admired 86
44.6 Agility 97
41 .3 To show the way 86
44.7 Clumsiness 97
41.4 Places where things are displayed 86
41 .5 Things displayed 86 45 Positive and negative feelings 97
41 .6 Obvious 87
45.1 Comfortable 97
41 .7 General terms for giving 87
45.2 Uncomfortable 97
41 .8 To give away 87
45.3 Affection 98
41 .9 To ensure that things are given 87
Fans and enthusiasts
45.4 98
41.10 To give to several people or to each other 87
45.5 To be liked 98
41.11 To hold and to keep 88
45.6 Love 98
41.12 To take 88
45.7 Love outside marriage 98
41.13 To grab and to catch 88
45.8 Terms of endearment 99
41.14 To acquire 88
45.9 Friendship 99
41.15 To own 89
45.10 Other kinds of friendships 99
45.1 Friendly behaviour 99
Emotions, feelings and attitudes 90
45.12 Greetings 99
45.13 Enthusiasm 100
42 Temperament and emotion 90
45.14 Indifference 100
42.1 Temperament and behaviour 90 45.15 To applaud and to praise 100
42.2 Short-lived moods 90
45.16 Admiration 100
42.3 Emotion 90
45.17 Cruelty 101
42.4 Verbs expressing emotion 90
45.18 Cruel people 101
45.19 Hatred 101
43 Observing and failing to observe rules
45.20 Horror and fright 101
of behaviour 91
45.21 Horror and disgust 101
43.1 Morality and virtue 91
102
45.22 Fear
43.2 Well-behaved 91
45.23 Strong fears 102
43.3 Selfishness 91 102
45.24 Lesser fears
43.4 Formal 91
45.25 Describing fear 102
43.5 Informal 92
43.6 Politeness 92 46 Help and encouragement 103
43.7 Rudeness 92 103
46.1 Help
43.8 Treating somebody rudely 93
46.2 Kinds of help 103
43.9 Cheekiness 93 103
46.3 Verbs for helping
43.10 Boastfulness 93 103
46.4 To call for help
43.1 Modesty 93 103
46.5 Encouragement
43.12 Pride and vanity 93 103
46.6 Verbs expressing encouragement
43.13 Unfairness 94
43.14 Fairness 94 47 Alertness and degrees of contentment 104
43.15 Kindness and generosity 94 104
47.1 Tenseness
43.16 Compassion 94 104
47.2 Excitement
43.17 Clemency 94 104
47.3 Serenity
43.18 To show clemency 95 104
47.4 Curiosity
43.19 Shame 95 1° 5
47.5 Surprise
43.20 Honesty 95 105
47.6 Unpleasant surprise
43.21 Dishonesty 95 105
47.7 Surprised reactions
43.22 Dishonest actions 95 Happiness 105
47.8
43.23 Crooks 96 47.9 Laughter 105
43.24 Robbers and thefts 96 106
47.10 Describing laughter
43.25 Other verbs for 'to steal' 96 106
47.11 Smile
43.26 Other ways of stealing 96 Funny 106
47.12
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The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
47.13 Amusing things 106 52.5 To take action 115
47.14 Mockery 106 52.6 Doing nothing 116
47.15 Pleasure 106 52.7 Success 116
47.16 Satisfaction 107 52.8 Successful people 116
47.17 Sadness 107 52.9 Failure 117
47.18 Degrees of sadness 107 52.10 Types of failure 117
47.19 Extreme sadness 107 52.11 To fail 117
47.20 Showing sadness 107 52.12 Rewards 117
47.21 Disappointment 107
47.22 Anger 108 Knowledge and thought processes 1 18
47.23 Short-lived anger 108
53 Ways of knowing and finding out 118
47.24 Lasting anger 108
53.1 To know 118
48 Strength and weakness 108
To understand 118
53.2
48.1 Strong 108 53.3 Guesses 119
48.2 To make stronger 108 53.4 To interest 119
48.3 Weak 109
54 Thinking 119
48.4 Gentle 109
48.5 Wild 109 54.1 To think 119
54.2 To think carefully 120
49 Aesthetic feelings 110
54.3 Absorbed in thought 120
49.1 Beauty 110 54.4 Serious 120
49.2 To make more beautiful 110 54.5 Good idea 120
49.3 Ugliness 110
55 Differentiating and identifying 121
Wanting 11 55.1 Types of objects 121
55.2 Describing categories 121
50 Wanting to have, seeking and finding n 55.3 To compare 121
50.1 Desire and passion 11 55.4 Equal 121
50.2 Seductiveness 11 55.5 To be alike 121
50.3 Seductive people 11 55.6 Similar people 122
50.4 Envy 11 55.7 To contrast 122
50.5 To search 11 55.8 Kinds of differences 122
50.6 Spying 112 55.9 Differentiating 122
50.7 To find 112 55.10 Specific 122
50.8 To invent 112 55.1 To generalize 123
50.9 To lose 112 55.12 Names and naming 000
55.13 To give names to 123
51 Wanting to happen, effort and difficulty 1 1
55.14 Types of names 123
51.1 To want 112
56 Selecting and ordering 123
51.2 Thing intended 113
51.3 Determination 113 56.1 To put in order 123
51.4 To try 113 56.2 Systems 124
51.5 Difficult 113 56.3 Choosing 124
51.6 Difficult situations 113 56.4 Choosing at random 124
51.7 Effort 113
57 Evaluating and judging 125
51.8 Verbs of effort 113
51.9 Obstacles 114 57.1 Low opinion of others 125
51.10 To fall before an obstacle 114 57.2 Absurdity 125
51.11 To overcome an obstacle 114 57.3 Perfection 125
51.12 To block 114 57.4 Reasonably good 125
51.13 Easy 114 57.5 Very good 125
57.6 Perfect things 125
52 Wanting to achieve, success and failure 1 1
57.7 Progress 125
52.1 Fame 115 57.8 Superior 1 26
52.2 Glorious 115 57.9 Suitable 126
52.3 Unknown 115 57.10 Bad and nasty 126
52.4 Busy 115 57.11 Unimportant 127
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Bilingual thesaurus full list of contents
57.12 Inferior 127 60 Correct and wrong 138
57.13 To judge 127
60.1 Making a mistake 138
60.2 Exact 138
58 Quantifying and measuring 127
60.3 Incorrect 138
58.1 Big 127
58.2 To get bigger 128 61 Cause and effect 139
58.3 Large quantity 128
61.1 Cause 139
58.4 Small 128
61.2 Verbs of cause 139
58.5 Very small 128
61.3 Result 139
58.6 To become smaller 128
58.7 Small quantity 129
Body and health 140
58.8 Small quantities of liquids 129
58.9 To increase and to multiply 129 62 Describing the human body 140
58.10 To increase in a specific dimension 130
62.1 Fat 140
58. 1 Expressions used metaphorically to describe
62.2 Parts of the body which are fat 140
an increase 130
62.3 Terms for fatness: affectionate 140
58.12 To decrease 130
62.4 Terms for fatness: unflattering 140
58.13 Dimensions 130
62.5 To become fat 140
58.14 Measurements 130
62.6 Thin 140
58.15 Describing one's size 131
62.7 Terms for thinness: attractive 140
58.16 Mathematics 131
62.8 Terms for thinness: unflattering 140
58.17 Arithmetical operations 131
62.9 To lose weight 140
58.18 Fractions 131
62.10 Body positions 141
58.19 Instruments 131
62.1 Standing up and straightening up 141
58.20 Numbers 131
62.12 Resting positions 141
58.21 Cardinal numbers 131
62.13 Close to the ground 141
58.22 Ordinal numbers 132
62.14 Bending positions 141
58.23 Approximate quantities 133
62.1 Human body - internal 141
58.24 Weights and weighing 133
62.16 The skeleton 142
58.25 Units of weight 133
62.17 Internal organs 142
58.26 Weighing machines 133
62.18 The reproductive system 142
58.27 Volumes 133
62.19 Mind and body 142
62.20 Hair colour 142
59 Education, learning and teaching 133
62.21 Gesture 142
59.1 Education 133
62.22 Some common gestures 142
59.2 Competence 134
62.23 Movements of the body 142
59.3 Competent people 135
59.4 Stupidity 135 63 The senses 143
59.5 Insults 135 143
63.1 To look and to see
59.6 Incompetence 135 143
63.2 To glance, to scan
59.7 In the classroom 136 143
63.3 To look carefully
59.8 Subjects 136 143
63.4 To look unpleasantly
59.9 The teaching profession 136
63.5 Noticing, glimpsing 143
59.10 Assessment 136 143
63.6 Blinking and winking
59.11 Vocational schooling and training 136
Watching and supervising 144
63.7
59.12 Intelligence 136 144
63.8 Verbs for different kinds of watching
59.13 Kinds of intelligence 136 144
63.9 People who keep watch
59.14 Books and reading 136
63.10 Things with which to look 144
59.15 Story books 137 144
63.1 Vision, visible
59.16 Biographies 137 1*4
63.12 Colours
59.17 Reference books 137 145
63.13 To describe colours
59.18 Literature 137 145
63.14 To hear
59.19 Book production 137 146
63.15 Things you hear
59.20 Using books 137 146
63.16 Noise
59.21 Stationery 137 146
63.17 Ways of making noises
63.18 To make noises louder 146
63.19 Ways of using the voice 146
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The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
63.20 Silence 146 67 Hurting, killing and dying 156
63.21 Silencing people 147
67.1 Hitting, beating 156
63.22 To touch 147
67.2 Collision 1 56
63.23 Soft 147
67.3 To die 156
63.24 Easily bent 147
67.4 Dead 156
63.25 Hard 147
67.5 To kill 157
63.26 Unbending 147
67.6 To kill with intent 157
63.27 Rough to the touch 148
67.7 Ways of dying, killing 157
63.28 Smooth 148
67.8 The death penalty 1 57
63.29 To make smooth 148
67.9 Killing animals 157
63.30 Smells 148
67.10 Lethal 157
63.31 Types of smell 148
68 Treatments and substances affecting the body 157
64 Anatomy and physiology 148
68. Treatments and medicines 1 57
64.1 Anatomy - External 148
68.2 At the pharmacy 157
64.2 Inside the mouth 149
68.3 First aid 158
64.3 Skin 149
68.4 Other treatments and accessories 158
64.4 Breathing 149
68.5 Tobacco 158
64.5 Good memory 149
68.6 Drugs and drug-abuse 158
64.6 Poor memory 1 50
64.7 Sleep 150 69 Caring for the body 159
64.8 To fall asleep 150
69.1 Personal hygiene 159
64.9 Behaviour associated with sleep 150
69.2 Toiletries 159
64.10 Tiredness 150
69.3 Hair care 159
64.1 Disturbed sleep 150
69.4 Dental care 1 59
64.12 After sleep 150
69.5 Shaving 159
64.13 Rest and relaxation 151
69.6 Nail care 1 59
64.14 Time for resting 151
69.7 Feminine hygiene 159
64.15 Sex 151
64.16 Sexy 151
Food and drink 160
64.17 Sexual intercourse 151
64.18 During the sexual act 152 70 Fruit and vegetables 160
64.19 Crimes involving sex 152
70.1 Fruit 160
64.20 Prostitution 152
70.2 Common fruit 160
64.21 Contraception 152
70.3 Citrus fruit 160
64.22 Sexual orientation 1 52
70.4 Red fruit and soft fruit 160
65 Health professions 70.5 Exotic fruit 160
152
70.6 Dried fruit 160
65.1 General practitioner 152
70.7 Parts of fruit 160
65.2 Hospital 153
70.8 Condition of foodstuffs 160
65.3 Surgery 153
70.9 Nuts 160
65.4 Dentist 153
70.10 Vegetables 161
66 Being well and being 70.1 Green vegetables 161
ill 1 53
70.12 Root vegetables 161
66.1 Diseases and injuries 153
70 13 Other common vegetables 161
66.2 Some ailments 153
70.14 Salad vegetables 161
66.3 Disabilities 153
66.4 Symptoms 154 71 Bread, biscuits and cakes 161
66.5 Pain 154
71.1 Bread 161
66.6 Describing pain 154
71.2 Biscuits 161
66.7 Good health 154
71.3 Other dough-based foods 162
66.8 Poor health 1 54
66.9 Madness 1 55 72 Food derived from animals 162
66 10 General terms .155
72.1 Dairy products 162
66.1 Medical terms 155
72.2 Animal products 162
66.12 Insulting terms and phrases 155
72.3 Fats and oils 163
66.13 Sanity 155
72.4 Meat products 163
1 1
Bilingual thesaurus full list of contents
72.5 Red and white meat 163 77.3 Office stationery 171
72.6 Cuts of meat 163 77.4 Staff 171
72.7 Offal 163
Pork products 78 Shopping 171
72.8 163
72.9 Poultry and game 163 78.1 Shops/stores 171
72.10 Shops selling meat 164 78.2 Food shops/stores 171
72.1 Fishing and fish products 164 78.3 Other shops/stores 172
72.12 Sea-food 164 78.4 Large shops/stores 172
78.5 In the shop/store 172
73 Flavours and seasonings 164
78.6 Shopkeepers/storeowners 172
73.1 Flavours 164 78.7 Laundries 172
73.2 Basic sensations of taste 164
79 Farming 172
73.3 Ingredients and flavourings 164
73.4 Judging flavours 165 79.1 Farming 172
73.5 Sauces 165 79.2 Farmland 172
73.6 Savoury foods 165 79.3 Farm buildings 173
73.7 Sweet foods 165 79.4 Farm machinery 173
73.8 Sweets 165 79.5 Arable farming 173
79.6 Cereal crops 173
74 Cooking and eating 165
79.7 Farm productivity 173
74.1 To cook 165 79.8 Sheep and cattle farming 173
74.2 To cut up food 166
80 Gardening 173
74.3 Food to take away 166
74.4 Meals 166 80.1 Garden and gardener's activities 173
74.5 Food 166 80.2 Gardener's tools 173
74.6 Courses 1 66 80.3 The soil 173
74.7 Special meals 166
81 Relaxing, playing and sport 174
74.8 Eating and drinking places 166
74.9 Catering staff 1 67 1 Leisure 174
74.10 To eat 167 2 Outdoor hobbies 174
74.11 Ways of eating 167 3 Parks and funfairs 174
74.12 Describing eaters 167 4 Games 174
74.13 Hunger 167 5 Children's games 174
6 Card games 174
75 Drinks and drinking 168
7 Board games 1 74
75.1 Drinks 168 8 Gambling and games of chance 174
75.2 Common alcoholic drinks 168 9 Sport 175
75.3 Soft drinks 168 10 To go in for sports 175
75.4 Hot drinks 168 1 Sports people 175
75.5 Spirits 168 12 Competition 175
75.6 Drinking accessories 168 13 Places where sports are played 175
75.7 To drink 168 14 Racket and ball games 175
75.8 Alcoholism 169 15 Athletics 175
16 Water sports 175
Work and leisure 170 17 Some gymnasium sports 175
18 Martial arts 175
76 Work and working conditions 170
19 Some outdoor sports 176
76.1 Employment 170 20 Walking and climbing 176
76.2 Unemployment and looking for a job 170 21 Winter sports 176
76.3 Conditions of employment 170 22 Aerial sports 176
76.4 Time at work 170 23 Target sports 176
76.5 Unions and management 170 24 Bowls and billiards 176
76.6 Work 170 25 Equestrian sports 176
76.7 Effort at work 171 26 Equestrian events 176
77 Office work 171 82 The media and the performing arts 177
77.1 Office 171 82.1 Journalism 177
77.2 Equipment 171 82.2 Theatre and cinema 177
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10 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
82.3 Television and radio 177 Abstract terms to describe the world 186
82.4 Actors 177
82.5 Dance 178 87 Existence, presence and absence 186
82.6 Music 178 87.1 To be and to exist 186
82.7 Types of music 178 87.2 To happen 186
82.8 Aspects of music 178 87.3 Events and circumstances 186
82.9 Musical ensembles 178 87.4 The way things are 186
82.10 Musical instruments 178 87.5 Absence 186
82.11 Vocal music 179
82.12 Musical events 179 88 Truth, reality and illusion 187
82.13 Musical works 179 88.1 Truthful 187
82.14 Music theory 179 88.2 The truth 187
82.15 Recorded music 179 88.3 Lies 187
88.4 To hide 187
83 The visual arts, arts and crafts 179
88.5 Secrets 188
83.1 Painting and drawing 179 88.6 Hiding things 188
83.2 Artists' materials 179 88.7 Real 188
83.3 An artist's work 180 88.8 Unreal 188
83.4 Photography 180 88.9 Appearance 189
83.5 Sculpture 180 88.10 Magic 189
83.6 Needlework 180 88.1 Magic beings 189
88.12 The supernatural 189
Money, worth, economy 181
89 Transformation and imitation 190
84 Money and business 181
89.1 To substitute 190
84.1 Banks and banking 181 89.2 To transform 190
84.2 Documents and transactions 181 89.3 Improvement 190
84.3 Lending and borrowing: nouns 181 89.4 To copy 190
84.4 Verbs of lending and borrowing 181 89.5 Copying people and their behaviour 191
84.5 To do business 181
84.6 Companies 182 90 Full and empty 191
84.7 Commerce 182 90.1 Full 191
84.8 Money and investment 182 90.2 To fill a hole 191
84.9 Buying and selling 182 90.3 Overfull 191
84.10 On the Stock Exchange 183 90.4 Empty 191
84.1 Expenditure and receipts 183
84.12 Money 183 91 Whole and fragmented 191
84.13 Currencies 183 1 Whole 191
84.14 Money and containers 183 2 Sufficient 1 92
84.15 Accounting 183 3 Incomplete 1 92
84.16 Cheap 184 4 Inclusion 192
84.17 Expensive 184 5 Exclusion 192
84.18 Rich 184 6 To undo and to break 193
84.19 Poor 184 7 To destroy 193
8 To damage surfaces 193
85 Worth 184
9 To crush 193
85.1 Value 184 10 To damage deliberately 193
85.2 To waste 185 11 To cut 193
85.3 To waste money 185 12 Cuts to the body 193
13 To cut food 193
86 Economy 185
14 To cut hard objects 194
86.1 The economy 185 15 Deterioration 194
86.2 The system of taxation 185
86.3 The recession 185 92 Certainty, probability and possibility 194
92.1 Possible 194
92.2 Things which are possible 195
92 3 Impossible 195
Bilingual thesaurus full list of contents
92.4 Probable 195 96. 1 To explain 200
92.5 Improbable 195 96.14 Shouts and exclamations 201
92.6 Certainty 195 96.15 To protest 201
92.7 Verbs for expressing certainty 195 96.16 Questions 201
92.8 Uncertainty 196 96.17 Answers 202
96.18 Discussion 202
93 Necessity 196
96.19 Insistence 202
93.1 Necessity and obligation 196 96.20 Repetition 202
93.2 Superfluous 196 96.21 Profanity and swearwords 203
96.22 Chatting 000
94 Chance 197
96.23 Rumour 203
94.1 Luck and bad luck 197 96.24 Language 203
94.2 Good luck 197 96.25 Some major languages 203
94.3 Bad luck 197 96.26 Grammatical terms 204
96.27 The sounds of words 204
95 Usual and unusual 197
96.28 Spelling words 204
95.1 Normal 197 96.29 Punctuation 205
95.2 Unusual 198 96.30 Phrases used in dictation 205
96.31 Meaning 205
Ways of communicating 199 96.32 Writing 205
96.33 Ways of writing 205
96 Communicating with the voice and the body 199
97 Mailing and sending 205
96.1 To speak 199
96.2 To express oneself 199 97.1 Communications 205
96.3 To speak briefly 199 97.2 Mail, parcels 205
96.4 To speak publicly 199 97.3 Documents 206
96.5 To speak from a text 199 97.4 Official documents 206
96.6 Individual ways of speaking 199
98 Communicating electronically 206
96.7 Whispering 200
96.8 To tell 200 98.1 Information technology 206
96.9 To report 200 98.2 Data processing 206
96.10 To speak forcefully 200 98.3 Software 207
96.1 To express opinions 200 98.4 Electronic communications 207
96.12 Public opinion 200
Position, movement and travel
triangle nm triangle
1 Shape triangulaire adj triangular
pointe nf also bout nm pointu tip en pointe wedge-
shaped
1.1 Formes Shapes pointu, e adj sharp
forme nf shape usage
formes nf pi [euphemism. Of girls and women] curves
pointe nf and point nm
usage pointe meaning 'pointed end' or 'tip', must not be
confused with point, a dot or full stop. La pointe d'un
En forme de is used when an object is manufactured to couteau the pointed end of a knife un point a /'horizon
look like another: une montre en forme de cceur a a dot on the horizon.
watch in the shape of a heart. Sous la forme de refers
to an object temporarily used as a way to represent
something else: Ses remerciements sont arrives le
lendemain sous la forme d'un bouquet de roses. He 1.3 Formes a trois dimensions Three-
sent his thanks the next day in the form of a bouquet
dimensional shapes
of roses.
cube nm cube
cubique adj cubic
pyramide nf pyramid
1 .2 Formes en deux dimensions pyramidal, e adj mpl -daux pyramid-shaped
Two-dimensional shapes cone nm cone
conique adj cone-shaped
carre nm square carre, e adj square sphere nf sphere
cercle nm circle spherique adj spherical
circulaire adj circular cylindre nm cylindre
rond nm circle rond, e adj round cylindrique adj cylindrical
diametre nm diameter spirale nf coil
circonference nf circumference arc nm arch
usage
1.4 Formes decoratives Shapes used for
rond nm and cercle nm
Rond is commonly used for any circular shape. Dessinez
decoration
un rond et coloriez-le en rouge. Draw a circle and
motif nm [single design, often repeated] pattern a motifs
colour it red. Cercle is a slightly more formal term, patterned
used when greater precision is needed, especially in
decor nm [decorative border or background on linen,
geometry. chinaware] design
rayon nm radius dessin nm [usu. figurative] drawing
nm angle angle croix nf cross
angle aigu acute angle angle obtus obtuse
angle angle droit right angle angle rentrant reflex angle carreau nm pi -x check cravate a carreaux BrE checked tie
30 degres also 30* 30 degrees AmE checkered tie
rectangle nm rectangle rayure also raie nf stripe a rayures striped
raye, e adj striped
rectangulaire adj rectangular
a pois [describes material, blouses, dresses] polka-dot
usage
see also 3.6 Pres 1.5 Lignes Lines
coin nm and angle nm
ligne nf line
Coin isthe everyday term for corners and angular parts
of objects. Angle is in common usage for parts of
trait nm [in a drawing] line
droit, e ady straight
objects and street intersections. La boulangerie est a
raide adj steep
I'angle de la rue Rimbaud et de I'avenue Poincare. The
ondule, e adj wavy
bakery is on the corner of rue Rimbaud and avenue
tordu, e adj bent
Poincare. But when familiarity with the streets is
incurve, e adj curved
implied coin is more likely, e.g. Depuis trente ans, elle
courbe nf curve
prend son pain chez le boulanger du coin. She's been
parallele nf parallel (line)
buying her bread from the bakery on the corner for
parallele adj parallel
thirty years. Coin is also used in situations where the
diagonale nf diagonal line en diagonale diagonally
emotional impact is strong, e.g. Aie, je me suis cogne
oblique adj angled
contre le coin du bureau! Ouch! banged into the I
rangee nf row
corner of the desk! In geometry, and when greater
objectivity or precision is needed, only angle is used.
14 The Cambndge French-English Thesaurus
1.6 Formes irregulieres Irregular shapes
2 Position
bosse nf 1 [on the surface of an object] lump 2 [on a
person or an animal, after a knock] bump 3 [on sculpture,
on tree trunk] bump un mauvais chemin qui a des creux et
2.1 Limites des objets Boundaries and
des bosses a rough path with hollows and bumps in it
bossele, e adj [describes the damaged surface of a metal edges
object] dented
bord des etendues d'eau
see also 22.6 Le
informe adj, also sans forme adj [pejorative] shapeless
bord nm, also bordure nf [general term] edge le bord du
un vieux chapeau informe a shapeless old hat
trottoir the curb
inegal, e adj mpl -gaux (describes, e.g. surface, ground]
border {6} vt [be alongside an edge] to line Des peupliers
uneven
bordent les deux rives. Poplar trees line both banks of the
river.
limite nf 1 [line beyond which an area changes its
1.7 Changements de forme Changing character or status] boundary 2 la limite d'age the age
shapes limit
au dela de beyond
former {6} vt 1 [voluntary action] Formez une boule avec la cadre nm 1 [of picture] frame 2 [on printed page] box
pate. Shape the dough into a ball. Formez un cornet avec Inscrivez vos nom, prenom et adresse dans le cadre ci-
le papier. Make the paper into a cone. 2 [involuntary dessous. Write your name, first name and address in the
action] to form Le vent a forme des zig-zags sur le sable. box below.
The wind has formed wiggly lines on the sand. entourer (6) vt to surround le cadre qui entoure le miroir
prendre forme [refers to, e.g. clothes being sewn, model the frame surrounding the mirror la campagne qui
being built, garden being laid out] to take shape Enfin, entoure le village the countryside surrounding the village
ma nouvelle salle de bain prend forme. My new bathroom lisiere nfde la foret edge of the forest
is finally taking shape. conf ins nm pi [distant part of province, country] edge //
prendre des formes [euphemism. Applies to pubescent arriva enfin dans une petite ville aux confins du royaume.
girls only) to fill out At last he reached a small town at the edge of the
deformer Voluntary or involuntary
{6} vt [pejorative. kingdom.
action] to pull out of shape We y'oue pas avec ton echarpe,
tu risques de la deformer. Don't fiddle with your scarf or usage
you'll pull it out of shape. Trop d'usage deforme les
chaussures. Shoes lose their shape when worn too much. Things with a common border
Les grossesses lui ont deforme la taille. Her figure has Houses with a wall in common are maisons contigues
been ruined by child-bearing. Neighbouring regions are regions limitrophes
Adjoining rooms are pieces attenantes
usage
deformer can be used figuratively to describe
distortions Tudeformes la verite. You're distorting the 2.2 Positions Position
truth. We deformez pas ma pensee. Don't put words
into my mouth.
devant adv and nm in front fenetre de devant front
window devant de la maison the front of the house
le
faconner {6} vt [obj: malleable substances only] to fashion porte n^d'entree front door
Faconnez une etoile avec la pate. Fashion the dough into derriere adv behind porte de derriere back door
a star. arriere adv and nm back fenetre donnant sur I'arriere
gonfler (6) 1 vt [obj: balloon] to blow up 2 vi [subj: e.g. window overlooking the back I'arriere de la maison the
dough, blister] to rise back of the house
enfler {6} vi [subj: bruised flesh] to swell (up)
plier {1 5} vt 1 [obj: sheet of paper] to fold Plier suivant les In a queue
pointilles. Foldalong the dotted line. 2 [reduce the size of £7/e est au debut also a I'avant de la queue. She is at the
an object in order to store it. Obj: blanket, umbrella, front o* the queue.
garden chair] to fold away 3 [obj: wrist, knee, elbow] to Elle est au milieu de la queue. She is in the middle of the
bend queue.
replier {1 5} vt [similar to plier, but stresses the fact that // est a la fin also au bout de la queue. He is at the back
the object was laid out flat before the action started] to of the queue.
fold up Je n'arrive pas a replier la tente. can't manage to
I
fold up the tent. On a garment
redresser to straighten (up) Redressez le parapluie.
(6) vt Les boutons sont devant. The buttons are on the front.
Straighten (up) the umbrella. Redressez (le volant)! [when Les boutons sont derriere. The buttons are on the back,
driving] Straighten the wheel! une etiquette sur I'endroit a label on the outside
tordre {53} vt 1 [obj: e.g. pipe, wire] to bend 2 [obj: wet une etiquette sur I'envers a label on the inside
clothes] to wring
tortiller (6) vt [obj: thin strip of paper, ribbon, tie] to
twist usage
exterieur, externe and interieur, interne adj
Exterieur bears the same relation to extern* as
interieur does to interne
Exterieur is commonly used while externe belongs to
the vocabulary of geometry and science: /'ore/7/e
3 Direction and distance 15
exteme the outer ear
Another special use of
; I'oreille
interne and
interne the inner ear.
exteme (as
3 Direction and distance
nouns) is in the context of schools: les internes et les
externes boarders and day pupils
cerde exterieur also externe outer circle 3.1 Directions Directions
cercle interieur also interne inner circle
direction nf [use this term when you have a direction in
I'interieur de la boite the inside of the box
mind] direction en direction de Nantes towards Nantes
I'exterieur de la boite the outside of the box
dans la direction opposee the other way
sens nm [use this term when you have a movement in
centre nm, also milieu nm middle
mind] direction dans le sens de la marche facing forward
dehors adv outside
dans I'autre sens (facing) the other way
dedans adv also a I'interieur inside
le haut the top
le milieu [neither top nor bottom] the middle
usage
lebas the bottom
The phrases 'to ask for directions', 'to give sb directions'
en bas at the bottom
are best translated as demander son chemin, indiquer le
au milieu half-way up
chemin a qqn.
en haut at the top
debout adv upright
vertical, e adj, mpl -caux vertical
3.2 Principales directions Main directions
horizontal, e adj. mpl -taux horizontal
a I'envers [describes, e.g. the way a vase, a painting, or devant adv in front, ahead Passez devant. You go ahead.
a tin with a label, is placed] adv upside down Continuez droit devant. Keep going straight ahead.
a I'endroit adv the right side up derriere adv behind Les autres passent d'abord, mets-toi
derriere. The others go first; you go behind them.
en avant forward
en arriere back(wards) // faut que tu retournes en arriere.
2.3 Placer dans une position To place in a You have to go back.
particular position a droite (towards the) right Tournez a droite. Turn right.
a gauche (towards the) left Prenez a gauche. Go left.
mettre {56} vt [general term] to put Mets ton parapluie la. tout droit straight ahead Si vous allez tout droit, vous
Put your umbrella there. mis le journal sous mon sac.
J'ai I
verrez la pharmacie. If you go straight ahead, you'll see
put the newspaper under my bag. the pharmacy.
poser {6} vt 1 [on a surface] to put (down) II posa devant
moi une assiette d'olives. He put a plate of olives in front
of me. 2 [install! poser une moquette to lay a carpet poser
3.3 Les points cardinaux Points of the
de I'isolar.txo put in some insulating material poser un
miroir to hang a mirror poser une etagere to put up a compass
shelf poser une moulure autour d'une porte to fit a
point nm cardinal point of the compass
moulding round a door poser une serrure to fit a lock
poser un compteur electrique to install an electricity meter
est nm east vers I'est eastward un vent qui vient de I'est an
easterly (wind)
pose also installation nf installation 1.000 francs pour le
ouest nm west vers I'ouest westward un vent qui vient de
programmateur et 500 francs pour la pose 1,000 francs for
I'ouest a westerly (wind)
the programmer plus 500 installation charges
installer {6} vt 1 [set permanently, usu by connecting to a
sud nm south vers le sud southward un vent qui vient du
sud a southerly (wind)
supply] to install II n'y a pas de place pour installer une
nord nm north vers le nord northward un vent qui vient du
photocopieuse. There isn't room to install a photocopier.
nord a northerly (wind)
L'appareil a ete livre mais il n'est pas encore installe. The
midi nm south dans le midi de la France in southern France
machine has been delivered but it hasn't been installed
orient [literary term] east quand on regarde vers /'orient
yet.
when you look towards the east
placer {7} vt [stresses the exact location] to position Ou
Occident nm [literary term] west A /'Occident, une nuee s'a-
voulez-vous que je place cette applique? Where would
moncelait. Clouds were gathering towards the west.
you like me to put this wall-light? Placez le caique sur le
modele. Place the tracing paper (exactly) over the
drawing, lis ont place leurs canons autour de la ville. They
positioned their guns around the town. 3.4 Norms geographiques des points
monter {6} vt [set vertically. up
Obj: e.g. tent] to set cardinaux Place names that include points
disposer {6} vt 1 [in a pattern] to set up disposer un
cordon de police autour de la ville to set up police
of the compass.
roadblocks around the town 2 [in an aesthetically pleasing Nord nm 1 [in France] Nord (Pas-de-Calais) administrative
way] to arrange disposer des verres sur une table to region habiter dans le Nord to live in the Nord 2 [in North
arrange glasses on a table America] le grand Nord the Far North
Sud nm [the southern half of a country or continent] South
Est nm also pays nm pi de I'Est [former Soviet bloc
countries] eastern countries
Ouest also Occident nm [developed countries of Western
Europe and the United States] West
Orient nm {far) East le proche Orient the Near East le
moyen Orient the Middle East
16 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Locutions Idioms mere'. '"Come closer, little Red Riding Hood", said the
tous azimuts [informal. Literally: to all points of the grandmother.' We vous approchez pas du bord, vous
compass] in all directions at once lis ont de gros budgets, pourriez tomber dans la riviere. Don't go close to the
alors peuvent se permettre d'envoyer des reporters tous
ils edge, you could fall in the river.
azimuts. They have huge budgets so they can afford to
send reporters in all directions.
Il/elle ne perd pas le nord. He's/She's not lost his/her grip
3.7 Loin Far
on reality.
eloigne, e adj [describes: e.g. country, relative] distant
lointain e adj 1 (before the noun) [similar to eloigne]
distant 2 [literary] faraway les pays lointains faraway
3.5 Distance Distance
countries
distance nf distance une grande distance a great distance loin adv far Cest loin, la mer? Is it far to the sea? Je ne suis
a une distance de trois kilometres at a distance of three pas a cause de mes rhumatismes. didn't go
alle tres loin, I
kilometres Cest a quelle distance d'ici? How far is it from very far because of my rheumatism, venir de loin to have
here? come far Cest assez loin d'ici. It's pretty far from here.
tele-enseignement nm distance teaching infini nm infinity a I'infini to infinity des miroirs qui
apprentissage nm also etudes nf pi par tele- reproduisent une image a I'infini mirrors repeating an
enseignement distance learning image to infinity
kilometre nm
kilometre au loin in the distance
borne nf [everyday slang] Cest a cent bornes d'ici. It's a de loin from a distance
hundred kilometres from here. s'eloigner de {6} v refl (often + de) to move (further) away
Eloigne-toi du feu. Move away from the fire.
3.6 Pres Near
pres adv close Le marche n'est pas tres pres. The 4 Arrival and departure
marketplace isn't very close (by), tout pres very close
pres de near La maison est pres de I'eglise. The house is
near the church.
4.1 Arrivee Arrival
de pres close to Vue de pres, la surface de la roche
presente des irregularites. Seen up close, the rocky surface arrivee nf [of a person, a vehicle] arrival // faut que tout
looks uneven. soit pret pour I'arrivee des invites. Everything must be
proche adj near la gare la plus proche the nearest train ready when the guests arrive. J'attendais I'arrivee du train.
station proches voisins near neighbours des amis proches I was waiting for the train to arrive.
close friends apparition nf [of a new technology, a trend] arrival Avec
environs nm pi (surrounding) area Void la liste des /'apparition des moissonneuses-batteuses, I'economie de
activites sportives que vous pouvez pratiquer dans les la region a ete completement transformee. With the
environs. Here's the list of sports activities available in the arrival of combine-harvesters, the economy of the area
area. ont une ferme dans les environs de Sisteron. They
Ils was completely transformed.
have a farm in the area near Sisteron. entree nf [arrival in a closed space, or in a space bounded
avoisinant, e adj neighbouring dans la campagne by walls, fences, etc] entrance Son entree nous a tous
avoisinante in the neighbouring countryside surpris We were all surprised when he made his entrance.
voisinage nm neighbourhood A I'entree de la suite presidentielle nous nous sommes
aupres de [in close proximity to a person. Implies tous leves. When the president and her entourage entered
emotional or other bond] near J'ai fait mes etudes de we all got up.
musique aupres d'un grand maitre. studied music with a I
venue nf [move affecting the speaker, or the people
maestro, eleve aupres de sa grand-mere brought up close spoken about] arrival Nous attendions la venue de
to his grandmother I'enfant pour novembre. We were expecting the baby to
local, e adj mpl locaux local les journaux locaux the local arrive in November. La venue precoce de I'hiver a perturbe
papers la production locale the local produce les viticulteurs. The early arrival of winter upset the
winegrowers.
Local people and places
The French adjective local is not used when describing Verbes signifiant I'arrivee Verbs expressing arrival
people. For this purpose use phrases adapted to the arriver {6} vi 1 [reach a destination] to arrive Laisse-le
context, e.g. de la region (to cover a fairly wide area), du reprendre son souffle, il vient d'arriver. Let him catch his
quartier (in towns) or du coin (informal, to mean 'in this breath, he only just got here. L'avion est arrive. The plane
area'), as follows. has arrived. Le bebe est arrive avec un mois d'avance. The
Toutes les plages de la region sont pollutes. All the local baby arrived one month early. 2 [in response to a call] to
beaches are polluted, un espace vert pour les enfants du come Oui, on arrive! Yes, we're coming!
quartier a park for the local children. Le petit restaurant entrer {6} vi [implies movement into a closed space or a
du coin serf des moules tous les soirs. The little local space bounded by walls, fences, etc] 1 [action seen from
restaurant has mussels on the menu every evening. the point of view of the person, animal or thing which is
moving] to go in Je n'osais pas entrer chez ces inconnus. I
coin nm [informal and often pejorative] local area les was reluctant to go into the house of these strangers. Le
gens du coin local people On ne trouve hen comme chien n'a pas le droit d'entrer dans le restaurant. The dog
boutiques dans le coin. You can't find any decent shops isn't allowed to go in to the restaurant. La cle n'entre plus
around here, lis sont en vacances dans un coin paume. dans le trou: ils ont du changer la serrure. The key no
They're on holiday in some godforsaken place. longer fits the hole, they must have changed the lock. 2
s'approcher (6) v refl (often + de) to move close(r) [seen from the point of view of the stationary person
"Approche-toi, petit Chaperon Rouge", dit la grand-
'
towards whom the movement is made] to come in Entrez!
4 Arrival and departure 17
Come in! Je vais ouvrir mes grilles pour que la pension Maintenant, il touche la retraite. He's a pensioner
camionnette de livralson puisse entrer dans la cour. I'll now.
open my gates so that the delivery van can come into the
yard. Verbs exprimant le depart Verbs expressing departure
venir {23} vi [seen from the point of view of the person partir to leave Quand est-ce que vous partez pour la
towards whom the movement is made] to come Viens piscine? When are you leaving for the swimming pool? ie
voir! Come and take a look! Certains sont venus de loin train part a 13 h 30. The train leaves at 1 .30 p.m. Le
pour assister au concert. Some people have come a long directeur part et il ne sera pas remplace avant deux mois.
way to attend the concert. Viendras-tu a mon The director is leaving and his replacement won't be here
anniversaire?W\\\ you come to my birthday party? for another two months.
Pourquoi est-ce que tu ne viens pas plus souvent nous
voir? Why don't you come and see us more often? Viens, To go away
on s'en va. Come on, we're off. One of the most useful phrases for 'to go away' is s'en
atteindre {57} vt [arrive at something which one has aller. It is a colloquial phrase, used mostly in the
sought] to reach Apres un kilometre, on atteint le sommet following tenses:
d'ou I'on voit un magnifique panorama. After one
Present Future Near future Imperfect
kilometre, you reach the top, where there is a superb
je m'en vais je m'en irai m'en
je vais je m'en allais
view.
aller
survenir {23} vi [arrive after something has happened,
tut'envas tu t'en iras tu vas t'en aller tut'en allais
often suddenly. Subj: e.g. person, event] to arrive, lis se
il/elle s'en va il/elle s'en il/elle va s'en il/elle s'en
rhabillaient quand le man est survenu. They were putting
ira aller allait
their clothes back on when the husband arrived. // avait
ils/elles s'en ils/elles s'en ils/elles vont ils/elles s'en
moment ou la guerre
vingt ans au est survenue. He was
vont iront s'en aller allaient
twenty when the war started.
advenir {23} vi (always with impersonal subject followed /'/; In other tenses and in the first and second persons plural,
by que) [implies that fate took a hand. Literary] to happen it is normally replaced by partir. Thus, instead of ye m'en
// advint que les orages gacherent les recoltes cette annee- you will heary'e suis parti, and instead of nous
suis alle,
la. It so happened that thunderstorms spoiled the crops nous en allons you will hear nous partons.
that year.
revenir {23} vi [seen from the point of view of the person quitter [go away from (a place)] to leave J'ai quitte
{6} vt 1
towards whom the movement is made] to come back // Paris ce matin a 5 heures. left Paris at 5 this morning. Sur
I
faudra revenir nous voir! You must come back and see us! ces mots, elle quitta la piece. Having said this, she left the
// m'a brise le cosur en partant etje n'attends qu'une room. Les soldats quitteront le territoire demain. The
chose, qu'il revienne! He broke my heart when he left and soldiers will be leaving the country tomorrow. 2 [go away
I just can't wait for him to come back (to me). from (a person)] to leave (behind) Ne me quitte pas! Don't
debarquer {6} vi [informal] to show up C'est a cette heure- leave me!
ci qu'on debarque? What a time to show up! abandonner {6} vt 1 [stronger than quitter 2] to abandon
s'amener {9} v refl also se ramener {9} v refl [very // a abandonne sa femme avec deux enfants en bas age.
informal] to show (up) II s'est ramene, il etait passe He abandoned his wife and two young children. 2 [Obj:
minuit! He didn't show up until past midnight! Alors, tu e.g. school, office, career] to leave, to give up
t'amenes? Get a move on if you're coming. J'abandonne la medecine! I'm giving up medicine!
se sauver also filer {6} vi 1 [in order to avoid being
Locutions Idioms caught] to run away Les voleurs se sont sauves also onf
come and go
aller et venir to file en entendant la sirene de la patrouille. The thieves ran
des allees et venues also un va-et-vient comings and away when they heard the police siren. 2 [informal
goings synonym for partir vite] to run along Allez, sauve-toi,
Tout vient a point a qui sait attendre. [proverb] Good also file, il est tard et ta mere doit t'attendre! Go on, run
things come to those who wait. along now, it's late and your mother must be expecting
you.
disparaitre {64} vi [leave for mysterious or suspicious
reasons] to disappear Un beau jour, la femme du boucher
4.2 Depart Departure
a disparu avec la caisse. One fine day the butcher's wife
depart nm 1 [leaving a place] going (away) J'attendrai ton disappeared with the cash.
depart pour reprendre le travail. I'll start work again once deguerpir {19} vi [pejorative. Leave after doing something
you've gone (away). Notre depart n'a pas eu lieu a la date bad] to run off
prevue car Isabelle s'etait casse la jambe. We didn't go
away when we were supposed to because Isabelle had Locutions Idioms
broken a leg. les grands departs the mass exodus for the est parti(e) sans demander son reste [when
ll/Elle
holidays (out of the city, at certain times of year) ie released from an obligation or an awkward sitation]
directeur a exige votre depart. The director demands that He/She was only too glad to disappear.
you leave the company. 2 [in a competition] start prendre camp [informal] to bug(ger) off
ficher le
un bonlmauvais depart to get off to a good/bad start foutre camp [very informal. May offend] to fuck off
le
fuite nf [absconding, usu because one has done something prendre la cle des champs also prendre la poudre
wrong] running away etre en fuite to be on the run d'escampette to make oneself scarce
prendre la fuite to run away battre en retraite to beat a retreat
faireune fugue [used of children or teenagers] to run
away usage
retraite nf 1 [period] retirement prendre sa also partir
en retraite to take retirement prendre sa retraite avant Note that foutre le camp is used in all the forms of the
I'age to take early retirement a leur depart en retraite verb (Fous le camp! Fuck off! Vous allez foutre le camp,
when they retired 2 [informal. Money] (retirement) oui ou non?Will you fuck off!)
18 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
4.3 Visites Visits
usage
see also 41.3 Montrer le chemin
visite nf visit recevoir la visite de qqn to be visited by sb amener and emmener You will often hear these two
rendre visite a qqn to visit sb Pas de photos pendant la verbs used with an inanimate direct object, i.e.: J'ai
visite, s'il vous plait. Please refrain from taking amene mon chapeau pour te le montrer. brought my I
photographs during your visit. hat to show you. or Emmene la moutarde dans la
visiter {6} vt [obj: e.g. cathedral, offices] to Je vais vous
visit cuisine!Take the mustard into the kitchen! This is not
faire visiter la maison. I'll show you round the house. always accepted as correct and the verbs apporter and
emporter are more appropriate in the above contexts.
Visiter With an animate direct object, however, amener and
The verb visiter cannot be used when referring to emmener are suitable, e.g.: J'ai amene ma belle-fille
people. To translate 'I visited my friends', you have to say pour vous la presenter. I brought my daughter-in-law to
J'ai rendu visite a mes amis, or Je suis alle voir mes amis. introduce her to you. or Emmene les petits jouer dans le
Nor is it often appropriate to use it with geographical jardin.Take the little ones to play in the garden. They
names. To express visited Burgundy', it is better to
'I are also acceptable with a direct object representing a
avoid the construction visiter + place name, and to use, vehicle: e.g. Amene la charrette. Bring the cart.
for example, J'ai fait du tourisme en Bourgogne. You
may use visiter transitively, as in English, when talking transporter organized system for moving
{6} vt [implies
about enclosed places, e.g. visiter un chateau to visit a objects] to carry Autrefois on transportait le charbon sur
chateau, or visiter des grottes to visit caves. des peniches. In the old days, barges were used to carry
coal. Regarde les fourmis transporter une feuille morte.
passer chez qqn also passer voir qqn [slightly Watch the ants carrying a dead leaf.
informal] to drop by sb's place Passe me voir demain. deplacer {7} vt [change the position of an object, usu
Drop by my place tomorrow. temporarily. Obj: e.g. car, chair, lamp] to move (along) Je
frequenter {6} vt [to visit often] to be on friendly terms n'ai jamais deplace ce lit: il doit y avoir beaucoup de
with du temps ou je frequentais leur fits in the days poussiere dessous. I've never moved that bed; there must
when used
I to be friends with their son lis frequentent be a lot of dust underneath.
beaucoup les Dumard. They see a lot of the Dumard manceuvrer {6} vt [cause a large wheeled object to move.
family. Obj: e.g. tank, trailer, tractor] BrE to manoeuvre AmE to
maneuver
[move for a payment. Obj:
livrer {6} vt e.g. goods,
wardrobe, piano] to deliver
5 Movement
5.2 Eviter To avoid
eviter {6} vt 1 [take evasive action when faced with
5.1 Apporter et deplacer To bring and
something or someone] to avoid Nous avons evite
to move /'accident de justesse. We narrowly escaped having an
accident. J'evite les gens qui veulent me vendre quelque
apporter {6} vt [move an object so that another person
chose. avoid people who try to sell me things. 2 (often +
I
may have it] 1 [movement away from the starting position
de) [refrain from] to avoid Evitez les graisses. Avoid fatty
of the person doing the moving] to take Je lui apporterai
foods. // faut eviter de parler de cela devant eux. It is
mes chaussures a reparer. I'll take him my shoes to be
better not to mention this in front of them.
repaired. 2 [movement toward the recipient of the move]
echapper {6} vi [implies that the thing avoided is annoying,
to bring m'apporte toujours des oeufs frais quand il vient
//
boring, unpleasant or dangerous] echapper a to get out of
me voir. He always brings fresh eggs when he visits me.
Tu n'echapperas pas a la corvee de vaisselle. You won't
Apportez-nous deux cafes, s'il vous plait. Could you bring
get out of having to do the washing up.
us two coffees, please?
eluder {6} vt [obj: question] to evade
rapporter {6} vt [same usage as apporter, but implies that
se derober {6) v refl to be evasive Quand on lui demande
the action has happened before] 1 [movement away to
des nouvelles de son pere, il se derobe. When asked about
]
take back // ne les a pas bien reparees, rapporte-les lui. He
his father he is evasive.
them properly, take them back to him. 2
didn't fix
fuir {36} 1 vi to run away 2 vt [same meaning as eviter 1,
[movement towards recipient] to bring back Je te le prete
but implies more fear on the part of the person doing the
si tume le rapportes demain. I'll lend it to you if you bring
avoiding] to avoid Pourquoi est-ce que tu me fuis? Why
it back tomorrow.
are you avoiding me? Elle fuit les plateaux de television.
amener {9} vt [move a person, animal or vehicle so that
She avoids television appearances.
someone may meet the person, or use the vehicle] 1
[movement away from the starting position of the person
doing the moving] to take Je leur amenerai Elodie, ils ne
font encore jamais vue. I'll take Elodie to see them, they 5.3 Pousser et tirer To push and to pull
haven't met her yet. 2 [movement towards the recipient
pousser [cause to move away from one] to push
(6) vt 1
of the move] to bring Amene ta soeur diner avec nous
Pousse porte et entre. Push the door open and come in.
la
vendredi! Bring your sister to dinner with us on Friday!
// avait pousse des meubles contre la porte pour que nous
ramener (9) vt [same usage as amener, but implies the
ne puissions pas entrer. He had pushed furniture up
action has happened before] 1 [movement away to take )
against the door to prevent us from coming in. pousser
back Je te ramenerai chez toi apres le cinema. I'll take you
des pions sur un echiquier to move pawns on a chessboard
back home after the movies. 2 movement towards [
2 [propel, usu with some force] to push C'esf pas de ma
recipient] to bring back to Je te ramenerai ici. I'll bring
faute, M'sieur, c'est lui qui m'a pousse! It's not my fault,
you back here.
sir, he pushed me! Quelqu'un I'a pousse sous le train.
Someone pushed him under the train.
5 Movement 19
pousser vi to shove Mais arretez de pousser! Stop shoving, Locutions Idioms
will you! Faut pas pousser (grand-mere dans les orties) !
tirer {6} vt 1 [make a vehicle or an object on wheels move] [informal] That's going too far!
to pull une remorque tiree par un tracteur a trailer pulled Tu pousses! [informal] You're going too far!
by a tractor Le chariot est trop lourd pour que tu le tirer sur la corde also ficelle [pejorative] to (try and)
pousses, tourne-le dans I'autre sens et tire-le. The trolley is milk the situation
too heavy for you to push, turn it the other way and pull tirer le diable par la queue to live from hand to mouth
it. 2 [implies great force, sometimes brutality] to pull Aie,
tu me cheveux! Ouch, you're pulling my hair!
tires les
3 behind or towards oneself. Implies that the object
[pull
5.4 Porter To carry
or person pulled is resistant and that some force has to
be applied] to drag // faut tirer les chaises vers la bale porter {6} vt 1 [hold the weight of. Subj: person] to carry
vitree. Let's drag the chairs towards the window. Elle me J'aimal au dos etje ne peux pas porter de valises. have I a
tirait vers I'estrade. She was dragging me towards the bad back and can't carry suitcases. Elle porta I'enfant
I
platform. endormi jusqu'a son lit. She carried the sleeping child to
tirer vi (+ sur) to pull Tirez sur la poignee qui se trouve sous his bed. 2 [be the support for. Subj: esp tree] to bear un
tableau de bord. Pull the handle that's located under
le poirier qui porte des fruits splendides a pear tree bearing
the dashboard. superb fruit
trainer {6} vt [like tirer 3, but implies stronger resistance] soutenir {23} vt [be a support for something so that it does
to drag La malle etait lourde et il a fallu trois personnes not collapse] to support une poutre qui soutient le
pour la trainer jusqu'a la chambre. The trunk was heavy plafond a beam supporting the weight of the ceiling
and it took three people to drag it to the bedroom. // a supporter {6} vt [similar to soutenir but implies great
traine le cadavre de la route a I'etang. He dragged the weight] to bear the whole weight of Une seule colonne
corpse from the road to the pond. supporte toute la galerie superieure. A single column
remorquer {6} vt [like tirer 1, but applies to vehicles and bears the whole weight of the upper gallery.
ships] to tow Je vais acheter une voiture plus puissante
pour remorquer mon bateau. I'll buy a more powerful car Choses faites pour porter Things designed to carry other
to pull my boat things
tracter {6} vt [like tirer 1, but this is a technical term porte-avions nm inv aircraft carrier
applying to vehicles only] to tow porte-bagages nm inv 1 [in a train, a bus] luggage rack 2
haler {6} vt [like tirer 1, but applies to boats and ships [on a bicycle] carrier
only] to tow porte-bouteilles nm inv 1 [for storing] wine rack 2 [for
entrainer {6} vt 1 [suggests movement towards an carrying] crate
undesirable destination. Subj: esp object, force of nature] porte-cartes nm inv card wallet
to pull Le pont s'est effondre et les a entraines dans sa porte-cigarettes nm inv cigarette case
chute. The bridge collapsed and dragged them down with porte-cles nm inv key ring
it. 2 [used in technical contexts] to drive Une chaine portemanteau nm, pi portemanteaux coat rack
entraine la roue dentee. A chain drives the cogwheel. 3 porte-parapluies nm inv umbrella stand
[get someone involved usu against their better judgment] porte-plume nm inv penholder
to drag // nous avait entraines dans une affaire louche. porte-savon nm, pi porte-savons soap dish
He'd got us involved in a sordid business. porte-jarretelles nm inv suspender belt
ecarter {6} vt 1 [remove from one's path] to push aside //
fallait ecarter les feuillages pour traverser lejardin
abandonne. You had to push the branches aside to get 5.5 Lancer et propulser To throw
through the overgrown garden. 2 [move to spread apart ]
Ecartez les bras le plus possible et prenez appui sur la jeter {1 1} vt [implies no particular aim or caution when
barre. Spread your arms as far apart as you can and lean throwing] to throw II ajete un os au chien. He threw the
on the bar. dog a bone.
enfoncer {7} vt (cause to move further down, or deeper lancer {7} vt [similar to jeter but implies that the object
into something] to push in(to) enfoncer une fiche dans thrown travels a greater distance] to throw
une prise to push a plug into a socket // a fallu que projeter {1 1} vt [uncontrolled; therefore may be
j'enfonce mon bras dans le tuyau jusqu'au coude pour dangerous] to throw out, to throw off un chalumeau qui
recuperer la bague. had to plunge my arm into the pipe
I
projette des etincelles a blowtorch throwing off sparks
up to my elbow to get the ring back. envoyer {6} vt [suggests that someone will receive the
secouer {6} vt to shake object thrown] to throw Envoie-moi la balle. Throw me
presser {6} vt [subject to pressure] to squeeze the ball.
eparpiller {6} vt [over a wide area. May imply carelessness
usage or gracefulness] to scatter
suddenness] to propel
propulser {6} vt [implies
Expressing English nouns of movement precipiter speed or force] to hurl // I'a
{6} vt [implies
To render into French a number of English nouns like 'a precipitee dans I'escalier. He hurled her down the stairs.
pull', 'a shove', 'a shake', etc, you will need to use French projectile nm projectile
verbs, e.g.:
If the drawer is stuck, give it a pull. Si le tiroir est coince,
tire dessus. 5.6 Avancer et marcher To go forward
felt a shove. J'ai senti qu'on me poussait.
I
Give the cushion a shake. Secoue le coussin.
and to walk
marche nf 1 [activity] walking 2 [time and place where the
happens] walk Pendant votre marche, vous
activity
decouvrirez de nombreuses varietes de fleurs sauvages.
1
20 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
During your walk you'll discover a great variety of wild 5.8 Suivre To follow
flowers.
demarche nf [personal way of moving one's feet] gait une suivre {75} vi and vt to follow suivre qqn a la trace to track
drole de demarche a strange way of walking la demarche sb
assuree d'un marin sur un pont de bateau the confident
gait of a sailor on a ship's deck Citation Quotation
allure nf [implies way of projecting one's personality] style Qui m'aime me suivei [attributed to Francis 1st, attempting
avancant d'une allure de reine. She walked in,
Elle entra, to rally his troops around him. Used humorously, to
moving queen.
like a generate an enthusiastic following] If you love me, then
marcher {6} vi to walk follow me!
avancer {7} vi [implies progress forward] to move (forward)
Avancez jusqu'a la barre, mesdemoiselles. Walk up to the
bar, please, young ladies. Allez, tu n'avances pas! Come 5.9 Suivre afin d'attraper To follow in
on, you're so slow!
order to catch
Ways of translating English verbs of walking pourchasser {6} vt [implies speed. Implies to catch or to
Some English verbs describing ways of walking are best drive away] to pursue Un chien pourchassait le chat dans
translated into French by using the verbs aller, avancer or lejardin. A dog was pursuing the cat in the garden.
marcher, and adding the relevant adverb or phrase, as in
poursuivre {75} vt [implies to catch, after an investigation]
the following examples: to hunt La police le poursuit depuis trois mois. The police
avancer sans bruit to creep (forward) have been hunting him for three months.
avancer au pas to march (forward) poursuite nf chase
marcher d'un air degage to saunter course-poursuite nf, pi courses-poursuites [car chase or
marcher sur la pointe des pieds to tiptoe other eventful chase] chase
marcher a quatre pattes [usu describes babies] to filer {6} vt [implies secrecy] to tail
crawl (on all fours) filature nf tailing faire une filature to tail a suspect
marcher en canard to walk with turned out feet
marcher les pieds en dedans to walk pigeon-toed
Others have a specific French translation, as in the
5.10 Personnes qui suivent les autres
following verbs: People who follow other people
trainer {6} vi to loiter
suite nf [of a V.I. P.] entourage
s'attarder {6} v refl to linger
s'eclipser (6) v refl to slink away f idele nm keen practitioner Nous sommes des fideles de la
se fauf iler jusqu'a {6} v refl to sidle up to
bicyclette. We preference to anything else.
use bicycles in
ramper Ce sont des fideles des camps naturistes. They're very keen
{6} vi to crawl
s'enf uir (36) vi to run off
on nudist camps.
pietiner (6) vi [in snow] to trudge suiveur nm [at a bicycle race or car rally] member of the
se pavaner {S} v refl to strut support team
flaner {6} vi to stroll poursuivant, e n pursuer
tituber {6} vi to stagger groupie nf [of rock star] groupie
boiter {6} w to limp
ramper {6} (sur le ventre) vi to crawl on one's belly
5.1 Sauter et bondir To jump and to
leap
5.7 Courir To run sauter {6} vi to jump Les gens sautaient des fenetres de la
tour en flammes. People were jumping from the windows
see also 81.9 Sport
courir {33} vi [go forward fast on one's legs] to run J'ai
du
of the blazing tower, sauter par-dessus une barriere to
courir pour attraper had to run to catch the
I'autobus. I
jump over a fence sauter a la corde to skip (rope)
bus. Soudain il s'est mis a courir. He suddenly broke into a
sautiller{6} vi [small-scale and repeated jumps] to hop
run. courir a droite et a gauche to run (all over the place)
bondir {19} vi [more energetic than sauter] to leap
courser (6) vt [run in order to catch] to run after Les rebondir {19} w to bounce
gendarmes I'ont course jusqu'a la foret, puis Us ont perdu s'elancer {7} v refl to spring (forward)
sa trace. The police ran after him all the way to the forest,
then they lost him.
accourir (33) vi [run towards someone or something with 5.12 Tomber To fall
intent to help, or to embrace, etc. Emotional charge] to
rush (up) II ya eu un bruit de freins, suivi d'un choc, et le
tomber {6} vi to fall Ellea trebuche et elle est tombee. She
tripped and fell. Attention, tu vas tomber! Watch out you
cycliste a ete projete contre le mur. There was a screech of
don't fall! Une ardoise est tombee du toit. A slate fell off
tyres, followed by a crash, and the cyclist was thrown
the roof, laisser tomber qqch to drop sthg
against the wall.
chuter {6} vi [similar to tomber, but used only with people,
esp skiers, skaters, cyclists, etc] to fall
Citation Quotation
Rien ne sert de courir,
chute nf fall f//e a entraine la nappe dans sa chute. She fell
il faut partir a point. [Often quoted
linefrom La Fontaine's Le lievre et la tortue, 1694, praising dragging the tablecloth with her. la saison de la chute des
feuilles the season when leaves fall off the trees a I'age de
those who don't do things at the last minute] There is no
la chute des cheveux at the age when hair falls out
point in rushing, you must leave on time.
trebucher {6} vi to trip J'ai trebuche sur la marche etje me
suis tordu la cheville. I tripped on the step and twisted my
ankle.
G rave
21
faire un tonneau wheeled vehicle] to roll over
[describes marche nf stair, step
s'eff ondrer {6} v refl 1 to collapse La tour s'est
[fall] rampe nf banister
effondree. The tower collapsed. La route s'est effondree. palier nm landing
The road caved 2 [become prostrate] to collapse un
in. ascenseur nm BrE
lift AmE elevator prendre I'ascenseur to
sportif qui s'effondre apres /'effort an athlete collapsing take the lift
after too much effort Elle s'est effondree quand on lui a escalator nm also escalier nm roulant escalator
appris la nouvelle. She collapsed when she heard the
news.
s'ecrouler {6} v refl [similar to s'eff ondrer, but used esp
of a stack or pile of objects] to collapse. La pile de livres
5.15Mouvement circulaire Circular
s'est ecroulee. The heap of books collapsed. movement
renverser {6} vt 1 [obj: e.g., liquid, milk] to spill J'ai
tourner {6} vi 1 [follow a circular trajectory] to go (a)round
renverse une bouteille de vin sur le tapis. spilled a bottle
I
La Terre tourne autour du soleil. The Earth goes (a)round
of wine on to the carpet. 2 [obj: e.g. stack, heap] to topple
the sun. tourne autour de I'eglise, puis j'ai gare la
J'ai
se renverser {6} v refl to be spilled Le lait s'est renverse.
voiture drove (a)round the church, then parked the car.
I I
The milk was spilled.
Les aiguilles de la pendule tournaient avec une lenteur
basculer {6} vi [fall and turn upside down at the same
desesperante. The hands on the clock went (a)round
time] to topple over L'homme est reste en equilibre un
desperately slowly. 2 [on one's axis] to spin faire tourner
instant sur le bord du toit, puis il a bascule dans le vide.
une toupie to spin a top La Terre tourne. The Earth spins
The man stayed poised on the edge of the roof for a
(on Tourne, pour que je voie si I'ourlet de ta jupe
its axis).
moment, then toppled over into the void.
est bien regulier. Turn round, so can check that the hem
I
on your skirt is even.
revolution nf [in scientific or technical usage] revolution
5.13 Venir d'une hauteur To come down rotation nf [in scientific or technical usage. Around an axis]
from a height rotation
pionger {8} vi 1 [into water] to dive 2 [in order to catch a Citation Quotation
to dive
ball] Et pourtant, elle tourne! [usual translation of Galileo's:
se precipiter {6} v refl [voluntary] se precipiter delsurlsous 'Eppur, si muove!'] And yet, it does move!
to throw oneself off/towards/under // s'est precipite du
cinquieme mais sa chute a ete amortie par un arbre. He
threw himself off the fifth floor but his fall was cushioned 5.16 Onduler To wave
by a tree.
piquer vers {6} vi [subj: e.g. plane] to plunge towards onduler {6} vi [subj: surface of water, banner, hair, ribbon]
descendre en pique plummeting (towards the ground) to ripple, to sway Les bles ondulaient sous le soleil de
degringoler {6} vi [informal] to fall Je me suis fait un bleu juillet. The wheat swayed in the July sunshine.
en degringolant dans I'escalier. got a bruise falling down
I ondulation nf 1 [of banner, ribbon. Also, natural shape of
the stairs. hair] wave 2 [artificial shape of hair] crimp se faire faire
descendre {53} vi 1 to go down 2 vtto go down descendre des ondulations to have one's hair crimped
I'escalier to go down the stairs f lotter {6} vi 1 (be borne up and down on water] to float,
descente nf hill dans la descente down the hill to bob Un bouchon flottait a la surface de I'eau. A cork
bobbed up and down on the water. 2 [wave in the air.
Common informal and slang phrases for falling Subj: e.g. flag, windsock] to flap
se casser la figure (slightly informal) to take a bad fall
(se) prendre une pelle a.sc une buche also un
gadin (informal) to fall flat on one's face
se casser la gueule [very informal] BrE to fall arse over 6 Travel
tit AmE ass over teakettle
6.1 Billeterie des transports Tickets for
5.14 Monter To go up travel
monter to go up monter au premier etage to go up
{6} 1 vi see also 8.19 La gare
to the firstmonter sur un escabeau to climb up on a
floor
stool 2 vtto go up monter I'escalier to go up the stairs Billet and ticket
montee nf hill dans la montee up the hill On most forms of transport, you require a ticket called
remonter go back up Vous pouvez
{6} vi 1 [again] to un billet, e.g. un billet de train a train ticket, un billet
remonter dans vos classes maintenant. You may go back d'avion a plane ticket, un billet pour prendre le ferry a
up to your classrooms now. Je monte et remonte cet ferry ticket. The term un ticket is preferred for short
escalier cent fois par jour! go up and down these stairs a
I trips, such as on a bus, a funicular railway or a river boat.
hundred times a day!
grimper {6} vi [implies effort] to climb grimper sur une horaire nm 1 [brochure] timetable Donnez-moi un horaire
chaise to climb up onto a chair des trains pour Fontainebleau s'il vous plait. Could have a I
s'elever v refl [with apparent lack of effort] to rise (up)
{9} timetable for trains to Fontainebleau, please? 2 [system]
La mouette s'eleva dans les airs. The gull rose (up) into the times Au mois de mai, les horaires des trains changent. In
sky. May train times change.
water jet, fountain] to spurt (up)
jaillir {19} vi [obj: e.g. carte nf [giving access to cheaper fares] pass, season ticket
ascension nf [in mountaineering, ballooning] ascent carte orange monthly season ticket carte Vermeil Senior
escalier nm staircase monterldescendre I'escalier to go Citizen railcard carte d'embarquement boarding pass
up/down the stairs
22 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
itineraire nm [line on a map from starting point to point
On the Paris buses, in the Metro and the R.E.R
of arrival] route carte des itineraire bis map with
the Metro underground has its own fare system.
In Paris
recommended alternative routes (for tourists)
You normally pay for your journeys with a ticket which
parcours nm [like itineraire, but used in the context of a
you buy singly, or in a booklet, un carnet (de tickets) at a race or rally, etc] route
Metro With a single ticket, you may make as
station.
escale nf stopover faire une escale to make a stop
long a journey as you like, providing it's unbroken. These
station nf resort station balneaire seaside resort station de
tickets also allow you to travel on the Paris buses, where
montagne mountain resort station de ski ski resort station
route maps show you clearly how many tickets you must
thermale spa
use, depending on the length of your journey.
lieu nm, -x de villegiature [slightly formal, used in guides]
Underground, the newer, faster, long-distance network place to stay
called the Reseau Express Regional, or R.E.R, is fully
tourisme nm tourism
linked to the Metro and you can change from one system
touriste n touriste
to the other at many key stations throughout the capital.
Beware, however, as tickets bought for use on the Metro
network are not valid on the R.E.R. For this special tickets
have to be purchased, on sale at the underground 6.3 Les bagages Luggage
stations.
valise nf suitcase
bagage nm (piece of) luggage mes bagages my luggage un
seul bagage a main only one piece of carry-on luggage
6.2 Voyages et deplacements Journeys made nf trunk
sacnm bag sac de voyage travel bag sac de nuit overnight
and trips bag
see also 41.3 Montrer le chemin
voyager {8} vi to travel Je voyage beaucoup pour mon
metier. I my
work. Je prefere voyager en
travel a lot in 6.4 Passer les frontieres Crossing borders
train. prefer to travel by train. Je n'aime pas voyager en
I
frontiere nf border a la frontiere at the border
avion. don't enjoy flying, lis sont en voyage en Hollande
I
douanier, -iere n customs officer
a I'heure actuelle. They're travelling around Holland at
douane nf customs passer la douane to go through
the moment.
customs
voyage nm BrE journey AmE trip Le Caire-Assouan par le
a I'etranger abroad aller passer ses vacances a I'etranger
Nil, quel beau voyage! Cairo to Aswan on the Nile, what a
to go abroad for one's holidays
wonderful journey! partir en voyage to go on a journey
etranger, -gere n foreigner
etre en voyage d'affaires to be on a business trip faire un
rapatrier {1 5} vt to repatriate
voyage d'agrement BrE to be touring (for pleasure) AmE
rien a declarer nothing to declare
to go on a pleasure trip
quelque chose a declarer something to declare
voyageur, -geuse n traveller un grand voyageur a
seasoned traveller
Locutions Idioms
passager, -gere n passenger
Les voyages forment la jeunesse. [proverb] Travel
agence nf de voyages travel agency
broadens the mind (of the young).
agent nm de voyages travel agent
Il/Elle est toujours par monts et par vaux. He's/She's
recit nm de voyage [published book by travel writer]
always off on his/her travels.
travel book
organisateur, -trice n de voyages BrE tour operator AmE
tour organizer
assurance-voyage nf, pi assurances-voyages travel
insurance 7 Cars
traveller nm traveller's cheque
gens nm pi du voyage [people who have non-sedentary
lifestyles] travellers 7.1 Voitures - parties et accessoires Cars -
trajetnm [shorter than voyage. Usu for work] 1 BrE parts and accessories
journey AmE trip 2 [place] route Le trajet de la course est
jalonne de publicites pour des marques de biere. There are voiture nf car
advertisements for brands of beer all along the route of break nm BrE estate (car) AmE station wagon
the race. automobile nf also auto nf [formal or slightly old-
deplacement nm [long or short journey, undertaken for fashioned term] car
work or for official purposes. The term is slightly formal]
business trip Je suis souvent en deplacement. I'm away (on
au cours d'un deplacement pour un congres en
trips) a lot.
7.2 L'exterieur de la voiture The outside
Belgique during a trip to attend a conference in Belgium
frais nm pi also indemnites nf pi de deplacement of the car
travelling expenses
carrosserie nf (car) bodywork
excursion nf [for children, tourists, often to a nature spot]
roue nf wheel roue de seccurs BrE spare (wheel) AmE spare
outing
tire
sortie nf [implies a treat for people who are normally
plaque nf d'immatriculation also mineralogique BrE
confined, such as a group of children or older people]
number plate AmE license plate
outing la sortie de fin d'annee the end-of-term outing
enjoliveur nm hub cap
circuit nm 1 [circular] round trip 2 (circular or not, with
pare-brise nm, pi pare-brises BrE windscreen AmE
several points of interest along the route] tour Faites le
windshield
circuit des vignobles. Go on a tour of the vineyards.
pare-choc nm, pi pare-chocs bumper
7 Cars 23
galerie nf roof-rack 7.6 Verbes exprimant les manoeuvres en
essieu nm pi -x axle
antenne nf BrE aerial AmE antenna voiture Verbs for driving
capot nm BrE bonnet AmE hood conduire {82} vt and vi to drive
coffre nm also made nf BrE boot AmE trunk
depasser {6} also doubler {6} [when vehicles are going in
tuyau also pot nm d'echappement exhaust pipe
the same direction] vt BrE to overtake AmE to pass
pot nm catalytique catalytic converter croiser {6} vt [when vehicles are going in opposite
pneu nm pi -x BrE tyre AmE tire directions] to pass
phare nm headlight garer {6} vt to park
se garer v refl to park
mettre le frein to put the (hand)brake on
7.3 L'interieur de la voiture The inside of changer de vitesse to change gear
passer en premiere/deuxieme vitesse to go into
the car
first/second gear
leviernm (de changement) de vitesse BrE gear stick retrograder {6} vi BrE to change down AmE to shift down
AmE gear shift mettre son clignotant BrE to indicate AmE to put on a
ceinture nf de securite safety belt turn signal
lave-glace nm, pi lave-glaces BrE windscreen washer AmE fairemarche arriere to (go in) reverse
water squirter appuyer sur I'accelerateur to put one's foot down (on
retroviseur nm rear(-view) mirror the accelerator)
volant nm steering wheel accelerer {10} vi [in order to overtake, or at the lights] to
essuie-glace nm, pi essuie-glaces BrE windscreen wiper accelerate
AmE rubber blade ralentir {19} vi to slow down
lunette nf arriere rear window ledge f reiner {6} vi to brake
siege nm seat caler {6} w to stall
frein nm brake faire un creneau to back into a parking space
pedale nf pedal pleins phares BrE with full beams AmE highbeam mettre
telephone nm de voiture earphone ses (pleins) phares BrE to put one's headlights on full
beam AmE to put one's brights on
en codes BrE with dipped headlights AmE on low beams se
tableau de bord On the mettre en codes to dip one's headlights
7.4 Sur le
dashboard
tableau nm, pi -x de bord dashboard 7.7 Station service Petrol/Gas station
compteur nm meter compteur de vitesse speedometer
station nf service BrE petrol station AmE gas station une
compteur kilometrique BrE milometer AmE odometer
station service sur I'autoroute BrE a motorway service
contact nm ignition
station AmE highway service station
jauge nf (d'essence) BrE petrol gauge AmE gas gauge
clignotant nm BrE indicator AmE turn signal Mets ton
plein nm full tank faire le plein to fill up
Le plein, s'il vous
plait. her up, please. La voiture vous est livree avec le
Fill
clignotant, on va tourner a droite. Put on your indicator,
plein. When you take delivery of the car, it has a full tank.
we're about to turn right,
reservoir nm BrE petrol tank AmE gas tank
cle also clef nf de contact ignition key
pompe nf a essence BrE petrol pump AmE gas pump
essence nf BrE petrol AmE gas
super nm BrE four-star AmE super
7.5 Voitures - conduire Cars - driving sans plomb lead-free
verifier les pneus BrE to check the tyres AmE tires
conduite nf 1 [skill] driving 2 (type of car] une voiture avec
conduite a droite a right-hand drive (car) conduite
interieure BrE saloon (car) AmE sedan
conducteur, -trice n driver 7.8 Reseau routier Road network
automobiliste n [slightly formal] motorist
reseau, x nm network
pilote n [less usual for ordinary motorists. Used mainly for
rocade nf [around a town] bypass
racing cars] (racing car) driver
routier, -tiere adj road transports routiers road transport
chauffeur nm 1 [in a coach or a bus] driver 2 [paid driver,
circulation routiere traffic
of a private car] chauffeur
panneau nm indicateur, pi panneaux indicateurs road
stationnement nm waiting Je ne peux pas
1 [short-term]
sign
rester en stationnement id tres longtemps, e'est une aire
rond-point nm, pi ronds-points BrE roundabout AmE
de livraison. can't wait here very long, it's a delivery bay.
I
traffic circle
2 [longer-term] being parked J'etais en stationnement
carrefour nm crossroads
devant /'hotel lorsque ... was parked outside the hotel nm
[implies simpler junction than carrefour]
I
croisement
when . .
BrE junction AmE crossing
stationner {6} vi 1 [short-term] to wait 2 [longer-term] to
limitation nf de vitesse speed limit
park
ralentisseur nm 1 [hump] speed bump 2 [uneven surface]
fourriere nf BrE car pound mettre une voiture en also a la
rumble strip
fourriere to impound a car
dos nm d'ane 1 [accidental] bump (on the road) 2 [to slow
crevaison nf BrE puncture AmE flat tire
vehicles down] sleeping policeman
embouteillage nm traffic jam
passage nm a niveau, pi passages a niveau level
bouchon nm [not necessarily extensive but causing
crossing
blockages] traffic jam
virage nm bend
24 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
7.9 Autoroutes Motorways/Highways (auto)car nm coach
(auto)bus nm bus
autoroute nm also nf BrE motorway AmE highway metro nm BrE underground train AmE subway (New York),
autoroute a peage BrE toll motorway AmE toll road metro (Washington) le metro parisien the (Paris) Metro le
echangeur nm (motorway) junction metro londonien the (London) Underground
bretelle nf (d'autoroute) (motorway) BrE slip-road AmE taxi nm taxi
adjoining road pousse-pousse nm inv rickshaw
sortie nf (d'autoroute) (motorway) exit charrette nf cart
bande nf centrale BrE central reservation AmE median
strip
voie nf lane voie de droite/gauche right-hand/left-hand
lane 8 Ships, planes and trains
bande nf d'arret d'urgence (hard) shoulder
borne nf d'appel d'urgence emergency phone
aire nf de pique-nique picnic area
8.1 Navires Ships
peage nm toll
navire nm [formal or literary] ship navire marchand
merchant ship navire de haute mer sea-going ship
7.10 Routes Roads bateau nm, pi -x [everyday term] boat, craft bateau de
plaisance pleasure boat
Routes vaisseau nm, pi -x 1 [literary] vessel 2 [naval] warship
The term route nf is used mainly for roads outside towns embarcation nf [slightly formal] (small) craft
or villages, as opposed to rue nf street, in towns and naval, e adj, mpl navals naval
villages. However, a road in a small town or village
leading to a neighbouring town or village is sometimes
called route de followed by the placename, e.g. J'habite 8.2 Parties principales des navires Main
au 3, route de Villeneuve. live at number 3, Villeneuve
I
parts of ships
Road.
cabine nf cabin
In the below, translations are provided to give a general
iist coque nf hull
indication, although it is difficult to be accurate, as pont nm deck
classification systems vary from country to country. entrepont nm steerage
cale nf hold
route principale also a grande circulation BrE trunk gouvernail nm, pi gouvernails rudder
road AmE high traffic road hublot nm porthole
route nationale [shown on road signs as N, followed by cheminee nf funnel
the number of the road] main road mat nm mast
route departementale [shown on road signs as D voile nf sail
followed by the number of the road] (smaller) main road ancre nf anchor
route cantonale [shown on road signs as C followed by amarre nf mooring line
the number of the road] local road ligne nf de flottaison waterline
chemin nm non-metalled road f lotteur nm float
pont nm bridge pont suspendu suspension bridge
8.3 Principaux mouvements de la
7.11 Rues Streets
navigation Main terms used for
rue nf street rue pietonne pedestrianized street movement of ships
aire nf pietonniere pedestrian area
passage nm pieton also cloute pedestrian crossing navigation nf 1 [using boats] sailing, shipping la
nm BrE pavement AmE sidewalk
trottoir navigation de plaisance pleasure sailing la navigation
caniveau nm, pi -x gutter commercial merchant shipping 2 [sum total of vessels at
parcmetre nm parking meter sea in a particular area] shipping La Manche est une zone
feu nm, pi -x lights au feu rouge BrE at the lights AmE at a de navigation intense. The English Channel is a very busy
red light Le feu est rouge/orange/vert. BrE The lights are shipping area, estuaire interdit a la navigation estuary
red/amber/green. AmE The light is red/yellow/green. closed to shipping
naviguer {6} w to sail
accoster (6) vt to berth
7.12 Vehicules divers Various vehicles etre a quai to be berthed
etre a I'ancre to be (riding) at anchor
vehicule nm vehicle larguer les amarres to cast off one's moorings
bicyclette nf bicycle rompre ses amarres to break one's moorings
velo nm [extremely common informal word for bicylette] corps-mort nm, pi corps-morts mooring buoy
bike balise nf marker buoy
V.T.T. nm
|Velo Tout Terrain] mountain bike deriver {6} w to drift
moto nf motorbike mouiller {6} vi 1 [stop] to cast anchor 2 [stay] to be
velomoteur nm motorized bicycle anchored mouiller en rade de Brest to be anchored off
mobylette nf ® moped Brest harbour
tram(way) nm tramway, tram (car) faire du cabotage to ply along the coast
camionnette nf van voie nf also couloir nm de navigation shipping lane
camion nm BrE lorry AmE truck meteo nf marine shipping forecast
8 Ships, planes and trains 25
8.4 Naufrages Shipwrecks 8.9 Les gens qui travaillent sur les navires
naufrage nm shipwreck
ie 'Malouin' a fait naufrage. The People who work on ships
'Malouin' was shipwrecked.
navigateur, -trice n [suggests an adventurous explorer]
naufrage, e n shipwrecked person Son pere fut naufrage.
sailor
was shipwrecked.
His father
mousse nm cabin boy
naufrageur, -geuse n [a form of piracy] wrecker
pilotenm pilot
couler {6} vi to sink
marin nm sailor
sombrer {6} vi [literary synonym for couler] to sink
capitaine 1 [general term] captain 2 [in the BrE merchant
epave nf [ship] wreck navy marine] master
docker nm docker
equipage nm crew
8.5 Construction navale Shipbuilding navigant, e n [on, e.g. ferries, person who works on the
opposed to personnel in the offices on land]
ship as
chantier nm naval shipyard
member of the crew les navigants the crew
constructeur nm de navires shipbuilder
sous-marinier nm, p/sous-mariniers submariner
armateur nm (ship)owner
vieux loup de mer [humorous] old sea dog
armer {6} vt [subj: shipowner] to fit out
magasin nm d'articles de marine ship's chandler's (shop)
radouber {6} it to refit
en radoub being refitted 8.10 Avions Aircraft
sur cales on the stocks
aviation nf 1 [using aircraft] aviation I'aviation civile civil
en cale seche in dry dock aviation 2 [activity, professional or as a hobby] flying // est
dans I'aviation. He flies planes.
aviateur, -trice n [suggests a pioneer] aviator, aviatrix
8.6 Les passagers des navires Passengers
on ships
8.11 Principaux types d'avions Main types
see also 6.2 Voyages et deplacements
embarquer {6} vi also s'embarquer v refl to go on board of aircraft
debarquer to disembark
{6} vi
avion nm BrE aeroplane AmE airplane avion a reaction jet
passerelle nf gangway
avion a turboreacteur turbojet aw'on de ligne airliner
passager nm clandestin, passagere nf clandestine avion de chasse fighter plane
stowaway moyen-courrier nm, pi moyen-courriers medium-haul
etre a bord to be on board aircraft
passer par-dessus bord to go overboard long-courrier nm, pi long-courriers long-haul aircraft
avoir Ie pied marin to have (one's) sealegs, to be a good avion-taxi nm, pi avions-taxis air taxi
sailor
planeur nm glider
avoir Ie mal de mer to be seasick avion-cargo nm, pi avions-cargos air freighter
marin nm d'eau douce landlubber appareil nm [slightly formal] aircraft
helicoptere nm helicopter
8.7 Petites embarcations Small craft
barque nf BrE rowing boat AmE rowboat 8.12 Parties principales de /'avion Main
canot nm dinghy canot de sauvetage lifeboat parts of the aircraft
vedette nf launch
voilier nm also bateau a voiles BrE sailing ship AmE poste nm de pilotage [for pilot and copilot] cockpit
sailboat cabine nf [for passengers] cabin
yacht nm (luxury) yacht aile nf wing
hors-bord nm, pi hors-bords outboard motor fuselage nm fuselage
catamaran nm catamaran train nm d'atterrissage landing gear
aeroglisseur nm hovercraft helice nf propeller
rotor nm rotor
moteur nm engine moteur a reaction jet engine
turboreacteur nm turbojet engine
8.8 Types de gros navires Types of large altimetre nm altimeter
ships manche nm a balai [informal] joystick
kerosene nm jet fuel
paquebot nm liner
ferry nm, pi ferries (car-) ferry
navire-citerne nm, pi navires-citernes (oil) tanker
navire-hopital nm, pi navires-hopitaux hospital ship 8.13 Vo/er To fly
sous-marin nm, pi sous-marins submarine voler {6} vi [be transported in the air. Subj: plane, pilot] to
peniche nf barge fly
prendre I'avion [as a passenger] to fly Tu vas a Rome en
voiture ou tu prends I'avion? Are you driving to Rome or
flying?
decollage nm take-off
decoller (6) vi [subj: plane, pilot, passenger] to take off
s' envoler {6} vi [less technical than decoller] to take off
26 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
altitude nf altitude Nous volons a une altitude de 12.000 semaphore nm railway signal
pieds. Our altitude is 12,000 feet. butoir nm buffer
mur nm du son sound barrier passer le mur du son to
break the sound barrier
supersonique adj supersonic 8.19 La gare The station
trous nm pi d'air turbulence
gare nf (ferroviaire) (train) station Le train de Paris entre
en gare. The Paris train is coming in. Depechez-vous, il est
deja en gare. Hurry up, it's already standing in the station.
8.14 Aeroports Airports
hall nm(de gare) station concourse Attends-moi dans le
aeroport nm airport hall.Wait for me inside the station.
aerogare nm air terminal salle nf des pas perdus [old-fashioned term. Found in
heliport nm heliport large stations] station concourse
piste nf d'atterrissage runway buffet nm de la gare station buffet
hangar nm hangar quai nm (train) platform
tour nf de controle control tower voie nf 1 [platform] platform Le train de Chamber/ entre
espace nm aerien airspace en voie 7. The Chamber/ train is arriving at platform 7. 2
manche nf a air windsock [rails] track Ne traversez pas dans les voies, empruntez le
balise nf beacon souterrain. Don't walk across the track, use the
underground passage.
tableau nm, pi -x board tableau des departs departures
8.15 Les gens qui travaillent dans les board tableau des arrivees arrivals board
aeroports et les avions People who work Validating your ticket
in airports and aircraft In France you are required to punch your own ticket
before you're on the train. This is called composter son
capitaine nm captain billet. Failure to do so may mean a fine when the
pilote n pilot inspector asks to see proof that you have paid your fare,
copilote n copilot even though you can produce the actual ticket. The
equipage nm crew special punching machine to be used for this purpose is
personnel nm staff personnel au sol ground personnel called un composteur. These machines can be found in
personnel navigant cabin crew stations and on platforms.
hotesse nf 1 [in everyday usage] hostess hotesse de I'air air
hostess hotesse au sol ground hostess 2 [in official usage]
stewardess, flight attendant
steward nm (air) steward 8.20 Le train The train
bagagiste nm baggage handler
aiguilleur, -lleuse n du ciel air traffic controller train nm train
TGV nm [Train a Grande Vitesse] high-speed train
nm [humorous] slow train (on a winding
tortillard route)
wagon nm BrE carriage AmE car
8.16 Les chemins de fer The railways wagon-lit nm BrE sleeper AmE sleeping car
chemin nm de fer 1 [rail infrastructure ] (transport by) rail
voiture nf [rail company language for wagon] BrE
ledeveloppement du chemin de fer dans I'Angleterre carriage AmE car
victorienne the development of rail transport in Victorian compartiment nm compartment
England 2 [trains] train(s) Je prefere voyager en chemin de couchette nf 1 [in a sleeper] BrE couchette AmE berth 2
fer. I prefer to travel by train. [foldaway, in an ordinary compartment] bunk
ferroviaire adj rail les transports ferroviaires rail transport couloir nm corridor
tunnel ferroviaire rail tunnel place nf seat place dans le sens de la marche front-facing
seat place dans le sens contraire au sens de la marche rear-
facing seat
8.17 Les locomotives Locomotives
locomotive nf (train) engine locomotive a vapeur steam 8.21 Personnel des trains Train staff
engine locomotive diesel diesel engine
loco nf [affectionate slang term] locomotive chefnm de gare station manager
bogie nm bogie chefnm de train BrE (railway) guard AmE conductor
cheminot nm [old-fashioned term] BrE railwayman AmE
railroadman
conducteur, -trice also mecanicien, -cienne n BrE
8.18 Les rails The track (engine) driver AmE engineer
rail nm 1 [single rail 2 [line] track Ne
piece of metal] agent nm de conduite [official term. Synonym for
traverser pas dans les Don't walk across the track.
rails. conducteur] BrE (engine) driver AmE engineer
ligne nf de chemin de fer 1 [two rails) BrE railway line porteur nm porter
AmE railroad line Tournez a droite apres la voie ferree chauffeur nm [in steam engine] BrE boilerman AmE stoker
also la ligne de chemin de fer. Turn left after the railway aiguilleur, -lleuse n BrE points operator AmE switches
line. 2 [link] railway line la voie ferree also la ligne de operator
chemin de fer qui va de Plouarnoz a Trigastel the railway
line that goes from Plouarnoz to Trigastel
aiguillage nm (set of) points
cabine nf d'aiguillage signal box
Time
demain adv tomorrow a demain see you tomorrow
9 Measuring time apres-demain adv the day after tomorrow
lendemain nm le lendemain the next day le lendemain du
6juillet the day after the 6th of July sans penser au
9.1 Calendrier et saisons Times, dates and lendemain without a thought for the morrow les
lendemains qui chantent a brighter future
seasons hier adv yesterday
calendrier nm 1 [list of days] calendar 2 [work plan] diary avant-hier adv the day before yesterday
veille nf la veille the day before la veille de son
etablir son calendrier pour I'annee to plan one's diary for
anniversaire the day before his birthday. Nous echangeons
the year
toujours les cadeaux la veille de Noel. We always
saison nf season la mauvaise saison winter la belle saison
summer fruit/temps de saison seasonal fruit/weather exchange presents on Christmas Eve. C'est une veille de
Noel queje I'ai rencontre pour la_premiere fois. first met I
him on a Christmas Eve.
semaine nf week la semaine des quatre jeudis [schools
9.2 Les jours de la semaine The days of used to be off on Thursdays. A week with four Thursdays
the week in it means happiness for schoolchildren and symbolizes
something which will never happen] a la petite semaine
lundi nm Monday [describes plans showing no forethought beyond next
mardi nm Tuesday week] short-sighted
mercredi nm Wednesday hebdomadaire ad] weekly
jeudi nm Thursday quinzaine nf BrE fortnight AmE two weeks remis a
vendredi nm Friday quinzaine postponed for a fortnight Envoyez-le sous
samedi nm Saturday quinzaine. Send it within the fortnight.
dimanche nm Sunday huitaine nf period of eight days Envoyez-le sous huitaine.
jour nm dans huit jours [8 days] in 8 days' time, [7 days] in Send it within eight days, dans une huitaine de jours in
a week's time about eight days
week-end nm weekend
usage pont nm [days off between a public holiday and a
weekend] long weekend faire le pont to have a long
Un jour ferie is a day when
and shops are closed
offices weekend
(frequently but not necessarily a Monday): holiday. Un
jour ouvrable is one of the six days in the week which
aren't a holiday: working day. Un jour ouvre is one of
the five days in the week which aren't part of the
weekend: weekday
Note that the article le is only used with days of the
week when you want to indicate that something
happens, or used to happen, regularly on that day. le
lundi, il fait son marche. He shops at the market every
Monday, fHe ne s'arretait de travailler que le dimanche
apres-midi. She used to stop work on Sunday afternoons
only. BUT Nous sommes vendredi aujourd'hui. Today is
Friday. Je viendrai lundi prochain. I'll come next
Monday.
IUN MAR ''[" JEU /EN MAR MER JEU VEN MAR MER JEU VEN
17
Q LUN MAR MER JEU
22 23 24 25
VEN E
27
SSI LUN
28 29
J
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21
A
N
1 2 3 4 5 e 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
F
E
V
M 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 o 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 IP 20 21 22 23
A
R
c '
today is Wednesday, the 10th January, this is how to
If 1 er ca s'est passe il yaeu lundi huit jours
something which happened or will happen on the
locate 8 ca s'est passe lundi dernier
Mondays of that month. 1 5 ca se passera lundi prochain
22 ca se passera lundi en huit
29 ca se passera lundi en quinze
28 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
9.3 Les mois de I'annee The months of 9.5 Fetes et grandes dates Festivals and
the year important dates
Janvier nm January Noel nm also la Noel nf Christmas a Noel also a la Noel
fevrier nm February at Christmas
mars nm March Nouvel An nm New Year's Day
avril nm April
mai nm May Season's greetings
juin nm June To wish someone a happy Christmas, there is a choice of
juillet nm July the very common Joyeux Noel or the slightly more
aout nm August subdued Bon Noel. The greeting which people exchange
septembre nm September at the new year, and up until well into January, is usually
octobre nm October Bonne Annee and sometimes (mostly in speech Bonne
novembre nm November Annee, bonne santel. To extend 'season's greetings' to
decembre nm December someone in speech or in writing, the best formula is
mois nm month Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee. But those two festivals are
mensuel, -suelle adj monthly also referred to as Les Fetes, so you could say Passez de
bonnes Fetes, and write Joyeuses Fetes. The festival day
usage itself is called le Nouvel An: e.g. On va passer le Nouvel
An chez Gerard. We'll spend New Year's Eve at Gerard's.
To specify a month, use en or au mois de, e.g: En The main celebration takes place on the evening of 31
septembre, also au mois de septembre, nous irons a January, la Saint-Sylvestre, and the food and drink
Montreal. We'll go to Montreal in September. To specify consumed on that occasion make up le reveillon du
a part of the month, use the following: Nouvel An.
au debut octobre (in) early October
a la mi-octobre (in) mid-October mardi-gras nm BrE Shrove Tuesday AmE mardi gras
a la fin octobre (in) late October le dimanche des Rameaux Palm Sunday
For the beginning and the end of a month, a slightly le lundi de Paques Easter Monday
more formal variant is: au debut/a la fin du mois Pentecote nf BrE Whitsun AmE Pentecost le lundi de la
d'octobre at the beginning/end of October. To denote Pentecote Whit Monday On y est alles un lundi de
specific days in the month, use eg Je leur ai ecrit le 10 Pentecote. We went there one Whit Monday.
novembre/le 15 Janvier. wrote to them on the 10th of
I Paques nf pi Easter
November/the 15th of January. le quinze aout [formerly an important Catholic festival,
now a public holiday] the mid-August public holiday
Ramadan nm Ramadan un jour de Ramadan a day during
Ramadan
9.4 Les quatre saisons The four seasons la Toussaint also le jour des morts All Saints' Day
a la Saint-Glinglin [humorous] never Ton argent, tu le
leprintemps nm spring au printemps in (the) spring
reverras a la Saint-Glinglin. If you get your money back,
nm summer en ete in (the) summer
I'ete
pigs might fly!
I'automne nm autumn en automne in (the) BrE autumn Elle va coiffer Sainte-Catherine. [an allusion to the
AmEfall
virgin Saint Catherine, traditionally celebrated by spinsters
I'hiver nm winter en hiver in (the) winter
when they reached their 25th birthday] She's 25 on her
next birthday and still not married.
Locutions Idioms
du jour au lendemain very quickly and without warning
Ne remets jamais au lendemain ce que tu peux faire
lejour meme also II ne faut jamais remettre au
lendemain ce qu'on peut faire le jour meme.
[proverb] Never put off till tomorrow what you can do
today.
Noel au balcon, Paques au tison. [proverb] If it's warm
at Christmas, be cold at Easter.
it'll
giboulees also averses nf pi de mars [in France, showers
occur earlier than in more northerly countries] April
showers
En avril ne te decouvre pas d'un fil, en mai fais ce
qu'il te plait, [proverb. April in France, at least in the
northern half, is considered too cold a month for people
to start wearing spring clothes. This is echoed in the
British proverb but the advice is postponed by one month
for geographical reasons.] Ne'er cast a clout till May is out.
poisson d'avril! [to mock someone's gullibility on April
Fool's Day; often symbolized by sticking a paper fish to
the person's back] April fool!
9 Measuring time 29
9.6 Periodes Periods of time
usage
usage Do not say de la nuit when you refer to a specific time at
night. The only way the phrase used is when no time is
is
an nm and annee nf, jour nm and journee nf, soir nm specified: e.g. a n'importe quelle heure de la nuit at all
and soiree nf, matin nm and matinee nf hours (any hour) of the night, a une heure avancee de la
Each pair is contrasted the following way: the word in
in nuit late at night, au milieu de la nuit in the middle of
-ee stresses duration while its counterpart refers to the the night. If you want to refer to '10 at night' or '11 at
section of time as a unit. The contrast is strongest with night', say a 10 heures du soir, a 1 1 heures du soir.
an and annee. E.g.:
J'ai trente ans. [a unit for counting years of age] I'm
thirty years old.
J'aihabite Lens une annee entiere. [stresses how long it 9.8 Lire I'heure Telling the time
was or
felt] lived in Lens for a whole year.
I
see also 138 (Gambits)
Le soir, nous nous promenons sur le front de mer. [an
// est cinq heures et quartlll est cinq heures quinze.
identified unit or part of the day] In the evening we go
for a walk along the seafront.
BrE It's a quarter past five/It's five fifteen AmE It's a quarter
after five.
Nous passons notre soiree a nous promener sur le front
// est neuf heures moins vingt-cinq/ll est huit heures trente-
de mer. [stresses time elapsing within the period] We
cinq.
spend the evening walking along the seafront.
It's twenty-five to nine/It's eight thirty-five.
a chaque jour suffit sa peine [emphasises the day as a
// est neuf heures et demielll est neuf heures trente.
single, complete unit] sufficient unto the day . . .
It's half past nine/It's nine thirty.
// se plaint a longueur de journee. [focuses on the effect
II est quatre heures moins le quartlll est trois heures
of the complaining on the listener: it feels endless] He
quarante-cinq.
complains all day long.
It's a quarter to four/It's three forty-five.
// est dix heures preciseslll est dix heures pile.
It's ten o'clock precisely.
9.7 Temps et duree Time and duration
pendule nf, also hortoge nf clock
usage usage
1 The preposition a is used to refer to specific times: e.g. pendule and horloge
a huit heures at eight o'clock. The preposition vers is Une horloge is usually larger than une pendule. Big
used for approximate times: e.g. vers dix heures around clocks in stations or streets are horloges. A I'horloge de
ten. When speaking about time within a period, use la gare, il est huit heures. It's eight by the station clock.
the preposition pendant: e.g. pendant la matinee
(some time) during the morning. reveil nm alarm-clock
2 You may use either the 1 2-hour or the 24-hour clock. radio-reveil nm, pi radio-reveils BrE radio-alarm AmE
If you want to speak with precision, use the 24-hour
clock-radio
clock. Most people use the 12-hour clock, specifying du montre nfde gousset pocket watch
matin (a.m.), de I'apres-midi (p.m. until roughly 6 p.m.) montre, also bracelet-montre, pi bracelets-montres
or du soir (after 6 p.m.). To greet people at different wristwatch
times of the day, say bonjour at any time, bonsoir any heure nfhour Ce/a a demande quatre heures. It took four
time after dark (and in summer, from approximately 7 une demi-heure half an hour un quart d'heure a
hours,
p.m.). When leaving, say au revoir. Conventional leave- quarter of an hour une heure et demie an hour and a half
taking, e.g. in shops, may involve saying bonne journee minute nf minute une promenade de cinq minutes also
when the day is still relatively young, bonne apres-midi cinq minutes de promenade a five-minute walk. Une
in early afternoon, and bonne soiree at the beginning minute! lust a minute! Qui, (une) minute! Yes, in a
of the evening. Say bonne nuit only when you are minute!
taking leave of someone late at night or going to bed. seconde nf second Attendez-moi une petite seconde!
Wait, a (one) second!
12 heures 12.00 hours instant nm moment. Un instant! Just a moment!
minuit nm midnight
midi nm midday
six heures six o'clock 9.9 Periodes plus tongues Longer periods
six heures du soir six o'clock in the evening
six heures du matin six o'clock in the morning
of time
deux heures two o'clock decennie nf decade
deux heures du matin two o'clock in the morning siecle nm century
deux heures de I'apres-midi two o'clock in the afternoon periode nftime en periode de guerre in wartime a la
periode des vacances at holiday time en periode de soldes
while the sales are on en periode scolaire during the
school term
ere nf 1 [period since a great event] time au debut de /'ere
chretienne in early Christian times en I'an 900 de notre ere
in AD 900 2 [in geology] era
age nm [period notable for a particular invention or trend]
age I'age de I'imprimerie the age of printing
30 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
phase nf [part of a period] phase la premiere phase du
projet phase one of the project 10 Repetition in time
passe nm past dans also par le passe in the past C'esf du
passe, n'en parlons plus! Let bygones be bygones!
present nm present time vivredans le present to live in the
10.1 Frequence Frequency
here and now
frequemment adv often
usage frequent, e adj frequent
de temps en temps every now and then une fois de
f utur and avenir nm
nm temps en temps once in a while
These two words are interchangeable when referring to quelquefois adv sometimes
future events as they affect peoplein general, but they parfois adv [slightly more formal than quelquefois] some-
are used differently the following ways:
in times
1 When referring to future events of personal import, souvent adv often
use avenir Tout mon avenir depend de leur decision. toujours adv always
My whole future hangs on their decision. 2 Always use tout le temps [spoken equivalent to toujours] all the
avenir for this phrase: a I'avenir in future. 3 The noun time
le futur is best reserved for general considerations, e.g. sans cesse constantly
// faudra inventer de nouvelles methodes de recyclage
dans le futur. New ways of recycling resources will have To show that the situation To show that the situation is
to be devised in the future. continues habitual
encore/toujours = still encore = always
Je suis encore also toujours Je suis toujours toute
9.10 Adjectifs et adverbes de temps toute tremblante apres tremblante quand j'entends
/'accident. cette voix.
Adjectives and adverbs dealing with time
I'm still shaky after the I always shake when hear I
passe, e adj 1 [neither present nor future] past le temps accident. that voice.
passe the past 2 (recent] last I'annee passee last year
Partons pendant qu'il fait L'ete ici il fait toujours beau.
present, e adj current Quelle est votre occupation
encore also toujours beau. The weather is always nice
presente? What is your current job?
Let's go while the weather's here in summer.
a present 1 [in the current period] nowadays 2 [in the next
still nice.
few minutes or hours] now
futur, e adj 1 [to come] future les jours futurs days to come When the verb is negative When the verb is negative
2 which will become as stated. Before noun] future
[
toujours = still toujours = always
maman mother-to-be mon futur beau-pere my future On n'a toujours pas paye Dans le passe, on n'a pas
father-in-law
nos dettes. toujours paye nos dettes.
a venir next few
jours a venir the next
les few days les
We still haven't paid off our In the past, we didn't always
annees a venir the next few years
debts. pay off our debts.
prochain, e adj the immediate future] next Les jours
1 [of
prochains, je compte repeindre ma chambre. In the next
Locution Idiom
few days, intend to repaint my room. 2 [before noun.
C'est toujours le meme refrain, also la meme
I
Next in a series] next Le prochain autobus va au centre
rengaine. It's the same old story.
ville. The next bus goes to the town centre.
a repetition [describes repeated unpleasant occurrences]
prochainement adv soon
repeated Apres des grippes a repetition elle a ete hospital-
tout a I'heure in a (little) while A tout a I'heure. See you
isee. After repeated bouts of flu she was taken to the
in a while.
hospital.
il y a quelque temps a (little) while ago
actuellement adv moment Je n'ai pas beaucoup de
at the
travail actuellement. don't have a lot of work at the
I
moment. Actuellement, les gens ne veulent plus acheter 10.2 Monotonie Monotony
sans garantie. People nowadays will not buy without a
ennui nm boredom
guarantee.
ennuyer {17} vt to bore
en ce moment at the moment s'ennuyer v refl to be bored On ne s'ennuie pas ici! This is
fun!
usage ennuyeux, -yeuse adj boring
barbant, e adj [informal] dead boring
prochain, e adj
rasoir adj inv [very informal] tedious Ce que tu peux etre
Prochain used with the name of a day or a month is
rasoir avec ton football! You're such a bore always going
placed after the noun, e.g. Nous preparons deja nos
on about football!
calendriers pour Janvier prochain. We're already getting
mortel, -telle adj excruciatingly boring
our calendars ready for next January.
monotone adj [describes: e.g. voice, routine] monotonous
monotonie nf monotony
monocorde adj [describes: e.g. voice] toneless
routinier, -niere adj [describes: e.g. person, turn of mind]
prone to habit
morne adj 1 [describes: e.g. face, gait, story] dull 2
[describes: e.g. morning, landscape] dreary
1 1 Changes in time 31
train-train nm [pejorative] routine le train-train quotidien
the daily round // a son petit train-train. He's in a rut. 11 Changes in time
rebutant, e adj [so boring that you do not feel like doing
it] off-putting
11.1 Commencer To start
usage
commencement nm [first stage in a process or a period]
Words in the emmerder family early stage Quand on cree une entreprise, les
emmerder s'emmerder v refl and emmerdant,
{6} vt, commencements sont toujours difficiles. The early stages
e adj are allcommonly used with the meaning of of setting up a new business are always difficult.
'boring', but their very informal or vulgar overtones may debut nm [like commencement, but stresses the point at
give offence.If in doubt, opt for a substitute, such as the which things start] start Pour un roman, II faut un bon
informal family of words embeter {6} vt. s'embeter v debut. A novel needs a really good beginning.
refl, embetant, e adj. E.g. On s'est tellement embetes debutant, e n beginner la classe des debutants en francais
qu'on est partis a I'entr'acte. We were so bored that we the beginners' French class Tu t'es laisse router comme un
left during the intermission. debutant, [pejorative] You were hoodwinked like a
novice, debutant, e adj novice quand j'etais un skieur
debutant when I was a novice at skiing
Locutions Idioms debuter {6} 1 vi [to beginner at something which will
be a
long comme un jour sans pain boring that it seems
[so
be a A I'epoque oii j'ai debute, je
lasting activity] to start
endless. Describes e.g. speeches, films, books, evenings]
n'avais que dix eleves par classe. When first started had
:
I I
never-ending only ten pupils to a class. Elle a debute a I'Alhambra. She
ennuyeux comme la pluie [describes : e.g. person, show,
made her debut at the Alhambra. 2 vt [informal. Make a
job] dull as ditchwater first start at something lasting. Obj: e.g. book, piece of
(en) avoir marre de qqch/qqn [informal] to be fed up knitting, career, course] to start lis viennent de telephoner
with sthg qu'ils arrivent: je debute ma sauce. They've just rung to
(en) avoir ras-le-bol de qqch/qqn [more informal than
say they're on their way: I'll start preparing my sauce.
(en) avoir marre] to be sick to death of sthg/sb depart nm [more dynamic than debut and
commencement] start // y avait deux mille personnes au
Citation Quotation depart du marathon. There were two thousand
L'ennui naquit un jour de I'uniformite. [a famous verse competitors at the start of the marathon.
from a lesser-known early 18th-century fabulist, Houdar demarrer {6) vi and vt 1 [neutral when referring to
de la Motte] Routine breeds boredom. vehicles] to start (up) La voiture a demarre. The car
started. Demarremoteur. Start (up) the engine. 2 [infor-
le
mal when implying the sudden and effective start of any
10.3 Routine Routine process] to get going Je demarre mon roti. I'll get the
roast going. On demarre? Shall we get going? Je suis
routine nf [can be slightly pejorative] routine verifications toujours lent a demarrer le matin. It always takes me a
de routine routine checks s'enfoncer dans la routine to get while to get going in the morning.
stuck in a rut
demarrage nm 1 [neutral. Of a vehicle] starting up 2
habitude nf habit C'est devenu une habitude (chez lui). It's [informal. Of a process] getting under way Le demarrage
become a habit (with him), avoir ses petites habitudes to de la a ere un peu lent. The campaign was a bit
campagne
be set in one's ways par habitude through force of habit slow to get under way.
habituer {6} vt habituer qqn a to get sb used to coup nm d'envoi [start of a ball game, of a collective
s'habituer v refl to adjust, ie chat ne connait pas encore undertaking] kick-off le coup d'envoi de la campagne
cette maison, laisse-lui le temps de s'habituer. The cat's
electorate the start of the election campaign
new in this house, give him time to adjust, s'habituer a
qqch/qqn to get used to sb/sthg Locutions Idioms
etre enclin, e a faire to be inclined to do Ca remonte a la nuit des temps. It goes back to the ark.
avoir tendance a faire to have a tendency to do Retour a la case depart! [informal. Describes a fresh start
quotidien, -dienne also journalier, -Here [done every after a failure, as in a board game] Back to square one!
day and therefore routine] adj everyday, daily les
preoccupations quotidiennes everyday concerns mon
trajet quotidien demaison au bureau my daily trip to
la
the office quotidien the everyday routine
le train-train
11.2 Finir To end
de tous les jours everyday la vie de tous les jours everyday fin nf end a la fin in the end sans fin never-ending
life des vetements de tous les jours everyday clothes.
finir {19} vt and vi (often + de + infinitive) to finish quand
j'aurai fini de lire when have finished reading
I
Locutions Idioms finir par 1 (+ noun) [describes the action or object which
vivre au jour le jour [by choice] to live from day to day comes last] Nous finirons par une mousse au chocolat.
[through penury] to lead a hand-to-mouth existence We'll finish with chocolate mousse. Les enfants, ca va finir
gagner son pain quotidien to earn one's daily bread par des larmes! BrE Children, it'll end in tears (before
bedtime)! 2 (+ infinitive) [describes an action brought
about by the accumulation of preceding actions] Elle a fini
par ceder. She gave in in the end. Leurs disputes finissent
par me faire peur! Now their arguments are beginning to
frighten me.
final,e adj, mpl -naux final finalement adv finally
terminer {6} vt [bring to an end voluntarily] to finish
se terminer v refl [same usage as finir vi] to finish La fete
se terminera vers deux heures. The party will finish around
two.
32 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
terminus nm [of trains and buses] terminus nouveau, -velle ady, mpl -x 1 [recent, not old or
terminal nm [at airport] terminal established] newont construit une ville nouvelle dans le
lis
achever {9} vt [slightly formal. Obj: work] to finish desert a I'est du Caire. They built a new town in the desert
achievement nm [slightly formal] end L'achevement des to the east of Cairo. 2 [more recent and different from
travaux est pr4vu pour I'annie prochaine. The work is whatever went before] new les nouveaux pauvres the new
scheduled to end next year. poor Comment va ton nouveau travail? How's your new
arreter {6} vt [often + de + infinitive] to stop arreter de job?
fumer to stop smoking arret nm stop neuf, neuve ady 1 [which has not been worn or used by
cesser {6} vt and vi [more formal than arreter, but can be anybody before] new Je ne peux plus me permettre
used in conversation. Often + de + infinitive] to stop Cesse d'acheter une voiture neuve. can no longer afford to buy
I
tes Sneries! Will you stop fooling around Cessons de nous
I a new car. 2 [which has not been in existence a long time.
plaindre. Let's stop complaining. Often with tout, which adds a positive value judgment]
dernier, -mere adj 1 [final one in a series] last Louis- new La ville s'est dotee d'un tramway tout neuf. The town
Philippe fut le dernier roi de France. Louis-Philippe was gave itself a brand new tramway system. 3 [original] fresh
the king of France. 2 [most recent] latest Son dernier
last J'ai tout essaye pour la persuader de ne plus fumer, je n'ai
livre ne vaut rien. Her latest book is no good. 3 [just past] plus d' idees neuves surla question. I've tried eveything to
last la semaine derniere last week persuade her to stop smoking, I've run out of fresh ideas
dernierement adv lately on the matter.
neuf nm 1 [in commercial contexts, anything that is not
usage
' second-hand] new En vetements je veux bien porter de
/'occasion mais en chaussures j'achete toujours du neuf. I
dernier don't mind wearing second-hand clothes but where shoes
When used with words for intervals of time, dernier are concerned always buy them new. 2 [state of being
I
changes its meaning according to its position: la semaine new] new faire du neufavec du vieux to create something
derniere means the week before the current one, but la new out of something old
derniere semaine des variances is the final week of the
holidays. Nouveau, neuf, d'occasion
Beware of the difference between ma nouvelle voiture
my new car (i.e., the car which have recently acquired)
I
Locutions Idioms and ma voiture neuve my (brand-) new car. If you had
jusqu'au bout to the end just bought a second-hand car, you could say Ma
tirer a sa fin [describes the gradual ending of events or
nouvelle voiture n'estpas une voiture neuve'. A second-
periods of time] La journee tirait a sa fin. The day was hand car is une voiture d'occasion.
coming to an end.
jusqu'a la fin des temps 1 [biblical] until the end of time
2 [in exaggeration] till kingdom come
C'est la fin des haricots! [informal and often ironic. Used
when predicting that a fresh disaster will turn an already 12.2 Nouveau et interessant New and
difficult situation into a catastrophe] That's the last straw!
interesting
Citation Quotation original, e ady, mpl -naux original, out of the ordinary Des
Et s'il n'en reste qu'un, je serai celui-la. [Victor Hugo's myrtilles avec du strop d'erable, c'est original. Blueberries
famous line from Les Chatiments, 1853, his republican with maple syrup, there's an original combination.
pamphlet directed against the emperor Napoleon III. It is original nm [often used pejoratively. Someone who has
quoted (sometimes humorously) to symbolize proud surprising or worrying ideas] eccentric
opposition to tyranny] And if only one remains, will beI
originalite nf originality
that person. novateur, -trice also innovateur, -trice ady [describes:
e.g. idea, artist] innovative
innover {6} vi to have a new idea, to have new ideas.
Depuis que nous existons, nous avons toujours innove en
12 Old and new matiere de technique. Since our inception we've always
been technically innovative. Cette annee pour le feu
d'artifice, le conseil municipal a innove: il sera tire a partir
12.1 Nouveau New de barques sur la riviere. This year the local authorities
have had a new idea for the fireworks display: it will be
see also 33.6 Ancien set off from boats on the river.
se renouveler {1 1} v refl [produce new ideas or creations]
usage to come up with fresh ideas un cineaste qui ne se
renouvelle pas beaucoup a film-maker who has got into a
rut
Nouveau before or after a noun
1. The masculine singular form nouveau changes to
nouvel before a noun beginning with a vowel or a Locution Idiom
C'est tout nouveau tout beau, [this phrase is invariable.
silent 'h': e.g. un nouvel ami a new friend, un nouvel
It is used ironically to comment on something, a gadget a
hdpital a new hospital
2. In most of its meanings nouveau comes before the love affair, a trend, etc that is exciting because it is new
noun. The main exceptions are definition 1 below and but will soon pall] It's only a nine-day wonderVlt's a flash
in the pan.
a number of set expressions like pommes de terre
nouvelles new potatoes, vin nouveau (this) year's
vintage and art nouveau, which needs no translation.
1 3 Being on time 33
12.3 Moderne Modern
13 Being on time
moderne adj 1 [up-to-date] modern les techniques
modernes de communication modern communication
techniques 2[in academic contexts, late 19th century
13.1 Tot Early
onwards] contemporary I'histoire moderne contemporary
history tot adv early // est encore tot, rendors-toi. It's still early, go
moderniser {6} vtto modernize back to sleep! Pas trop tot! BrE Not before time! AmE Not
mode nf fashion C'est la mode. It's fashionable, a la mode too early!
in fashion L'orange n'est plus amode. Orange has gone
la d'abord adv first, in the first place
out of fashion, passer de mode to go out of fashion en avance ahead of schedule
avancer {7} vi [subj: e.g. clock, watch] to be fast
False friends actuel and actuellement matinal, e adj, mpl -naux early (in the morning) la
Do not be misled by the similarity between these words douceur matinale the beauty of the morning Tu es bien
and 'actual', 'actually'. In French actuel means 'current', matinal aujourd'hui! You've started early this morning!
and actuellement 'today' or 'now'. hatif, -tive adj [in gardening language] early chou hatif
early cabbage
actuel, -tuelle adj current dans la situation actuelle in the de bonne heure adv 1 [in the day] early Le bus de
current situation actuellement adv these days ramassage scolaire passe de bonne heure. The school bus
Actuellement, il y a des compagnies qui refusent d'assurer comes by early (in the morning). 2 [relative to a particular
une voiture qui couche dehors. Some insurance companies time] early// va falloir que je commence mes plantations
are now refusing to insure cars that are not parked in a de bonne heure. I'll have to start on my planting early.
garage at night. ne, e adj avant terme born prematurely
actualite nf[\n journalism] item of news C'est la Coree qui
fait I'actualite ce soir. Korea is the main item of news Locutions Idioms
tonight. ll/Elle est du matin
[informal] also C'est un/une leve-
d'actualite (used as an adjective) topical La deontologie tot. He's/She'san early riser.
medicale est d'actualite. Medical ethics are topical. Le monde appartient a ceux qui se levent tot
actualites nf pi [in journalism] news [proverb] The early bird catches the worm.
contemporain, e adj 1 [of our time] contemporary 2
(often + de) [belonging to the same period as the person
or thing under discussion] contemporary un peintre
13.2 Tard Late
contemporain de Fujita a painter contemporary with
Fujita tard adv late se lever tard to get up late // est tard. It's late.
de pointe [up to date technically] latest la chirurgie de retard nm delay Qu'est-ce qui a cause ce retard? What was
pointe the very latest developments in surgical techniques the cause of this delay? livrer des marchandises avec du
retard to deliver goods late en retard behind schedule Le
train a du retard. The train is late, avoir dix minutes de
12.4 Vieillot Old-fashioned retard to be ten minutes late mettre qqn en retard to
make sb late se mettre en retard to make oneself late
see also 33.6 Ancien a la derniere minute at the last minute
vieillot, -llote adj [old-fashioned and slightly ridiculous] tardif, -dive adj 1 [in the day] late faire du bruit a des
dated C'est ecrit dans un style un peu vieillot. It's written heures tardives to make a noise late at night 2 [relative to
in a rather dated style. a particular time] late J'ai eu un eveil tardif a la musique. I
demode, e adj [no longer in fashion. Describes: e.g. didn't become interested in music until late in life.
clothes, songs, ideas] out of date Ce style est tellement retardataire n latecomer
demode qu'il revient a la mode. That style is so out of retarder {6} vi 1 [subj: e.g. clock, watch] to be slow
date that it's coming back into fashion. sur le tard adv late in life J'ai eu mon fits sur le tard. had I
depasse, e adj [which has been overtaken by more my son late in life
modern ways of doing things] old hat Les telephones a avance, e adj late a une periode avancee de ma vie late in
cadran sont plutot depasses aujourd'hui. Telephones with (my) life a un stade avance de la maturation du homage
dials are rather old hat nowadays. Le constat d'adultere, at a late stage in the cheese ripening process
dans un divorce, c'est un peu depasse. Establishing
adultery in a divorce suit is rather old hat. Locutions Idioms
suranne, e adj [old-fashioned and charming. Describes: II est grand temps. It's high time. // est grand temps que
e.g. furnishings, photograph frames, clothing style, tu fasses tes valises. It's high time you packed your
hairstyle] quaint J'aimais passer des apres-midi dans le suitcases.
salon suranne de ma grand-tante. loved to spend I a la onzieme heure at the eleventh hour
afternoons in my great-aunt's charmingly old-fashioned les ouvriers de la onzieme heure those who come along
sitting room. at the last minute (and reap the benefits without any of
desuet, -suette adj 1 [no longer in use. Describes: e.g. the effort)
habit, phrase] old-fashioned 2 [synonym for suranne ]
quaint
archaique adj [pejorative. From a much earlier age] 13.3 Ponctualite Being on time
ancient un systeme archaique pour amener I'eau a I'evier
an ancient system for bringing water to the sink ponctuel, -tuelle adj 1 [describes: e.g. person] punctual 2
tomber en desuetude [is used of a fashion, an expression, [describes: e.g. event, arrival, departure] timely
a style] to become obsolete a I'heure 1 [at the right time] on time Le train est a
I'heure. The train is on time. Tous les vols vers la France
sont a I'heure. All flights to France are running to time.
34 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
2 [with plenty of time to spare] a I'heure pour in time for sous peu adv [within a short time] soon Je vous envoie
Je suis arrivee a I'heure pour prendre la correspondance votre carte de membre sous peu. I shall be sending your
de Grenoble. got there in time to catch the connection
I membership card soon.
for Grenoble. a I'instant adv [in the past] a minute ago Tu I'as ratee, elle
a temps [implies urgency] (just) in time, in the nick of time a telephone a I'instant. You missed her, she rang a minute
On allait partir, il est arrive a temps. We were about to ago.
leave, he arrived in the nick of time. dans un instant a. so dans une minute in a minute
a I'heure dite at the appointed hour
au jour dit on the agreed day
13.6 Remettre a plus tard To put off until
Locution Idiom
Chaque chose en son temps. All in good time. later
reporter (6) vt [implies that a new date will be set] to
postpone
13.4 Pret Ready
remettre {56} vt (often + a followed by new time or date)
pret, e adj 1 [prepared and on time] ready Les valises sont [same meaning as reporter] to put off La reunion a ete
faites, je suis pret. The cases are packed, I'm ready. // est remise a demain. The meeting was put off until
fin pretlElle est fin prete. He's/She's good and ready. tomorrow. Remettons notre visite a plus tard. Let's put off
2 (always + a) [willing or prepared to carry out an action] our visit until another day.
ready to // est toujours pret a rendre service. He's always ajourner (6) vt [put off without specifying a new date] to
ready to help others. E He est prete a tout pour sauver son postpone La reunion a ete ajournee. The meeting was
fits. She's prepared to do anything to save her son. pret a postponed.
I'emploi ready for use retarder {6} vt [make something happen later than
pret-a-porter nm [trade] ready-to-wear trade pret-a- planned, usu to the participants' disappointment] to put
porter adj, mpl prets-a-porter [describes: garment] off A/ous avons du retarder la date du mariage. We had to
ready to wear put off the wedding day. 7ous les avions en provenance
preparer (6) vt 1 [make ready, with idea of transformation du Canada sont retardes. There are delays on all flights
or processing. Obj: e.g. recipe, meal, bedroom] to prepare from Canada.
Comment prepares-tu ta sauce? How do you prepare the retard nm delay II y a eu un retard dans I'ouverture du
sauce? // fauf preparer la surface du mur avant de chantier. There was a delav in startinq the construction.
commencer a peindre. You have to prepare the surface of
the wall before you can start painting. 2 [assemble usage
disparate elements to get ready preparer les bagages to
]
get the luggage ready Tu as prepare tes affaires pour The false friends delay and delai
I'ecole demain? Are your school things ready for Delai nm refers to the length of time allowed for
tomorrow? something to happen, without any implication of
se preparer v refl to get ready Preparez-vous a defendre le lateness. So when you're ordering goods or booking
projet face a /'opposition de /'administration. Be prepared services which aren't available immediately, the question
to defend the project in the face of administrative Quels sont les delais? simply means 'How long will it
opposition. take?' Other examples: Je vous donne un delai d'une
appreter [same meaning as preparer. General
{6} vt 1 semaine pour terminer I'inventains. BrE I'll give you a
term] to make ready // ne reste plus qu'a appreter la salle
week in which to finish stocktaking. AmE I'll give you a
de reception. All that needs to be done now is to prepare week in which to finish taking inventory, I'rvraison dans
the reception area. 2 [technical language. Obj: e.g. paper, un delai de 15 jours delivery within a fortnight
surface) to apply a finish to 3 [put clothes on someone,
usu for an occasion] to dress (up) Les institutrices avaient atermoyer (17) vi [pejorative. Make excuses in order to
apprete les enfants pour le defile. The teachers had gain time) to procrastinate
dressed the children up for the procession. atermoiement nm [pejorative] procrastination
s'appreter v refl 1 [same meaning as se preparer] to get prolonger (8) vt [make something take longer. Obj: e.g.
ready 2 (always + a) [be on the verge of] to get ready to Je extend La greve
discussions, quarrel, party, vacation] to
m'appretais a partir lorsque le telephone a sonne. was I
des trains nous permet de prolonger notre sejour dans la
getting ready to leave when the phone rang. region. The train strike has enabled us to prolong our stay
in the area. Je ne voudrais pas prolonger la soiree
Locution Idiom indument, je travaille demain matin. don't want to stay
I
A vos marques, prets, partez! Ready, steady, go! up too late, I'm working tomorrow morning.
prolongations nf pi [at football] BrE extra time AmE
overtime jouer les prolongations BrE to play extra time
13.5 Proche - dans le temps Close - in AmE to play overtime
time
Locutions Idioms
see also 9.10 Adjectifs et adverbes de temps Demain il fera jour [informal]. Tomorrow is another day
d'un moment a I'autre also d'une minute a I'autre II ne faut jamais remettre au lendemain ce que Ion
any minute now peut faire le jour meme Never put off till tomorrow
bientot adv [within a short time] soon J'espere vous revoir what you can do today.
bientdt. hope to see you again soon. £//e est bientot
I
finie, la re'pe'tition?Wi\\ the rehearsal be over soon?
tout de suite adv immediately 13.7 Rapide Quick
recent, e adj recent
recemment adv recently see also 5.7 Courir 62.23 Mouvements du corps
incessamment adv any moment now le medecin doit rapide adj 1 [implies a relatively high speed. May also
passer incessamment. The doctor will be along any imply saving time) quick une toilette rapide a quick wash
moment now.
13 Being on time
35
le flot rapide du torrent the fast flow of the mountain
stream Phrases for encouraging people to hurry
rapidement adv vite On va maintenant de Paris a Londres Depechez-vous! Hurry up!
beaucoup plus rapidement. The trip from Paris to London Accelerez! Get a move on!
is much faster now. J'ai parcouru le journal rapidement.
Vite, il n'y a pas de temps a perdre! Quick, there's no
I
had a quick glance at the newspaper. time to lose!
rapidite nf [of a reaction, a procedure] speed On ne va pas rester la une heure! We haven't got all
vite adv quick(ly) Viens vite! Come quick(ly)! Je ne cours day!
pas aussi vite que toi. can't run as fast as you can. faire
I
vite to be quick Je me suis coupe, apporte-moi du
sparadrap, fais vite! cut myself, get me some plasters,
I
13.9 Qui se passe ou qui agit vite Quick
quickly!
vitesse nf [of athletes, vehicles] speed to happen or act
vif, vive adj 1 [with the speed of movement typical of
soudain, e adj sudden soudainement adv (slightly formal
young people] fast 2 [fast and lively] quick-witted
term], also soudain adv suddenly
tout a coup adv [commonly used phrase] suddenly
usage brusque adj [happening or acting too fast] (too) sudden
instantane, e adj instant Le soulagement va etre
Vite and rapidement
instantane. Relief will be instant, du cafe instantane
Both adverbs are similar in meaning, but there are some
instant coffee instantane nm snapshot instantanement
situations where they are not interchangeable. When
adv instantly
adressing someone urgently, vite is used: e.g. Eteins le
immediat, e adj immediate immediatement adv
gas, vite! Turn off the gas, quickly!
immediately
aussitot adv straightaway
aussitot que cony as soon as, immediately Je suis venu
aussitot que j'ai eu votre appel. came immediately
13.8 Essayer de faire vite To try to be (when) received your call.
I
I
quick
Locutions Idioms
se depecher {6} v refl (often + de + infinitive) to hurry Je
Aussitot dit aussitot fait. No sooner said than done.
me suis depechee de rentrer a la maison. hurried back to I
ventre a terre [describes running, or going fast in a
the house. Depeche-toi! Hurry up!
vehicle] like greased lightning Effraye par la detonation,
se hater {6} v refl (often + de + infinitive) [slightly literary.
lecheval est parti ventre a terre. Frightened by the noise
Synonym for se depecher] to hurry Les derniers passants
of the explosion, the horse bolted. // est revenu ventre a
se hataient de rentrer avant la pluie. The last passers-by
terre avec la lettre. He came back like greased lightning
were hurrying home before the rain.
with the letter.
bousculer {6} vt [pejorative] to rush Ne me bouscule pas, je
sans demander son reste [implies swift disappearance to
veux prendre le temps de choisir. Don't rush me, want to I
hide guilt] without so much as a by-your-leave
have time to make my choice.
se precipiter {6} v refl 1 [go very fast] to rush Je me suis
precipite chez le medecin. rushed to the doctor's. 2 [pejo-
I
rative. Go too fast for safety, or quality of result] to rush 13.10 Lent Slow
We vous precipitez pas pour rediger ce rapport, je veux lent, e adj slow Les progres sont tres lents. Progress is very
que vous remettiez un travail de qualite. Don't rush to get
slow. Tu n'as pas encore fini? Que tu es lent! Haven't you
this report out, want you to submit a high-quality piece
I
finished yet? How slow you are! lenteur nf slowness
of work.
lentement adv slowly Recommence le mouvement, plus
activer {6} vt [make happen faster] to hurry J'ai rajoute du
lentement cette fois. Do the movement again, more
revelateur pour activer le processus. I added some more slowly this time.
developer tc hurry the process along.
ralentir {19} 1 vi to slow down Le train ralentit, nous
acceierer {10} vi and vt [go faster, in a vehicle or in a
entrons en gare. The train's slowing down, we're coming
process] to speed up un moyen d 'acceierer la production a
into the station. Attention, un pieton, ralentissezl Watch
way of speeding up production out for the pedestrian, slow down 2 vt to slow down La
!
hate nf [undesirable speed, due to having too much to do
neige nous a ralentis en venant. The snow slowed us down
in too short a time] haste faire quelque chose a la hate to
on the way here.
do something in haste
ralentissement nm slowing down pas de ralentissement
hatif, -tive adj [pejorative. Too fast] hurried one decision
de I'activite economique au premier semestre no
hative a hurried decision Je te demande pardon de t'avoir slackening of economic activity in the first half of the year
mis en cause, j'ai ete trop hatif dans mes jugements.
lambiner [informal and pejorative] to dawdle
I
{6} vi
apologize for having unjustly accused you, came to a I
conclusion too hastily, hativement adv hurriedly
Locutions Idioms
etre presse, e to be in a hurry Elle est toujours pressee.
II n'y a pas le feu! What's the big hurry?
She's always in a hurry. Je ne suis pas presse de finir ce
C'est lui/elle, la lanterne rouge. He's/She's taking up the
travail pa rce qu'apres je suis au chomage. I'm in no hurry
rear of the race.
to finish this work as I shall be unemployed afterwards. avancer comme un escargot to go at a snail's pace
On n'est pas presse! There's no hurry!
precipitation nf [pejorative] rush On a du partir dans la
Citation Quotation
plus grande precipitation, et on a oublie la moitie de nos
Hatez-vous lentement. [Latin sayingmade famous by
affaires. We had to leave in an incredible rush, and we left Boileau in L'Art poetique, 1674, where he urges would-be
half our things behind.
poets to take as much time and trouble as possible whilst
a toute vitesse [informal] flat out Wous sommes alles a
keeping at the task. Used as advice to go neither too fast
I'hopital a toute vitesse. We drove flat out to the hospital. nor too slow] Make haste slowly.
36 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
13.11 A ttente Waiting
attente nf wait une longue/courte attente a long/short
wait une demi-heure d'attente a thirty-minute wait
salle nf d'attente waiting room
attendre {53} 1 vi to wait faire attendre qqn to keep sb
waiting 2 vt to wait for Qu'est-ce que tu attends? What
are you waiting for? J'attends un taxi. I'm waiting for a
taxi.
poireauter {6} vi [pejorative] to hang around (waiting) J'ai
poireaute deux heures chez le medecin. was kept
I
hanging around for two hours at the doctor's.
Locutions Idioms
faire le pied de grue also faire le poireau to kick one's
heels
poser un lapin a qqn to stand sb up
Us ne perdent rien pour attendre! They're going to get
what's coming to them!
Tout vient a point a qui sait attendre. [proverb]
Everything comes to him who watts.
The natural environment
girafeau nm, pi -x also girafon nm baby giraffe
14 Animals hippopotame nm hippopotamus
rhinoceros nm rhinoceros
babouin nm baboon
14.1 Animaux de la ferme Farm animals chimpanze nm chimpanzee
gorille nm gorilla
Families d'animaux de la ferme Groups of farm animals grand singe nm ape les grands singes the big apes
bouc nm billy-goat ours nm bear ourse nf she-bear ourson nm bear-cub
chevre nf (nanny-)goat ours polaire polar bear
chevreau nm, pi -x kid panda nm panda
belier nm ram koala nm koala bear
mouton nm sheep bison nm bison
brebis nf ewe buff le nm buffalo
agneau nm, pi -x lamb renard nm fox renarde nf vixen renardeau nm, pi -x fox
canard nm (male) duck, drake cub
cane nf (female) duck caneton nm duckling loup nm wolf louve nf she-wolf louveteau nm, pi -x wolf
cochon nm pig cub
pore nm [live animal or meat] pig porcelet nm piglet antilope nf antelope
truie nf sow zebre nm zebra
coq nm rooster lion nm lion lionne nf lioness lionceau nm, pi -x lion cub
poule nf hen poulet nm chicken elephant nm elephant elephante nf she-elephant
poussin nm chick elephanteau nm, pi -x elephant calf
dinde nf turkey (hen) singe nm monkey guenon nf female monkey
dindon nm turkey (cock) dindonneau nm, pi -x young chameau nm, pi -x camel chamelle nf she-camel
turkey kangourou nm, pi kangourous kangaroo
cheval nm, pi -vaux horse cerf nm, pi cerfs red deer
jument nf mare daim nm fallow deer
poulain nm foal biche nf doe
pouliche nf filly f aon nm fawn
ane nm donkey anesse nf female donkey anon nm young sanglier nm wild boar laie nf wild sow marcassin nm
donkey baby wild boar
mulet nm (male) mule
mule nf (female) mule usage
jars nm gander
oie nf goose oison nm gosling Shooting and hunting
boeuf nm, pi boeufs bullock The noun chasse nf and the verb chasser vi and vt i
taureau nm, pi -x bull to both shooting and hunting. To distinguish between
vache nf cow the two, specify chasse a courre for hunting and
veau nm, pi -x calf chasser a courre for to hunt. For the activity that is
genisse nf heiffer done on foot, individually or in a group, use chasse
(shooting) and chasser (to shoot).
Noms collectifs des animaux de la ferme Collective names The general term gibier nm is used for all game, but
for farmyard animals you can specify du gibier a poil (game animals), du
le betail [animals for meat production] livestock gibier a plumes (game birds) or du gibier d'eau
la basse-cour [includes poultry and rabbits] small farm (waterfowl). A different distinction is made between du
animals gros gibier (big game) and du petit gibier, also du
menu gibier (which includes mammals and birds)
Locutions Idioms
II est bete comme un ane. [has no sense] He's really
stupid [knows nothing] He knows absolutely nothing.
II est fort comme un boeuf. He's as strong as an ox. 14.3 Termes generaux designant les
II est rouge comme un coq. [through anger] He's scarlet animaux General words for animals
with rage.
II est sale comme un cochon. He's filthy dirty. bete nf creature We fais pas de mal a cette petite bete.
II est tetu comme une mule. He's stubborn as a mule. Don't hurt the little creature. La bete s'appretaita bondir.
The creature was about to pounce. En voila une grosse
bete qui a peur des petites! Go on, it won't eat you!
bestiole nf [used of a small animal or insect when its name
14.2 Animaux sauvages Wild animals
is not known] small creature
tigre nm tiger tigresse nf tigress faune nf fauna la faune de la region the local wildlife
leopardnm leopard
guepard nm cheetah
panthere nf panther
girafe nf giraffe
38 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
14.4 Modes a"alimentation Feeding
usage
habits
gueule nf
mammifere nm mammal
Gueule is the mouth of an animal: Le chat tenait une
omnivore nm omnivore omnivore adj omnivorous
souris dans sa gueule. The cat had a mouse in its mouth.
herbivore nm herbivore herbivore adj herbivorous
Gueule is neutral when referring to animals, but vulgar
carnivore nm, also carnassier carnivore carnivore adj
and pejorative when talking about humans: Ta gueule!
carnivorous
BrE Shut your gob! AmE Shut your trap!
rongeur nm rodent
14.5 Noms d'animaux sauvages designant 14.7 Bruits d'animaux Animal noises
les humains Names of wild animal used grogner {6} vi 1 [subj: e.g. dog] to growl 2 [subj: e.g. pig]
for people to grunt
grognement nm 1 [of dog] growl(ing) 2 [of pig]
tigresse, also panthere nf[a fierce, cruel or violently
grunt(ing)
possessive woman] tigress
gronder {6} vi [more aggressive than grogner] to growl
gorille nm 1 bodyguard 2 [as insult] Une espece de gorille
grondement nm [more aggressive than grognement]
entra. A great hulk of a man walked in.
growl(ing)
chameau! [insult, directed against a man or a woman] you siffler {6} vi 1 [subj: e.g. blackbird] to sing 2 [subj: e.g.
mean so-and-so! trained parrot] to whistle 3 [subj: e.g. snake] to hiss
siff lement nm 1 [of blackbird] song 2 [of macaw] whistle
3 [of snake] hiss(ing)
14.6 Parties du corps des animaux Parts aboyer {17} vi to bark
of animals' bodies aboiement nm bark(ing)
ronronner {6} vi to purr
griff e nf claw ronron also ronronnement nm purr(ing)
queue nf tail beler {6} w to bleat
sabot nm hoof belement nm bleat(ing)
defense nf tusk miauler {6} vi 1 [gently] to me(o)w 2 [harshly] to caterwaul
moustaches nf pi whiskers miaulement nm 1 [gentle] me(o)w 2 [harsh]
museau nm, pi -x 1 [of dog] muzzle 2 [of rodent, cat] nose caterwaul(ing)
patte nf 1 [of big mammal, bird, insect] leg 2 [of small rugir {19} vi to roar
mammal] paw rugissement nm roar(ing)
poil nm 1 [of dog] hair 2 [of cat] fur hennir {19} vi to neigh
fourrure nf 1 [of wild animal] fur 2 [long hair, of show hennissement nm neigh(ing)
animal] coat braire {61} v/'to bray
pelage nm [short or long hair, any animal] coat braiement nm braying
aile nf wing meugler {6} vi to moo
plume nf feather mugir {19} vi [more high-pitched and more agitated tham
corne nf horn meugler] to moo
bois nm antler caqueter {1 1} vi to cluck
echine nf [shoulder and back of a mammal] back(bone) caquetement nm cluck(ing)
croc nm fang Le chlen montrait ses crocs. The dog bared its cancaner {6} vi to quack
fangs. coasser {6} vi [subj e.g: frog] to croak
bee nm beak coassement nm [of frog] croak(ing)
serre nf talon croasser{6} vi to caw
branchie nf gill croassement nm caw(ing)
ecaille nf 1 [of fish, of snake] scale 2 [of tortoise] shell un
peigne en ecaille a tortoiseshell comb
carapace nf [of tortoise, insect] shell 14.8 Mots enfantins pour designer les
antenne nf feeler
aileron nm [of shark] fin bruitsd'animaux Baby words for animal
pince nf claw noises
Locutions Idioms ouah nm woof
etre dans les griffes de qqn to be in sb's power miaou nm BrE miaow AmE meow
L'entreprise bat de I'aile also a du plomb dans I'aile. coin coin nm quack quack
[by reference to a wounded bird] The firm is in trouble cocorico nm cluck cluck
financially. glou glou nm gobble gobble
Elle I'a pris sous son aile. She took him under her wing. meuh (meuh) nm moo
II m'a vole dans les plumes, [suggests instant aggression
and physical assault, but can also mean verbal attack,
often in retaliation] He flew at me.
Elle ne bougeait ni cou ni pattes. [usu out of fear or as a
ruse]She was playing dead.
1 5 Reptiles, insects and birds 39
Locutions Idioms
15 Pets and small animals face de rat! [insult. Implies pointed, mean features] rat-
face!
grenouille de benitier [pejorative. Refers to women and
implies narrow-minded piety] self-righteous church-goer
15.1 Animaux familiers Pets
myope comme une taupe [means BrE short-sighted AmE
Any pet can be called animal familier. The more formal near-sighted, not actually blind] blind as a bat
phrase animal de compagnie is also used, mainly for cats II criait comme un putois also poussait des cris de
and dogs. putois. He was screeching like a stuck pig.
J'aurais voulu disparaitre dans un trou de souris. I
wanted the earth to open up and swallow me
15.2 Les chats Cats aller a une vitesse d'escargot to go at a snail's pace
chat nm, chatte nf cat
chaton nm [used for males and females] kitten
minet nm, -nette nf [affectionate] puss, pussy(-cat) 16 Reptiles, insects and
minou nm [affectionate, male or female) pussy(-cat)
chat nm de gouttiere alley cat birds
matou nm torn (cat)
16.1 Reptiles Reptiles
15.3 Les chiens Dogs reptile nm reptile
chien nm dog chienne nf bitch couleuvre nf grass snake
chiot nm [used for males and females] puppy vipere nf adder
cabot nm [informal and usu pejorative] Pais taire ton serpent nm snake
cabot! Shut that damn dog up! lezard nm lizard
clebard nm Usu strongly pejorative] lui et son
[slang. alligator nm alligator
clebard! him and his damn dog! crocodile nm crocodile
toutou nm [baby talk. Used of or to dogs] doggy
chien-loup nm, pi chiens-loups also berger nm
allemand BrE Alsatian AmE German shepherd 16.2 Noms de reptiles designant les
caniche nm poodle
epagneul nm spaniel
humains Reptile names used for people
cocker nm cocker spaniel paresseux comme une couleuvre bone-idle
C'est une vraie vipere. He's/She's a really nasty piece of
work.
15.4 Autres animaux familiers Other pets C'est un serpent que j'ai rechauffe dans mon sein.
[used humorously] I've been nursing a viper in my bosom.
lapin nm (buck) rabbit lapine nf (doe) rabbit
perroquet nm parrot
poisson nm rouge goldfish
hamster nm hamster
16.3 Insectes Insects
gerboise nf gerbil abeille nf, also mouche nf a miel bee
cochon nm d'lnde [commonly used] also cobaye nm araignee nf spider
[when referring to experiments] guinea pig fourmi nf ant
tortue nf tortoise fourmiller vi {6} (often + de) [more pejorative when
describing humans] Les rochers fourmillent de petits
insectes. The rocks are teeming with tiny insects. La place
15.5 Petits animaux Small animals fourmille de monde. The square is swarming with people.
fourmilion also fourmi-lion nm, p/fourmis-lions
ratnm rat rate nf she-rat raton nm baby rat anteater
grenouille nf frog mite nf (clothes) moth un pull mange aux mites a moth-
souris nf mouse souriceau nm, pi -x baby mouse eaten sweater
crapaud nm toad mouche nf fly mouche a vers bluebottle
limace nf slug moustique nm mosquito moustiquaire nf mosquito net
fouine nf stone marten papillon nm butterfly papillon de nuit moth
herisson nm hedgehog puce nf flea puceron nm aphid
taupe nf mole sauterelle nf grasshopper
furet nm ferret
pore-epic nm, pi pore-epics porcupine asticot nm maggot
loutre nf otter chenille nf caterpillar
castor nm beaver chrysalide nf chrysalis
ecureuil nm squirrel larve nf larva
chauve-souris nf, pi chauves-souris bat nymphe nf pupa
escargot nm snail ceuf nm, pi ceufs egg la femelle pond ses oeufs. The female
blaireau nm, pi -x badger lays her eggs.
putois nm polecat metamorphose nf metamorphosis
lievre nm hare levraut nm young hare se metamorphoser {6} v refl (often + en ) [in common and
scientific use. Subj: insect] to go through (different) stages
La chenille se metamorphose en papillon. The caterpillar
turns into a butterfly.
40 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
ver nm worm ver blanc grub, ver a soie silkworm bois pique se percher v refl to perch
aux vers timber infected with woodworm picorer {6} 1 vt [obj: e.g. seed, crumb] to peck at 2 vi [subj:
vereux, -reuse adj [describes: e.g. fruit, berry] worm-eaten bird] to feed
planer {6} vi to hover overhead
Locutions Idioms pondre {53} vt and vi to lay
C'est une larve. [pejorative) He's stupid. s'envoler {6} v refl to fly away Un oiseau s'est envole. A
J'ai des fourmis dans les jambes. I've got pins and bird flew away.
needles in my legs. vol nm (bird) flight prendre son vol to fly away un vol
IIleur a tire les vers du nez. He wormed it out of them. d'hirondelles a flight of swallows
C'est ce qui lui a mis la puce a I'oreille. That's what voler {6} vi to fly
alerted him to what was going on. voleter {11} vi [subj: young or sick bird] to flutter
Locutions Idioms
16.4 Habitat des insectes Insect habitats a vol d'oiseau as the crow flies La gare est a dix
kilometres a vol d'oiseau. The station is ten kilometres
essaim nm swarm away as the crow flies.
fourmiliere nf anthill C'est une vraie fourmiliere ici! [many pratiquer la politique de I'autruche to hide one's head
people] The place is swarming with people! [busy people] in the sand
This is a hive of activity! saoul comme une grive drunk as a lord
ruche nf beehive Une hirondelle ne fait pas le printemps. [proverb] One
toile nf d'araignee spider's web swallow doesn't make a summer.
C'est toujours lui le pigeon! [slang] He's a born sucker!
Quelle cervelle de moineau! What a birdbrain!
16.5 Oiseaux Birds
see also 14.6 Parties du corps des animaux
oiseau nm, pi -x bird oiseau aquatique water bird oiseau 17 Water animals
de compagnie cage bird oiseau de proie bird of prey
oiseau migrateur migratory bird
echassier nm wader see also 14.6 Parties du corps des animaux, 72.11
oisillon nm fledgling
Peche et poissonnerie
nid nm nest
autruche nf ostrich 17.1 Poissons Fish
colombe nf dove
alevin nm [young fish for stocking rivers] des alevins fry
grive nf thrush
aleviner {6} vt [obj: river, pond] to stock with young fish
hirondelle nf swallow
mesange nf bleue blue tit
banc nm de poissons shoal of fish
mesange charbonniere coal tit
(menu) fretin nm [small fish rejected by angler] small fry
paon nm peacock poisson nm fish poissonneux, -neuse adj une riviere
pigeon nm pigeon poissonneuse a river well stocked with fish
pivert nm woodpecker
rouge-gorge nm, pi rouges-gorges robin (redbreast)
17.2 Animaux marins Sea creatures
baleine nf whale baleinier nm whaler
16.6 Noms d'oiseaux Names of birds corail nm, pi -raux coral
aigle nm eagle aiglon nm eaglet banc nm de corail coral reef
chouette nf owl crabenm crab
cigogne nf stork dauphin nm dolphin
corbeau nm, pi -x crow meduse nf jellyfish
cygne nm swan pieuvre nf octopus
epervier nm hawk poulpe nm octopus
etourneau nm, pi -x starling morse nm walrus
hibou nm, pi -x [unlike chouettes, hiboux have otarie nf sea-lion
crests]
owl phoque nm seal
martin-pecheur nm, pi martins-pecheurs kingfisher
merle nm blackbird merlette nf female blackbird
moineau nm, pi -x sparrow 17.3 Comparaisons avec les humains
piaf nm [informal, mostly Parisian usage] sparrow
Comparison with human beings
roitelet nm wren
rossignol nm nightingale Allthe similes below are pejorative.
tourterelle nf turtle dove limande nf 1 [fish] lemon sole 2 [woman] f//e est plate
vautour nm vulture comme une limande. She's as flat as a board.
moule nf 1 [animal] mussel 2 [expresses contempt for a
person] twit
16.7 Ce que font les oiseaux Actions morue nf 1 [fish] cod 2 [slang. Prostitute] tart ]
maquereau nm, pi -x 1 [fish] mackerel 2 [slang] pimp
performed by birds maquerelle nf madam
eclore {70} vi to hatch
merlan nm 1 [fish] whiting 2 [slang] barber
percher {6} vi to roost
requin nm 1 [fish] shark 2 [person] crook
18 Plants and trees 41
17.4 Cages des animaux aquatiques Locutions Idioms
effeuiller la marguerite 1 [with a daisy] to play BrE 'she-
Places for keeping water animals loves-me, she-loves-me-not' AmE love me, love me not
aquarium nm, pi aquariums 1 [in zoo] aquarium 2 [small, 2 [euphemism. Amorous activity taking place outdoors]
in a house] fish tank
pendant qu'il effeuillait la marguerite avec sa petite amie
while he was being romantic with his girlfriend
bocal nm, pi -caux fishbowl
delphinarium nm, pi delphinariums dolphinarium Ca lui retire une (belle) epine du pied. That's got him
out of a nasty spot.
vivier nm 1 [for fish] fish farm 2 [for lobsters] lobster farm
3 [container, in restaurant] aquarium
quand je mangerai les pissenlits par la racine
[humorous] when I'm dead and gone
Locutions Idioms
comme un poisson dans I'eau. He's in
To find out whether your beloved loves you, pluck the
ll/Elle est
petals of a daisy one by one and recite: il (elle) m'aime
his/She's in her element.
un peu, beaucoup, passionnement, a la folie, pas du tout.
Le poisson pourrit par la tete. [in hierarchies] The rot
Repeat until the last petal gives you the answer.
starts at the top.
C'est un veritable panier de crabes ici! It's 'dog eat
dog' around here!
marcher en crabe to walk sideways usage
II y a anguille sous roche. There's something in the wind.
tige nf and sarment nm
souff ler comme un phoque to puff and pant
Tige refers to stems and stalks. A woody stem is called a
engueuler qqn comme du poisson pourri [very
sarment. e.g. un sarment de vigne a vine shoot
informal, for comic effect] to call sb all the names under
the sun
regarder qqn avec des yeux de merlan frit [phrase
used for comic effect] BrE to gawp at sb AmE gawk
J'avalerais la mer et les poissons! I'm parched!
18.4 Des plantes pour decorer Decorative
rigoler, a. so se marrer comme une baleine [informal] plants
to laugh one's head off
plante nf verte also plante d'appartement house plant
plante en pot potted plant
18 Plants usage
bouquet nm, gerbe nf, botte nf and brassee nf
Bouquet is used for bunches of flowers of all types.
18.1 Plantes Plants Gerbe applies to long-stemmed flowers or grasses: une
gerbe de glaieuls a bunch of gladioli. A botte is a neatly
see also 79.1 Agriculture, 80 Jardinage
tied and compact bunch: une botte de foin a bale of hay
vegetal adj, mpl -taux [mostly scientific usage] la vie
une botte de cresson a bunch of watercress Brassee
vegetale plant life huile vegetale vegetable oil vegetal
suggests a large bunch of recently picked wild or garden
nm, pi -taux plant vegetalien, -lienne adj and n vegan
flowers: Elle a pose une brassee de lilas sur le piano. She
vegetarien, -rienne adj and n vegetarian
placed an armful of lilac blooms on the piano.
18.2 Fleurs des champs Wild flowers
nm cornflower 18.5 Des plantes pour la sante Medicinal
bleuet
bouton d'or nm, pi boutons d'or buttercup plants
coquelicot nm poppy
see also 68.1 Traitements et medicaments
marguerite nf daisy
herboriste n herbalist
pensee nf pansy
plante nf medicinale medicinal herb
pissenlit nm dandelion
infusion nf, also tisane herbal tea boire une infusion de
souci nm marigold souci des marais marsh marigold
camomille to have a cup of camomile tea
violette nf violet violette odorante sweet violet violette de
une cure de [a course of treatment, often involving plants]
chien dog violet
Faites une cure de jus de carotte pendant une semaine.
Drink carrot juice for a week.
18.3 Parties des plantes Parts of plants
epi nm [seed-bearing part] epi de mais cob (of sweetcorn) 18.6 Plantes symboles Meaning attached
manger le mais en epi to eat corn on the cob epi de ble
to certain plants
ear of wheat
epine nf thorn chrysantheme nm chrysanthemum. Symbolises death and
feuille nf leaf is the most popular flower for taking to a loved one's
feuille nf de vigne 1 [on vine] vine leaf 2 [on statues] fig- grave on All Saints' Day.
leaf lis nm, pi lis lily. Its flower symbolizes the
French
f leur nf 1 [on plant] flower 2 [on tree] blossom une fleur monarchy.
de cerisier a cherry blossom des cerisiers en fleur(s) cherry- muguet nm lily-of-the-valley. Sold for good luck on street
trees in blossom corners on Labour Day (May 1st).
graine nf seed
racine nf root
42 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
18.7 Types d'arbres Types of trees meleze nm larch
pin nm pine
arbre nm tree arbre fruitier fruit tree arbre a feuilles sapin nm fir
caduques deciduous tree arbre a feuilles persistantes
evergreen (tree)
arbuste nm small shrub 18.12 Noms d'arbres fruitiers Names of
arbrisseau nm, pi - x [smaller than arbuste] shrub
buisson nm bush fruit trees
conifere nm conifer
cerisier nm cherry tree
framboisier nm raspberry bush
pecher nm peach tree
18.8 Parties de I 'arbre Parts of trees poirier nm pear tree
pommier nm apple tree
bourgeon nm bud Les arbres sont en bourgeon(s). The
prunier nm plum tree
trees are in bud.
branche nf branch
brindille nf twig
nm
tronc trunk
19 Minerals and metals
gland nmacorn
pomme nf de pin pine cone
19.1 Pierres precieuses Precious stones
feuillage nm temperate climates] foliage 2 [in
1 [in
see also 25.13
rainforests] canopy
diamant nm diamond
rameau nm, pi -x [literary, from olive tree or holly bush]
opale nf opal
small branch
rubis nm ruby
seve nf sap
saphir nm sapphire
souche nf stump
amethyste nf amethyst
sous-bois nm 1 [low vegetation) undergrowth 2 [space
emeraude nf emerald
beneath the branches] wood se promener dans les sous-
perle nf pearl
bois to walk in the woods
branchage nm [large, fan-shaped] bough
Locutions Idioms
ecorce nf bark
C'est un bijou! [in admiration of a small, neat place or
object] How cute!
une perle! [usu of efficient domestic staff] a treasure!
18.9 Arbres poussant ensemble Trees payer rubis sur I'ongle to pay cash on the nail
growing together
foret nf forest
bois nm wood un bois a wood les bois autour de la maison
19.2 Metaux Metals
the woodland around the house metallurgie nf metallurgy metallurgiste n metallurgist
bosquet nm grove siderurgie nf steel industry siderurgiste n steel worker
taillis nm copse, coppice metal nm, pi -taux metal
maquis nm [in Corsica and Provence] scrubland area or nm gold
pinede nf pine grove aluminium nm aluminium
oliveraie nf olive grove cuivre (rouge) nm copper
cuivre (jaune), also laiton nm brass
acier nm steel
18.10 Noms d'arbres a feuilles caduques eta in nm 1 [ore] tin 2 [in ornaments and pots] pewter
fer nm iron fer blanc tin plate
Names of deciduous trees
plomb nm lead
aulne nm alder alliagenm alloy
bouleau nm, pi -x birch argent nm silver
chataignier nm sweet chestnut bronze nm bronze
chene nm oak fonte nf cast iron
hetre nm beech mercure nm mercury
marronnier nm chestnut tree marronnier d'lnde horse rouille nf rust rouille, e ad] rusty
chestnut
orme nm elm la maladie des ormes Dutch elm disease usage
peuplier nm poplar
platane nm plane tree Colours and metals
saule nm willow saule pleureur weeping willow The adjectives dore, e and argente, e can refer to the
colour of an object, regardless of what it is made of, or
they can denote the presence of gold or silver in the
object: des cheveux dores golden hair une pendule
18.11 Noms d'arbres a feuilles
doree [colour] a gold-coloured clock [substance] a gold-
persistantes Names of evergreen trees plated clock un cadre argente (colour] a silvery frame
[substance] a silver-plated frame
cypres nm cypress
epicea nm spruce
if nm yew
20 States of matter 43
20 States of matter usage
humecter {6} vt and imbiber {6} vt
With humecter, the liquid merely touches the surface
20.1 Corps gazeux Gases
of the object, usually the lips, whereas imbiber implies
gaz nm gas gaz carbonique carbon dioxide les gaz that the liquid permeates a spongy object for culinary or
d'echappement exhaust fumes medicinal purposes. L'infirmiere est obligee de lui
carfoone nm carbon date au carbone 14 radiocarbon dated humecter les levres regulierement. The nurse has to
oxygene nm oxygen moisten his lips regularly. Imbibez les biscuits de rhum.
helium nm helium Dip the sponge fingers in rum.
hydrogene nm hydrogen
20.4 Mouvements des liquides Flow of
20.2 Humidite Dampness
liquids
humidite nf 1 [in common usage] dampness I'humidite de
la cave the dampness of the cellar 2 [in scientific usage] verser {6} vt [obj: esp liquids to be drunk] to pour
humidity mesurer I'humidite de I'air to measure the se deverser dans {6} v refl 1 [subj: e.g. river] to flow into
humidity in the air 2 [subj: e.g. duct] to overflow into
humide damp Ne sors pas les cheveux
adj 1 [not yet dry] gicler {6} vi [accidentally, in a single stream] to spurt out
humides. Don't go out with damp hair. 2 [unpleasantly L'eau gicle du tuyau creve. Water is spurting out of the
wet] damp des draps humides damp sheets burst pipe.
moite adj [unpleasantly warm and moist] clammy J'avais eclabousser {6} vt 1 [accidentally] to splash Une voiture
les mains moites. My hands were clammy. m'a edabousse. A car splashed me. 2 [purposefully] to
moeileux, -lleuse adj [soft because of moisture inside] throw water at Ta sceur m'a edabousse! Your sister threw
juicy blanc de poulet moeileux nice and juicy chicken water over me!
breast eclaboussure nf splash
liquide adj 1 [dilute. Describes: e.g. pancake batter, ruisseler {1 1} vi [implies liquids flowing fast over a surface]
yoghurt] runny 2 [in scientific usage. Not solid or gaseous] to run L'eau ruisselle sur la parol rocheuse. Water is
liquid liquide nm liquid running down the rock face. Le mur ruisselle d'humidite.
aqueux, -queuse adj [scientific term Describes: e.g. The wall is running with damp.
solution, plant] aqueous degouliner {6} vi [slightly comic, usually accidental] to run
adipeux, -peuse adj [same usage as aqueux, but describes L'omelette lui degoulinait sur le menton. The omelette
human flesh and tissue] adipose was running down his chin.
suinter {6} vi [pejorative, often implies viscous liquids] to
ooze des murs qui suintent oozing walls Le sang suintait
de la plaie. Blood was oozing out of the wound.
20.3 Les corps solides et les liquides Solids
and liquids Locution Idiom
trempe jusqu'a la moelle, also trempe comme une
mouiller moisten Mouillez
{6} vt 1 [with a little liquid] to
soupe [a reference to soaking bread in soups] soaked to
d'un peu de cognac. Moisten with a dash of brandy.
the skin
2 [with a lot of liquid] mouiller qqch to get sthg wet We
marche pas dans la flaque, tu vas mouiller tes chaussures.
Don't step in the puddle, you'll get your shoes wet.
tremper {6} vt 1 [implies temporary soak] to dip 2 [implies 20.5 Secheresse Dryness
excess water] to drench Je suis trempe. am drenched.
[no longer moist] un abricot sec a dried
I
sec, seche adj 1
plonger {8} 1 vt [deep into liquid] to dip // a plonge la apricot La peinture est seche. The paint is dry. 2 [not wet]
louche dans la soupiere. He dipped the laddie into the
dry la saison seche the dry season
soup bowl. 2 vi [subj: e. g. swimmer] to dive
secher {10} 1 vtto dry Seche tes cheveux. Dry your hair. 2 vi
immerger {8} vt [more formal than plonger] to immerse to dry (out) On met les raisins a secher au soleil. The
immersion nf [mostly scientific usage] immersion un corps currants are left to dry in the sun.
en immersion an immersed body
secheresse nf 1 [quality] dryness la secheresse du sol the
arroser {6} vt 1 [by pouring, usu in gardening] to water
dryness of the soil 2 [period] drought
2 [carelessly, aggressively] to splash Pais attention de ne de
dessecher {10} vt [a natural process] to dry (out) L'air la
pas m 'arroser pendant que je lis! Be careful not to splash mer desseche peau. The sea air dries out the skin.
la
water over me while I'm reading! 3 [culinary term] to assecher {10} vt [geographical term. Obj: e.g. marsh, coal
baste
mine] to drain
inonder water on a flat surface] to
{6} vt [implies excess
deshydrater {6} vtto dehydrate
flood a inonde de bains. He's left the
le sol de la salle
se deshydrater v refl to become dehydrated
//
bathroom floor soaking wet. des crepes inondees de rhum essorer {6} vt 1 [obj: e.g. cloth] to wring out 2 [obj: e.g.
pancakes swimming in rum salad, herbs] to dry
aride adj arid aridite nf arid conditions
desert nm desert
desertique adj 1 [geographical term] les zones desertiques
desert areas 2 [desert-like] un paysage desertique an
empty landscape
a pied sec [walking across an area normally covered in
water] traverser un ruisseau a pied sec to walk across the
dry bed of a stream A maree basse on atteint file a pied
sec. At low tide you can walk out to the island.
44 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
20.6 Feu Fire cieux nm pi [literary] skies
horizon nm horizon a /'horizon on the horizon
bruler {6} vi and vt to burn couche nf d'ozone ozone layer
se bruler v refl [receive a burn to a part of the body] to
get burned
feu nm, pi -x [general term for burning material, but not
often used for domestic fires] fire en feu on fire 21 Light
incendie nm 1 [in a dwelling] fire Cestun incendie
volontaire. It's arson. 2 [in a vehicle] fire
sinistre nm [term used in insurance forms and newspaper
21.1 Nuit et demi-jour Darkness and half-
reports. Any occurrence causing damage or loss,
particularly fire] disaster light
brasier nm [big fire,purposely or accidentally] inferno
lit
nuit nf [quality of the light after the sun has gone down]
flambee nf [sudden cheering burst of flames in hearth]
dark(ness) Attendons la nuit. Let's wait till after dark. //
blaze // fait frais, je vais faire une petite flambee. It's chilly,
fait nuit. It's dark.
I'll light a little fire.
noir, e adj [absence of light, whatever the time of day]
foyer nm
[one of the smaller burning parts of a large fire]
dark. // fait noir pendant une eclipse. It's dark during an
seat of the fire Tous les foyers sont maintenant eteints. All
eclipse.
the different seats of the fire have been put out now.
noir nm dark // a peur dans le noir. He's afraid of the dark.
obscurite nf darkness dans I'obscurite in the dark
Feux et incendies
obscur, e adj [more literary than obscurite] dark La piece
un feu (de cheminee) a fire
est un peu obscure. The room is a bit dark.
un feu a bonfire
penombre nf 1 [literary word. Positive sense] half-light 2
un incendie a (house) fire
[negative sense] gloom
un feu de joie a bonfire
demi-jour nm [refers to the painterly quality of the light]
half-light
clair nm de lune moonlight
20.7 Effets du feu Consequences of a fire tenebres nf pi [literary. Very dark and rather frightening]
darkness
brulure nf burn brulure du 1er/2eme/3eme degre sombre adj dark // fait sombre. It's dark.
1st/2nd/3rd degree burn ombre nf 1 from the sun] shade a I'ombre d'un
[shelter
grand(e) brule(e) n burn(s) victim service des grands platane in the shade of a plane-tree 2 [shape on a surface]
brules burn(s) unit shadow L'enfant essayait de rattraper son ombre. The
cendres nf pi [in the grate, in an ashtray] ashes child was trying to catch his shadow. 3 [unlit area]
decombres nm pi [mixture of rubble and burnt materials shadows L'ombre envahissait lentement les rues. The
after a house fire] debris streets were slowly enveloped in darkness. 4 [poorly lit
area] gloom
20.8 Faire bruler To make things burn Locutions Idioms
II comme dans un four. It's pitch dark.
fait noir
mettre feu a 1 [as arson] to set on fire La cigarette a
le ]
On n'y voit pas a trois pas. You can't see your hand in
mis le feu aux rideaux. The cigarette set the curtains on front of your face.
fire. 2 [with intent to destroy, but under control] to burn Demain il fera jour, [common saying. We will understand
mettre le feu a des vieux chiffons to set fire to some old things better tomorrow] Let's sleep on it.
rags
allumer {6} vt to lightallumer un feu de cheminee to light
a fire in a fireplace allumer un incendie to start a fire
21.2 Lumiere Light
lumiere nf general term] light a la lumiere d'une
[
vieille
20.9 Eteindre le feu To put out a fire lampe a huile in the light of an old oil lamp
allumerleteindre la lumiere to switch the light on/off
eteindre {57} vt [obj: e.g. flames, fire, candle] to put out
extincteur nm (d'incendie) fire extinguisher
pompier nm fire-fighter
femme nf pompier fire-fighter
21.3 Faire de la lumiere To make light
voiture nf de pompiers fire engine allumer {6} vt 1 [obj: e.g. lamp, electrical apparatus] to
bouche nf d'incendie fire hydrant switch on 2 [obj: e.g. candle, cigarette] to light
eclairer {6} 1 vt to shine a light on. Eclairez le dessous de la
Locutions Idioms voiture pour queje verifie le pot d'echappement. Shine
pas de fumee sans feu no smoke without fire the light underneath the car so that can check the I
au feu! fire! exhaust pipe. 2 vi La lampe eclaire bien. The lamp gives a
good light.
briller (6) vi 1 [emit a bright light] to shine 2 [reflect a
20.10 L'alr The air light] to be shiny
luire (82) vi 1 [with a soft light] to gleam 2 [subj: esp wet
see also 23.4 Sortes de vents and 23.5 Brouillard et surfaces] to glisten
nuages scintiller (6}v/ [subj: e.g. lurex, distant town lights) to
air nm air dans I'air (up) in the air glitter
ciel nm sky etinceler (1 1} vi [subj: e.g. eye, tiara] to sparkle
22 Geography and astronomy 45
illuminer {6} vt [cause light to spread over a surface or
across a space] to light up couchant illuminait la
i.e so/e/7
22.2 La geographie humaine Human
falaise. The setting sun lit up the cliff. En appuyant sur ce geography
bouton, on illumine tout le jardin. You can light up the
pays nm country
whole garden by pressing this button.
peuple nm people le peuple the people un peuple a
chatoyer {17} vi [subj: esp fabrics] to shimmer
people
clignoter {6} vi [subj: e.g. indicator light/turn signal, distant
peupler {6} vt to populate des regions peu peuplees
lights] to blink
sparsely-populated areas
France nf France
Francais nm Frenchman Francaise nf Frenchwoman
21.4 Qualite de la lumiere Quality of francais, e adj [Note: the adjective has no capital letter]
French la nationalite franqaise French nationality
light
globe nm world la population du globe the world
The adjectives below differ from each other in the same population
way as the corresponding verbs. mappemonde nf [sphere with world map] globe
brillant, e adj [implies intensity and reflection of light] carte nf (de geographie) (geographical) map
bright monde nm world
eclaire, e adj [implies an external source of light unless mondial, e adj, mpl -diaux (of the) world
specified] lit nation nf nation national, e adj, mpl -naux national
luisant, e adj 1 [describes: e.g. polished surface] gleaming nationalite nf nationality
2 [describes: e.g. sealskin] glistening naturaliser {6} vt [to take on the nationality of the country
scintillant,e adj glittering in which one lives] // est naturalise franqais. He has taken
etincelant, e adj sparkling French nationality.
chatoyant, e adj shimmering international, e adj, mpl -naux international
cite nf 1 [a term reflecting the personality of a town] town
une cite commercante. Marseilles is a
Marseille est
21.5 Sortes de lumiere Kinds of light commercial town. 2 [residences] (workers' housing) estate
la cite universitaire the University halls of residence
rayon nm de soleil [of a knife blade, of a pair of eyes] villenf town
flash village nm village
lueur nf [feeble or dull] glow bourg nm large village
eclat nm [literary. Of a star, of metal, of glass. Implies campagne nf countryside a la campagne in the
beauty] shine briller avec I'eclat du verre to sparkle like countryside
glass golfe nm gulf
clarte nf [poetic. Natural light] light Tienf island
equateur nm equator
lampe nf lamp lampe de chevet bedside lamp lampe de Pole nm Sud South Pole
bureau table lamp parallele nm parallel
lampe nf electrique (electric) torch
phare nm de
bicyclette bicycle lamp Citations Quotations
bougie, also chandelle [old-fashioned term] nf candle Nous somes ici par la volonte du peuple et nous n'en
ampoule nf electrique light bulb sortirons que par la force des ba'Tonnettes. [Mirabeau's
famous exhortation to the new French Assembly in 1789.]
Locutions Idioms We are here because the people want us to be, and we
Tout ce qui brille n'est pas or. All that glitters is not shall not leave unless driven out by bayonets.
gold. Toute ma vie je me suis fait une certaine idee de la
le siecledes lumieres [the 18th century, by reference to France. [De Gaulle justifying his national vocation in
developments in philosophy during that period] the Memoires de Guerre, 1953] All my life have had my own
I
century of the Enlightenment special concept of France's place in the world.
Citation Quotation
cette obscure clarte qui tombe des etoiles [line from 22.3 Hauteurs naturelles Natural
Corneille's El Cid, often quoted as an example of poetic
contrast, or oxymoron] the darkened light which falls from
elevations
the stars versant nm 1 [in low upland] (hill)side 2 [in high
mountains] (rock)face
pente nf slope
sommet nm mountain
22 Geography and volcan nm volcano
montagne nf mountain
astronomy pic nm [mostly in the Pyrenees] peak
aiguille nf [mostly in the Alps] peak
vallee nf valley
22.1 Geographie physique et humaine vallon nm [literary] small valley
Physical and human geography altitude nf [measurable distance from sea-level] height,
altitude
geographie nf geography colline nf hill
geographe n geographer geographique adj geographical coteau nm, pi -x (hill)side
geologue n geologist geologique adj geological cote nf hill
46 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
sable nm
sand sableux, -euse adj sandy sablonneux,
colline, coteau, cote
-nneuse adj [literary. Covered in fine sand] sandy
Une colline is a hill, sometimes quite large, often visible banc nm de sable sandbank
from a distance. Un coteau refers to a slight rise, with dune nf sand dune
only one side visible. Coteau is often used of vine-
covered hillsides. Une cote is more subjective,
suggesting the idea of going up or down a slope: II y a
beaucoup de cotes (a grimper) entre les deux villages.
22.8 Cours d'eau Flowing water
There are many hills (to climb) between the two villages. ruisseau nm, pi -x brook
Cote also forms part of the name of many wines torrent nm [in mountains] stream
growing on hills: boire un bon Cote Saint Jacques to canal nm, pi -naux canal
drink a fine Cote Saint Jacques wine. embouchure nf mouth
source nf source La Loire prend sa source au plateau de
Millevaches. The source of the Loire is on the Millevaches
Plateau.
22.4 Roches Rocks nm
courant current
rocher nm 1 [angular) rock 2 [rounded] boulder
rocheux, -cheuse ad] rocky usage
pierre nf stone pierreux, -rreuse adj stony
caillou nm, pi -x (small) stone caillouteux, -teuse adj fleuve nm and riviere nf river
stony A fleuve flows into the sea, while a riviere flows into
gravier nm stone chipping another river. La Seine et la Tamise sont des fleuves. The
galet nm pebble une plage de galets a pebble beach Seine and the Thames are rivers.
fossile nm fossil
mineral nm ore du mineral de fer iron ore
mineral, e adj, mpl - raux mineral
22.9 Chutes d'eau Waterfalls
chute nf (d'eau), also saut nm waterfall les chutes du
22.5 Etendues d'eau Expanses of water Niagara Niagara Falls le saut du Doubs the falls of the
river Doubs
mer nf sea
cataracte nf [like chute d'eau, used for a large river]
lac nm lake
waterfall
ocean nm ocean
cascade nf [like chute d'eau, used for a small river or a
reservoir nm reservoir
torrent] waterfall
etang nm (small) lake
mare nf pond
marais nm marsh
marecage nm marshy area marecageux -geuse adj 22.10 Lieux plats Flat regions
marshy
plaine nf plain en plaine (down) in the lowlands
plateau nm pi -x plateau
creux nm [in a field, a road] dip
22.6 Le bord des etendues d'eau The land faux plat nm [term used by cyclists to refer to a stretch of
bordering a stretch of water road which looks flat but is in fact uphill] deceptive climb
bord nm
1 (of a pond] side 2 [of a river] bank au bord de la usage
riviereon the bank of the river 3 [of a lake, of the sea]
shore au bord du lac on the shore of the lake au bord de haut, e adj, haut nm and bas, basse adj
la mer at the seaside Many placenames include the adjective haut 'high',
rive nf bank la Rive Gauche the Left Bank (of the Seine in referring to the upper part of an area or river: la haute
Paris) SilesieUpper Silesia, la Haute-Loire the Upper Loire area,
rivage nm [of larger lakes, of the sea] shore la Haute-Savoie the French department of Haute-Savoie.
littoral nm coastline The noun haut 'height' forms part of the names of hills,
plage nf beach real or imagined: les Hauts de Hurlevent Wuthering
cote nm coast Heights.
cotier, -tiere adj coastal Bas, 'low', forms part of many placenames referring to
falaise nf cliff lowlands, lower parts of areas or stretches of rivers: les
cap nm cape Pays-Bas the Netherlands, la Basse-Loire the Lower Loire
area.
22.7 Caracteristiques de la mer Features
of the sea 22.11 Topologie et zones Ways of
maree nf tide maree haute high tide maree basse low tide dividing up areas of the world
La maree monte. The tide is coming in. La maree descend.
The tide is going out. endroit nm [general word for an area of any size] place
vague nf wave L'Egypte,un des plus beaux endroits que j'aie jamais vu
raz-de-maree nm inv tidal wave Egypt, one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen!
algue nf (piece of seaweed) des algues seaweed coin nm word for a place of any size) place
[informal
I'epicierdu coin the local grocer // n'a jamais quitte son
coin de Paris. He never left his own (small) area of Paris.
23 Weather and temperature
47
les coins de la planete oil il y a la guerre those parts of the
22.14 L'univers The universe
world where there is war
domaine nm [land belonging to a private owner or a etoile nf star une eto/7e filante a shooting star I'etoile du
government department] estate bergerlhe evening star
environs nm pi, also alentours nm pi surrounding area astre nm [scientific or literary term] star
C'est dans les environs also c'est aux alentours de soleil nm sun
Fontainebleau. It's in the area around Fontainebleau. lune nf moon
province nf 1 which is distant from
[part of the country planete nf planet
the capital) la province the provinces 2 [in official travel univers nm universe
announcements] dans la direction Paris-province outward- galaxie nf galaxy
bound (from Paris) meteore nm meteor
provincial, e adj, mp/ -ciaux [emotional term with comete nf comet
pejorative or nostalgic overtones] provincial. la Grande Ourse the Great Bear
region nf 1 [in geography] area regions montagneuses la voie lactee the Milky Way
mountainous areas 2 [administrative division in France.
With capital letter] region la Region Champagne-Ardenne Le systeme solaire The solar system
the Champagne-Ardenne administrative region Saturne Saturn I'anneau de Saturne Saturn's rings
terres nf pi [old-fashioned term] landed estate Quitter mes Neptune Neptune
terres, jamais! Leave my land, never! la Terre the Earth
territoire nm [the area under a country's legal jurisdiction] Venus Venus
territory Pluton Pluto
Jupiter Jupiter
usage Mercure Mercury
Mars Mars
baniieue nf faubourg nm and zone nf Uranus Uranus
The most common translation for baniieue is suburb, but
in French the word often suggests the deprivation, usage
unemployment and ghettoization more often associated
with inner-city areas in Britain and in the United States. Planets other than Earth and Venus are masculine, e.g.:
Faubourg is the outer edge of a town. In large towns Saturne est impressionnant sur les images du satellite.
the name faubourg was given to outlying districts but as Saturn looks impressive on the satellite images.
the towns extended their boundaries, streets called However, the names of all the planets may be used with
faubourg became part of the city centre, for example le feminine agreement when the word planete is present
faubourg Saint-Honore in the heart of Paris. or assumed in the general context, e.g.: On n'a pas
Une zone is an area designated for a particular purpose, encore photographie toutes les planetes. Saturne, quant
generally specified by the following word, e.g.: zone a elle, a fourni de tres belles images. Not all of the
industrielle industrial estate, zone inondable area liable planets have been photographed to date, but Saturn has
to flooding. In large towns the phrase la zone refers to a provided some wonderful images.
run-down area. In Britain it is associated with the inner
city, while in France it tends to be associated with the
deprived suburbs.
23 Weather and
22.12 Astronomie Astronomy temperature
astronomie nf astronomy
astronomique adj [used literally and figuratively] 23.1 Meteorologie et climat Weather and
astronomical
astronaute n astronaut
climate
cosmonaute n cosmonaut temps nm weather Quel temps fait-il? What's the weather
astronome n astronomer like? // fait beau (temps). The weather's lovely. // fait
mauvais (temps). The weather's awful.
Citation Quotation climat nm climate
Le silence eternel de ces espaces infinis m'eff raie. meteorologie nf meteorology
[comment by the 17th-century mathematician and meteo nf [informal. Bulletin] weather report Qu'a dit la
theologian, Blaise Pascal, about a world without a God] The meteo? What did they say on the weather?
eternal silence of these infinite spaces terrifies me. couvert, e adj [describes: e.g. sky, weather] overcast
degage, e adj [describes: e.g. sky, weather] clear
22.13 La science des astres The science of
the stars 23.2 Verbes indiquant le temps qu'il fait
Verbs describing weather conditions
astrophysique nf astrophysics
astrophysicien, -cienne n astrophysicist quel temps fait-il? what's the weather like?
trou nm noir black hole il y a [+ du, de la + noun] II y a du vent. It's
windy. II y a du
telescope nm telescope soleil. It's sunny. II y a de la tempete. It's stormy. II y a du
brouillard. It's foggy.
II pleut. It's raining.
II flotte. (very informal] It's pouring.
II neige. It's snowing.
48 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
II grele. There's a hailstorm. geler {1 1} vt and vi [used of the weather and its effects.
II vente. The wind's blowing. Obj: e.g. river, pond, washing on the line] to freeze
II gele. There's a frost. glacer (7) vt [used of the weather. Obj: e.g. ears, cheeks] to
II fait lourd. It (the weather) feels close. freeze
congeler {12} vi and vt [in a freezer. Obj: e.g. meat,
leftovers] to freeze
rafrafchir {19} vt and vi [mostly used of foodstuffs] to chill.
23.3 Sortes de pluie Types of rain
Mets la biere a rafrakhir. Put the beer in (the refrigerator)
pluie nf rain to chill.
pluvieux, -vieuse adj rainy se raf raichir v refl to get cooler ie temps se rafrakhit. If s
averse nf shower getting colder.
giboulee nf [often associated with March] shower refroidir {19} w'to go cold. Mange ou la soupe va refroidir.
goutte nf de pluie raindrop Eat or the soup will get cold.
bruine nf, also crachin nm drizzle se refroidir v refl [subj: temperature] to drop
neige nf fondue sleet boule nf de neige snowball
precipitations nf pi [scientific term] rainfall
23.8 Chaud Hot
23.4 Sortes de vents Types of wind
see also 23.1 Meteorologie et climat
bise nf [cold and unpleasant] north wind chaud, e ady 1 [not cold] hot un repas chaud
a hot meal 2
brise nf [usually light, warm and pleasant] breeze [at a high temperature] hot II a les mains chaudes. His
coup nm de vent gust (of wind) hands are warm.
rafale nf de vent also bourrasque nf gust (of wind) chaleur nf 1 [temperature] heat 2 [season] pendant les
courant d'air nm draught (grandes) chaleurs in very hot weather
chauffer {6} 1 vt Le soleil a chauffe les tuiles. The sun made
the tiles hot. Le soudeur doit d'abord chauffer le metal.
23.5 Brouillard et nuages Fog and clouds The welder must first heat the metal. 2 vi La roche chauffe
au soleil. The rock gets hot in the sun. Le moteur chauffe.
brouillard nm fog [from cold] The engine is warming up. [from hot] The
brume nf mist engine is overheating.
brumeux, -meuse adj misty tiede ady 1 [describes: things which should be be colder or
nuage nm cloud hotter] lukewarm J'ai horreur du cafe tiede! hate I
nuageux, -geuse adj cloudy lukewarm coffee! 2 [at a comfortable temperature] warm
Servez tiede. Serve while still warm.
tiedeur nf (slight) warmth
23.6 Phenomenes climatiques inhabituels bouillant, -e adj [describes: liquids] boiling hot
brulant, -e adj [describes: solids and liquids] burning hot
Unusual weather conditions torride ady [describes: climate] scorching hot
arc-en-ciel nm, pi arcs-en-ciel rainbow rechauffer {6} vt 1 [obj: food] to reheat 2 [by the fireside
orage nm [usually over land] storm or stove. Obj: e. g. hands, legs] to warm (up)
tempete nf [usually at sea] storm
foudre nf lightning
eclair nm flash of lightning
tonnerre nm thunder un coup
de tonnerre a clap of
thunder
vague nf de chaleur, also canicule nf heatwave
inondation nf flood
deluge nm 1 [rain] downpour 2 [in the Bible] le Deluge
the Flood
ouragan nm hurricane
verglas nm (black) ice
Locutions Idioms
un coup de tonnerre dans un ciel serein a bolt out of
the blue
par tous les temps in any weather
qu'ilpleuve ou qu'il vente [in any weather. Stresses
obstinacy of behaviour] come hell or high water
contre vents et marees against all odds
23.7 Froid Cold
see also 23 Meteorologie et climat
frais, fralche ady chilly // fait frais ce soir. It's chilly tonight.
froid, e ady cold
froid nm cold // fait un froid de canard. It's freezing (cold)
prendre froid to catch a chill
gel nm frost
Everyday things
24 In the house
24.1 Architecture Architecture
Home, at home
When talking about someone's home, use son
appartement or sa maison. If you don't know what sort
of accommodation the person has, use chez lui or chez
elle. The question 'where's home?' is translated by Vous
habitez oil?, unless it means "Where did you grow up?',
in which case it is best rendered by Vous venez d'oii?
When want to talk about the place where live, the
I I
most common phrase is chez moi. For example, Chez moi,
ye laisse toujour? la lumiere allumee dans I'entree le soir.
At home, always leave the light on in the hallway at
I
night. The phrase a la maison can also be used in this
context. Thus you could say: Venez chez moi demain or
Venez a la maison demain. Come over to my place
tomorrow. Mon foyer is the place call home, and the
I
people and way of life associate with it, e.g. Les
I
prisonniers de guerre ont ete liberes etsont rentres dans
leur foyer. The prisoners of war were freed and returned
home. When the word foyer is accompanied by a pavilion nm (detached) house
complement, it means an institutional home, e.g. un
foyer d'etudiants a student residence un foyer de
travailleurs immigres a hostel for immigrant workers. A
retirement home is une maison de retraite.
maison nf [detached, semi-detached or terraced] house
maison de campagne [second home, in the country]
country home
residence nf secondaire [more formal than maison de
campagne. Usu in the country] second home
villa nf[big comfortable house, usu in leafy suburb or in
seaside resort] detached house
lotissement nm [cheap housing built on the edge of a
small town or a village] estate
bidonville nm [substandard dwellings made of corrugated
iron sheets and other makeshift materials] shanty town
taudis nm hovel
Describing typical British housing
Because French houses look very different from houses in
Britain, there is no real equivalent for 'detached', 'semi-
detached' or 'terraced' house in French. However, when
describing a detached house, you could use the estate individuelle (a detached house)
Une maison
agent's phrase une maison individuelle. For a semi-
detached pair, you could say deux maisons mitoyennes
(but note that this only means two houses sharing an
interior wall, and does not imply that the two houses
look similar). Finally, a terrace could be rendered as une Les HLM
rue aux maisons mitoyennes and a terraced house would The initials HLM stand for habitations a loyer modiri or
have to be une petite maison avec des maisons BrE council flats (AmE public housing). They are usually
mitoyennes de chaque cote. Neither phrase, however, blocks of high-rise flats. The phrase habiter dans des
implies that the houses look alike. Most detached houses HLM, to on a council-built estate, used to bring
live
on the outskirts of towns are commonly referred to as instantly to mind the picture of tower blocks. Now there
pavilions. are many lew-rise HLM, and even some estates of
detached or semi-detached HLM. An individual flat
within an estate can be referred to as un HLM.
50 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
24.2 Parties de batiments Parts of
buildings
appartement nm BrE flat AmE apartment
studionm BrE studio flat AmE studio apartment
duplex nm [flat/apartment on two floors] maisonnette
chambre nf de bonne [traditionally on the top floor of an
old block of flats in Paris or other large cities, formerly
maid's quarters, and often used as student digs] BrE
bedsitter AmE studio apartment
avoir une chambre en ville (said of students who do not
live in a hall of residence or at home] to have digs in town
loge nf [ground-floor room in typical old-fashioned block]
(porter's) lodge S'adresser a la loge avant 20 heures.
Enquiries before 8 p.m. should be addressed to the porter.
meuble nm 1 [house] furnished house 2 [flat] BrE
furnished flat AmE furnished apartment
piece nf room
usage
chateau nm, pi x (manor house)
Avoid piece when talking about someone's room. Use
bureau if you are referring to an office or chambre if
you are referring to a bedroom.
24.3 Batiments hauts Tall buildings
immeuble nm 1 [any large property with several dwellings
inside] building 2 [purpose-built, rather than a converted
property high-rise or low-rise] block (of flats)
tour nf tower block
building nm [very tall, in highly populated cities like New
York, Hong Kong or in the modern parts of Paris such as
La Defense] BrE tower block AmE high-rise
gratte-ciel nm, pi gratte-ciels [term becoming old-
fashioned] skyscraper
residence nf [group of low-rise or high-rise flats] BrE block
of flats AmE block of apartments
moulin nm a vent windmill
chateau nm, pi -x d'eau water tower
24.4 Beaux batiments historiques Fine
historic buildings
chateau-fort nm, pi chateaux-forts (castle)
manoir nm (country house)
18th C Parisian town house:hotel particular (town house)
24 In the house 51
24.5 Petits batiments Simple buildings 24.7 Habiter To live somewhere
cabane nf 1 [general term] shed 2 [in garden] cabane (a see also 24.8 Hebergement
outils)garden shed habiter {6} vi [have as one's address or place of usual
appentis nm lean-to Beaux Moulins.
residence] to live J'habite (au) 32 rue des I
refuge nm [in mountains, for shepherds or tourists] hut rue des Beaux Moulins. les gens qui habitent la
live at 32.
case nf [in Africa] hut Suisse people who live in Switzerland
vivre {76} vi [have as one's usual place of residence, esp
when talking about countries] to live // est venu vivre en
France en 1985. He came to live in France in 1985.
demeurer {6} vi [same meaning as habiter, but more
official term] to reside
loger {8} vi [this verb is used esp in the context of short-
term rents, student digs, etc] to live Pour le moment, je
loge chez mes parents. At the moment I'm living with my
parents.
s'installer {6} v reil 1 [move in for a long or short period.
Implies comfort] to settle in Voila votre chambre, installez-
vous et faites comme
chez vous. Here's your bedroom,
settle in and make yourselfat home. 2 [move to a place
and begin a period of one's life there] to settle lis se sont
installes a Bruges apres la guerre. They settled in Bruges
after the war.
demenager {8} vi 1 [from one place to another] BrE to
fermette nf (small converted farm) move (house) AmE to move 2 [out of a place] to move out
emmenager {8} vi to move in
24.8 Hebergement Accommodation
see also 24.2 Partiesde batiments, 24.7 Habiter
deux-pieces nm BrE one-bedroomed flat AmE one-
bedroom apartment
trois-pieces nm Br/e two-bedroomed flat AmE two-
bedroom apartment
logement nm 1 [place to live in general] housing consacrer
un tiersde son budget au logement to spend a third of
one's income on housing 2 [home] BrE flat AmE
apartment un logement social BrE a council flat Elle a un
joli petit logement. She has a nice little flat.
loger {8} vi 1 [provide housing for] to house 2 [provide
mas nm also bastide nf (farm) temporary accommodation for] to put up La municipality
a construit une residence pour loger les nouveaux
arrivants. The civic authority built an estate in order to
house newcomers to the town.
hebergement nm [often temporary due to emergencies or
24.6 Gens qui construisent des batiments seasonal changes] accommodation
heberger {8} vt [similar to loger 2] to put up
People who work on buildings demeure nf [literary] house de larges avenues bordees de
architecte n architect magnifiques demeures wide avenues lined with
geometre-expert n (quantity) surveyor magnificent houses sa derniere demeure his last resting
les corps de metier the building trades place
electricien, -cienne n electrician domicile nm [official usage] place of residence livre a
couvreur nm roof contractor domicile delivered to the home
macon, -conne n bricklayer
menuisier, -siere n joiner
charpentier nm carpenter
plombier nm plumber
usage
Women in the building trades
Some above do not have a
of the professions listed
feminine form. When a woman works in any of these
trades, she can be described as, e.g. une femme
charpentier, une femme plombier. When describing
what she does, you can say Elle est plombier. When
you're about to call her, you can say J'appelle le
plombier.
52 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
24.9 Les gens et les endroits ou its a I'interieur indoors On mange a I'interieur ce soir, il fait
frais. Let's eat indoors tonight, it's chilly.
habitent People and the places where dehors adv outdoors envoyer les enfants jouer dehors to
they live send the children to play outside
see also 41.15 Posseder
locataire n tenant
proprietaire n landlord, landlady
24.12 Niveaux Levels
proprio n [informal. Owner of accommodation] landlord, rez-de-chaussee nm BrE ground floor AmE first floor
landlady premier etage nm BrE first floor AmE second floor
gardien, -dienne n [in new or old blocks of flats] porter deuxieme etage nm second floor
concierge n [the term is now considered old-fashioned balcon nm balcony
and, by some, offensive. Properly, it refers to the paid niveau nm [in car parks and car ferry holds] level
warden living in a small tied flat on the ground floor of an sous-sol nm basement
old block of flats in Paris or in other large cities] concierge grenier nm attic
sans-domicile-fixe nm, also SDF homeless person mansarde nf attic room
louer {6} vf to rent
Locutions Idioms
pendre la cremaillere [a cremaillere is a notched metal
24.13 A I'interieur des batiments Inside
plate fixed inside an open fireplace, to hang cooking pots buildings
from. Putting it in position, as in this phrase, symbolizes
entree nf, also vestibule nm [in house or flat/apartment]
the end of the moving-in ritual and the start of life in a
hall
new home] to have a housewarming (party)
hall nm [in block of flats/high-rise apartment] lobby
faire le tour du proprietaire [as a visitor, guest, new
vestiaire nm [in house or theatre] cloakroom
owner around faire
or tenant] to look faire le tour du
couloir nm passage
proprietaire a qqn to show sb around
24.10 Autour des batiments Around 24.14 D'un niveau a I'autre Different
levels
buildings
haut nm upstairs les chambres du haut the upstairs
toit nm roof
bedrooms en haut upstairs
ardoise nf slate
bas nm downstairs le bureau du bas the downstairs study
tuile nf tile
en bas downstairs
cheminee nf chimney
dessous nm les pieces du dessous the rooms below les gens
antenne nf (de television) aerial (antenne) parabolique
du dessous the people in the flat/apartment below
satellite dish
dessus nm les pieces du dessus the rooms above les gens
mur nm wall
du dessus the people in the flat/apartment above
crepi nm rendering
gouttiere nf gutter
fenetre nf window
vitre nf windowpane 24.15 Dans les pieces Inside rooms
rebord nm de fenetre windowsill
sol nm floor
volet nm shutter
revetement nm de sol floor covering
garage nm garage
plancher nm floorboards
allee nf drive
plafond nm ceiling
cour nf yard
parquet nm parquet floor
jardin nm garden
meuble nm piece of furniture les meubles the furniture
grille nf gate
meubler {6} vt to furnish lis sont meubles en Louis XV. All
pilier nm (de grille) gatepost
their furniture is Louis XV.
grillage nm fence
perron nm steps
porte nf door porte d'entr4e front door
boite nf a lettres letterbox 24.16 Salle de sejour Living room
huis nm door knocker
This room is also called le sejour, le salon and sometimes le
poignee nf de (la) porte doorknob
houses or flats where it is not separated from the
living. In
seuil nm de la porte threshold
dining-room, it is called le salon-salle-a-manger.
digicode nm [with keyboard for punching in a code] entry
phone
table nf table petite table, also table basse coffee table
buffet nm sideboard
chaise nf chair
24.11 Entrees et sorties Ways in and out siege nm [refers to any kind of chair or armchair] chair J'ai
fait recouvrir tous les sieges du salon. I've had all the
entree nf [access] way in L'entree donne sur la rue Fabre.
chairs in the living-room re-covered.
The entrance is on the rue Fabre.
sortie nf [in public places] exit sortie de secours emergency
canape nm, a l so divan, also sofa nm sofa
exit
fauteuil nm armchair fauteuil a bascule rocking chair
coussin nm cushion
cheminee nf fireplace
rebord a. so manteau (de cheminee) nm mantelpiece
24 In the house
53
foyer nm (de cheminee) 1 [in fireplace] hearth 24.19 Service de table Tableware
2 [administrative term for dwelling currently lived in]
home un village de cinq cents foyers a village with 500 service nm de table dinner set
homes verre nm glass
grille nf de foyer also de cheminee grate petite assiette nf side plate
tapis nm large rug grande assiette nf dinner plate
carpette nf rug coupe nf [for individual portions of icecream or dessert]
moquette nf (wall-to-wall) carpeting dish
rideau nm [outer, made of heavy fabric] curtain plat nm a legumes (vegetable) dish
voilage nm [inner, made of transparent fabric] BrE net plat nm a viande (serving) dish
curtainAmE sheers couteau nm a decouper carving knife
lampadaire nm standard lamp fourchette nf a viande carving fork
abat-jour nm inv lampshade serviette nf de table napkin
variateur nm de lumiere dimmer switch nappe nf tablecloth
halogene nm halogen lamp beurrier nm, pi -x butter dish
etagere nf shelf petite cuillere nf, also cuiller nf dessert spoon
etagere nf (a livres), bookshelf bibliotheque nf, also grande cuillere nf, also cuiller nf soup spoon
rayonnages nm pi bookshelves couteau nm knife
vase nm vase fourchette nf fork
un couvert est mis a place is set
24.17 Cuisine et ustensiles Kitchen and usage
kitchen equipment couvert nm
The word couvert denotes many different things
cuisine nf kitchen
connected with serving at table. Couvert is the
evier nm sink
collective word for the set of utensils laid around a
bassine nf a vaisselle BrE washing-up bowl AmE dishpan
plate.Tu as mis les assiettes mats pas les couverts. You
egouttoir nm dishrack
set the table but forgot the cutlery. The word also refers
paillasse nf draining board
to the utensils: le tiroir oil je range les couverts the
cuisiniere nf BrE cooker AmE stove
drawer where keep the cutlery. It can also mean the set
plaque nf de cuisson BrE hob AmE stove (top) I
of utensils, including plates and glasses, on a table which
four nm oven
has been set: mettre le couvert to set the table. Finally, it
poele nf (a frire) frying pan
can denote the number of guests attending: preparer un
casserole nf saucepan
repas de 50 couverts to prepare a meal for 50 people.
cocotte-minute® nf, pi cocottes-minutes pressure
cooker
ref rigerateur nm refrigerator
frigo nm [informal] fridge
congelateur nm freezer
24.20 Chambre Bedroom
plan nm de travail work surface lit nm bed
planche nf a decouper BrE chopping board AmE cutting coiffeuse nf dressing table
board glace nf mirror
placard nm cupboard commode nf chest of drawers
ouvre-botte nm, pi ouvre-bottes can opener tiroir nm drawer
robot-menager nm, pi robots-menagers food processor armoire nf BrE wardrobe AmE closet
four nm a micro-ondes, also micro-ondes nm inv
microwave (oven)
24.21 Sur le lit On the bed
24.18 Petits ustensiles Small kitchen nf
literie [collective term for all sheets, blankets, etc]
bedding
utensils oreiller nm pillow
bol nm [unless specified, e.g. bol a cidre, bowl for drinking traversin nm, also polochon nm bolster
is the one from which coffee or
cider. This utensil taie nf case taie d'oreiller pillowcase taie de traversin
chocolate will be normally drunk at breakfast time] bowl bolster case
tasse nf cup drap nm sheet
carafe nf (glass) jug couverture nf blanket couverture electrique electric
cruche nf (earthenware) jug blanket
plateau nm, pi -x tray duvet nm, also couette nf BrE duvet AmE comforter
rape nf a fromage cheese-grater housse nf de couette BrE duvet cover AmE comforter
saliere nf 1 [for grinding] salt mill 2 [container] BrE salt cover
cellar AmE salt shaker
edredon nm eiderdown
poivrier nm also poivriere nf pepperpot couvre-lit nm, pi couvre-lits bedspread
moulin nm a poivre BrE pepper mill AmE pepper (shaker) bouillotte nf hot-water bottle
54 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
24.22 Sanitaires Bathroom and toilet aller a I'hotel to go to a hotel // est trop tard pour planter
la tente, on va aller a I'hotel. It's too late to pitch the tent,
lavabo nm BrE (wash) basin AmE sink let's go to a hotel.
vasque nf [round-shaped, stylish] BrE (wash) basin AmE descendre a I'hotel [this phrase implies that a reservation
sink has been made. It also hints at comfort, although not
robinet nm BrE tap AmE faucet luxury] to stay at a hotel le descends toujours au
bain nm BrE bath AmE bathtub Miramare. I always stay at the Miramare.
melangeur nm BrE mixer tap AmE faucet
douche nf shower
douchette nf shower attachment
rideau nm de douche shower curtain
bonde nf BrE plug AmE stopper
25 Clothes, accessories
tapis nm de bain bath mat and cosmetics
bidet nm bidet
siege nm (des toilettes) toilet seat rabattre le siege to
lower the seat 25.1 Habillement Clothes
reservoir nm BrE cistern AmE toilet tank
porte-serviette nm, pi porte-serviettes BrE towel rail habillement nm clothes Je depense
beaucoup pour
AmE towel rack I'habillement. I spend
on clothes, le rayon
a lot
habillement the clothing department
usage habit nm 1 [any item] piece of clothing mes habits my
clothes 2 [ceremonial] full (ceremonial) dress un
Toilettes nf pi academicien en habit a member of the Academie wearing
When you need to mention the toilet, the best phrase is ceremonial dress
les toilettes. Note that les WC nm pi and les cabinets vetements nm pi clothes
nm pi are both a little informal, and les cabinets is a vetement nm 1 [general term] garment 2 [item worn over
term often used by or to children. There isn't really a other clothes, such as a overcoat, mac or cape] coat
euphemism in common use, apart from le petit coin,
equivalent to 'the smallest room', which is informal.
25.2 Parties des vetements Parts of
papier nm toilettes, also papier hygienique toilet
paper clothes
rouleau nm de papier toilettes toilet paper roll
col nm collar
chasse nf d'eau flush
manche nf sleeve
tirer la chasse [said whether a chain or other mechanisms
jambe nf, also jambiere nf (trouser) leg
are used] to flush
entrejambes nm crotch
C'est occupe! It's occupied!
poche nf pocket
poignet nm cuff
revers nm 1 [on jacket] lapel 2 [on trouser leg] BrE turn-up
24.23 Chauffer la maison Heating the AmE cuff
house ourlet nm hem
braguette nf [on trousers, shorts] BrE flies AmE fly
chauffage nm 1 [system] heating system chauffage central bouton nm button
central heating 2 [device] heater J'ai apporte un
chauffage d'appoint. I've brought an extra heater along.
radiateur nm 1 [general term] heater 2 [as in central 25.3 Porter des vetements To wear
heating] radiator 3 [glowing red] fire radiateur a gaz gas
heater radiateur electrique electric heater clothes
habiller {6} vt to dress habiller un enfant to dress a child
habiller une comme a la scene to be the
actrice a la ville
24.24 Hotels Hotels designer for an actress both on and off stage
s'habiller v refl 1 [to cover one's nakedness ] to put clothes
hotel nm hotel
on 2 [for a special occasion] to dress up
palace nm luxury hotel
deshabiller (6) vtto undress
pension nf 1 [system for taking meals in a hotel] pension
se deshabiller v refl to take one's clothes off
complete full board demi-pension half board 2 [old-
mettre {56} vt 1 [as an action] to put on Depeche-toi de
fashioned. Cheap hotel] boarding house
mettre ton jeans. Hurry up and put your jeans on. 2 [as a
motel nm motel
choice of clothing] to wear Pourquoi tu ne mets jamais
chambre nf room chambre a deux lits also a deux
ton chale? Why don't you ever wear your shawl?
personnes BrE double room AmE two-person room
porter {6} vt [similar to mettre 2 to wear ]
chambre a un lit also a une personne single room Vous
passer {6} vt, also enfiler {6} vt [denotes speed) to slip on
voulez une chambre avec un grand lit ou des lits jumeaux?
essayer { 6) vt to try on
1
Would you like a double room with one bed, or a twin-
endosser (6) vt [obj: clothes which cover the whole back]
bedded room? chambre avec douche room with shower
to put on endosser un manteau to put a coat on
only
etrenner (6) vtto wear ... for the first time
petit dejeuner compris breakfast included
arborer {6} vt [indicates that the item is worn with pride]
salle nf de bain(s) bathroom
to wear E He arborait son echarpe de maire. She was
cabinet nm de toilette [usu this means a washstand but
wearing her mayor's tricolour sash with some pride.
no bath] washing facilities
25 Clothes, accessories and cosmetics
55
25.4 Vetements courants a porter lejour 25.8 Vetements de sport et de danse
Ordinary clothes for day wear Sports and dance wear
pantalon nm [man or woman's] (pair of) trousers J'ai survetement nm track suit
achete un pantalon. bought a pair of trousers.
I
jogging nmterm and the garment are more
[the
veston nm [The term is being superseded by veste. Man's] fashionable than survetement] track suit
jacket justaucorps nm [for female or male dancers] leotard
veste nf [man's or woman's] jacket tunique nf (a volant) [for female dancers] leotard (with a
jupe nf skirt frill)
robe nf dress body nm [with fasteners between the legs. Term used in
costume nm, also complet nm [man's] suit e.g. aerobics] leotard
tailleur nm [woman's] suit tutu nm tutu
gilet nm 1 [part of three piece suit, worn by both sexes] chausson nm de danse ballet slipper
BrE waistcoat AmE vest 2 [sleeveless, sometimes made of
leather, worn by both sexes over a shirt] BrE jerkin AmE
vest
25.9 Chaussures Shoes
corsage nm, also chemisier nm [woman's] blouse
blouse nf [man's or woman's, shaped like a coat] BrE chaussure nf 1 [various types] shoe 2 [sturdy types] boot
overall AmE coverall godasse nf [commonly used informal, pejorative term]
chemise nf [man's or woman's] shirt shoe
chemisette nf [man's] (short-sleeved) shirt pompe nf [slang] shoe
impermeable nm [man's or woman's] raincoat Soulier nm [old-fashioned term] shoe
manteau nm, pi -x [man's or woman's] coat sandale nf sandal
pardessus nm [man's] overcoat sandalette nf [for woman or child] small sandal
salopette nf [man's or woman's; fashion item] (pair of) BrE boucle nf buckle
dungarees AmE overalls botte nf [knee-length] boot
cotte nf, also combinaison nf [divided garment. Man's or talon nm heel talon haut high heel talon aiguille stiletto
woman's] (worker's) overalls heel
bleu nm de travail [jacket and trousers. Man's or lacet nm (shoe) lace
woman's] (worker's) BrE overalls AmE work clothes tennis nf [below the ankle] BrE trainer AmE sneakers
chaussette nf [man or woman's] sock basket nf [above the ankle] BrE trainer AmE high-top
sneakers
semelle nf sole
25.5 Vetements tricotes Knitted clothes chaussure de gym gym shoe
pantoufle nf BrE slipper AmE house slipper
pull nm, also pullover nm, also chandail nm, pi chausson nm BrE slipper AmE house slipper
chandails sweater sabot nm BrE clog
tricot nm 1 [open at the front] cardigan 2 [for slipping botte nf en caoutchouc [made of rubber] (Wellington)
over the head] sweater boot
gilet nm cardigan cirage nm shoe polish
brosse nf a chaussures shoebrush
25.6 Sous-vetements Underwear
25.10 Couvre-chefs Headgear
culotte nf (pair of) BrE knickers AmE panties
slip nm 1 [man's] (pair of) underpants 2 [woman's] (pair of) chapeau nm, pi -x nm hat
BrE knickers AmE panties casquette nf [flat, made of cloth] cap
soutien-gorge nm, pi soutiens-gorge bra turban nm turban
bas nm BrE stocking AmE hose casque nm [construction worker's or motorbike rider's]
mi-bas nm, pi mi-bas BrE knee-high stocking AmE hose helmet casque integral (wraparound) crash helmet
collant nm (pair of) tights capuchon nm hood
jupon nm BrE petticoat AmE slip serre-tete nm inv 1 [man's] headband 2 [woman's] BrE hair
combinaison nf slip band AmE head band
calecon nm boxer shorts calecon long (pair of) long Johns perruque nf wig
en petite tenue wearing only one's underwear
25.11 Protection contre le froid et la
25.7 Vetements de nuit Nightwear pluie For keeping warm and dry
pyjama nm [man or woman's] (pair of) pyjamas echarpe also foulard nm scarf
nf,
chemise nf de nuit [long shirt for men, or any style for
also carre nm [as worn by, e.g. country women]
nm
fichu,
women] nightie headscarf
nuisette nf (very short, for women] nightie
passe-montagne nm, pi passe-montagnes BrE cagoule
robe nf de chambre [man or woman's] BrE dressing gown AmE windbreaker
AmE robe gant nm glove une paire de gants a pair of gloves
chale nm shawl
parapluie nm umbrella
56 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
boucle nf d'oreille earring
pendant nm d'oreille [dangling] earring
collier nm necklace
bague nf ring
bracelet nm bracelet
broche nf brooch
25.14 Produits de beaute Cosmetics
produit nm de beaute [phrase used by advertisers, in
shops, etc] cosmetics, beauty products
maquillage nm 1 [substance that has been applied] make-
up Tu as du maquillage sur ton col. There's make-up on
your collar. 2 [product] du maquillage, a. so des
produits de maquillage cosmetics J'ai laisse tout mon
maquillage a cote du lavabo. left all my all my make-up
I
next to the sink.
rouge nm a levres lipstick
mascara nm mascara
fard nm, also ombre nf a paupieres eye-shadow
parfum "•"> i Iplpasant smell] scent 2 [essence] perfume
eau nf, pi -x de Cologne eau de Cologne
parfum and eau de toilette
Un parfum is more expensive than the same scent sold as
une eau de toilette, since it is more concentrated
25.15 Mouchoirs Handkerchiefs
mouchoir nm handkerchief mouchoir en papier tissue
pochette nf breast pocket handkerchief
26 Textiles and materials
see also 83.6 Travaux d'aiguille
cartable nm (school bag)
26.1 Textiles Textiles
25.12 Sacs et serviettes Bags and textile nm 1 [product. Term used in the trade, in shops,
briefcases etc] material textile synthetique also artificiel man-made
material 2 [trade] textile industry
see also 32.2 Contenants tissu nm [general term] material // me faut deux metres de
sac nm (a main) BrE handbag AmE purse tissu. I need two metres of material, du tissu synthetique
serviette nf, also attache-case nm briefcase man-made material
mallette nf small suitcase tissu-eponge nm, pi tissus-eponges towelling
porte-document nm inv document case etoffe nf fabric vetu d'une etoffe grossiere dressed in
coarse cloth Les fauteuils sont tapisses de riches etoffes.
The armchairs are luxuriously upholstered.
25.13 Accessoires et bijoux Accessories fil nm (a coudre) 1 [for sewing] cotton 2 [piece pulled off
material] thread
and jewels weave metier a
tisser (6) vt to tisser loom
cravate nf" tie tisserand, e n weaver
nceud nm bow nceud papillon bow tie
ruban nm ribbon
ceinture nf belt 26.2 Tissus courants Common materials
ceinturon nm [man's, military-type] belt
bretelles nf pi (pair of) braces feutre nm felt
bouton nm de manchette cufflink une paire de boutons nylon nm nylon
de manchette a pair of cufflinks polyester nm polyester
nm fan
eventail velours nm velvet velours cdtele corduroy
badge nm badge cuir nm leather
bijou nm, pi - x jewel daim nm suede
bijoutier -tiere n jeweller lin nm linen
bijouterie nf jeweller's
joaillier, -lliere n (specialist in gems) jeweller
joyau nm, pi -x gem
27 Putting together, taking apart, maintenance 57
toile nf cloth
soie nf silk 27 Repairs, decoration
satin nm satin
dentelle nf lace des dentelles lacework and construction
usage
27.1 Assembler To put together
To express the names of the materials as adjectives (a
silk dress, a velvet hat), use de + noun: e.g. une robe de assembler {6} vt [general term. May involve various
soie, un chapeau de velours. Alternatively, use en + techniques. Obj: e.g. machine, kit, toy] to put together
noun, e.g. une robe en soie, un chapeau en velours. rassembler {6} vt [put together after the elements have
been separated] to collect (together) Je vais rassembler
nos affaires. I'll our things (together).
collect
monter together with nails, screws etc. More
{6} vt [put
26.3 Materiaux Materials technical than assembler] to assemble
accrocher {6} vt to hook (up) accrocher une remorque a un
material! nm, pi -x material tracteur to hitch a trailer up to a tractor
matiere nf premiere raw material meler substance out of two or more
{6} vt [create a single
caoutchouc nm 1 [raw] gum 2 [processed] rubber elements] to blend meler de I'eau et also avec du vin to
latex nm latex blend water and wine
vulcanisation nf vulcanization melanger {8} vt [same meaning as meler, but stresses the
verre nm glass disparity of the original elements] to blend Melangez les
plexiglas nm plexiglas des de carottes, de tomates et de concombre. Mix
moule nm mould together the diced carrot, tomato and cucumber.
refractaire ady refractory combiner {6} vt [put together in particular proportions,
porcelaine nf china e.g. in cooking, chemistry, etc] to combine Combinez I'eau
ceramique nf ceramic avec le platre jusqu'a obtenir une masse pateuse. Mix the
kaolin nm kaolin water with the plaster until you have a paste.
vernis nm glaze joindre {58} vt [put together edge to edge] to join le fil de
email nm, pi emaux enamel fer qui joint les deux parties de la cloture the wire joining
four nm kiln the two sections of the fence
bois nm 1 wood bois tendres softwoods bois durs attacher {6} vt [usu with string, wire, cable, etc] to tie up
hardwoods 2 [for building] timber attacher un colis to tie up a parcel attacher un rosier au
cellulose nf cellulose mur to tie a climbing rose to a wall attacher un chien a un
papier nm paper arbre to tie a dog to a tree
pate nf a papier BrE wood pulp AmE paper pulp lier {6} vt [literary. Same meaning as attacher] to tie up
papyrus nm papyrus tier un bouquet de fleurs avec un ruban de couleur to tie
carton nm cardboardcarton bitume roofing felt up a bunch of flowers with a coloured ribbon
matieres nf pi plastiques plastics coder {6} vt to glue (together)
biodegradable ad] biodegradable qui n'est pas biodegrad- collant, e adj sticky
able non-biodegradable agrafer {6} vtto staple (together)
celluloidenm celluloid epingler {6} vt to pin (together)
polystyrene nm polystyrene polystyrene expanse
expanded polystyrene
polymere nm polymer
27.2 Separation Separation
argile nf clay
chaux nf lime chaux vive quicklime see also 56.1 Classifier
craie nf chalk separer {6} vt [move a partaway from the whole, or move
marbre nm marble two away from each other] to separate Separez le
parts
goudron nm tar blanc dujaune also le blanc et lejaune. Separate the yolk
platrenm plaster from the white, separer deux chiens qui se battent to
ciment nm cement separate two dogs in a fight
placoplatre nm ® plasterboard separation nf separation lis ont tente de proceder a la
agglomere nm chipboard separation des soeurs siamoises. They attempted to
contreplaque nm plywood separate the Siamese twins.
partager {8} vt [implies allocation of resources or duties] to
share (out)
26.4 Gerties exprimant /'utilisation de partage nm sharing (out)
diviser {6} vt 1 [create subsets within a set] to divide diviser
materiaux Verbs describing the use of une equipe en groupes to split a team into three
trois
materials groups 2 [pejorative Obj: e.g. community, family] to tear
apart
vulcaniser {6} vt to vulcanize division nf dividing (up)
souffler {6} vt [obj: glass] to blow
vitrifier {1 5} vt [obj: e.g. glass, enamel] to glaze
emailler {6} vt [obj: lid, valve] to enamel
polymeriser {6} vtto polymerize
goudronner {6} vt to tar
enduire enduire qqch de vernis to glaze sthg
{82} vt to coat
enduire qqch de peinture to paint sthg
58 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
27.3 Faqons de separer Ways of pinceau nm, pi -x paintbrush
lait nm de chaux whitewash passer un mur au lait de
separating chaux to whitewash a wall
ecarter [move parts away from each other, without creosote nf creosote
{6} vt 1
separating completely] to move apart ecarter une meche papier nm peint wallpaper un rouleau de papier peint a
roll of wallpaper refaire les papiers peints dans une
to move a strand of hair ecarter les rideaux pour mieux
voir to move the curtain aside to get a better look Ecartez
maison to redecorate a house
doucement le papier qui recouvre le bouquet. Carefully colle nf [for wallpaper] wallpaper paste
remove the paper protecting the bouquet. 2 [obj: arms, echelle nf ladder
legs] to spread, to open
dechirer {6} vt [separate parts of a woven material, mainly
cloth and paper] to tear 27.7 Eau et electricite Water and
arracher {6} vt [remove a part of, usu with force] to rip
electricity
(out)
detacher {6} vt [remove carefully, neatly] to undo detacher eau nf water fermer I'eau to switch off the water supply
ses lacets to undo one'sDetacher en suivant
laces les plomberie nf [trade, also piping] plumbing
perforations. Tear along the dotted line. tuyau nm, pi -x [single tube] pipe un tuyau de plomb a
(length of) lead pipe
canalisation nf [tube forming part of the system bringing
27.4 Reparations et bricolage Repairs and water to or taking sewage out of a house] pipe Les
canalisations sont a refaire. The piping needs replacing.
Do It Yourself electricite nf electricity avoir I'electricite to have electricity
laid on refaire I'electricite dans une maison to have a
see also 26.3 Materiaux
reparation nf repair faire une reparation to make a repair house rewired
reparer {6} vt and vi to repair J'ai donne mon aspirateur a fiche nf plug
prise nf 1 [fixed, e.g. on wall] socket 2 [this term is often
reparer. I've sent my vacum cleaner away to be repaired.
bricolage nm 1 [activity] DIY 2 [pejorative. Ineffective or used informally as a synonym for fiche] plug
fil nm electrique (length of) BrE flex AmE electrical wire
ugly repair] rough and ready piece of work
rallonge nf BrE extension lead AmE extension cord
bricoler {6} 1 vi to do DIY Le samedi, je fais du bricolage. I
do DIY on Saturdays. 2 vt to do a makeshift job on Le cable nm electrique (electric) cable
dossier de la chaise s'est casse alorsje I'ai bricole comme
adaptateur nm adapter
j'ai pu. The back of the chair broke, so fixed it as best
I I
fusible nm fuse
could.
plombs nm pi [informal) fuses Les plombs ont saute. The
fuses have blown.
joint nm washer
27.5 Equipement Equipment
outii nm un outil pratique pour denuder les
tool fits 27.8 Construire et fabriquer To build and
electriques a handy tool for stripping wires
boite nf a outils tool box
to make
sac nm a outils tool bag fabriquer {6} vt [general term. Create from raw materials]
jeu nm kit un jeu de tournevis a screwdriver kit to make fabrique en France made in France
perceuse nf electric drill produire [economic term] to produce lis produisent
{82} vt
perceuse nf a, main hand drill des voitures de sport. They produce sports cars.
scie nf saw
ciseau nm chisel
ciseaux nm pi scissors
27.9 Fabrication industrielle
pince nf pliers
tenailles nf pi pincers Manufacturing
marteau nm, pi -x hammer
fabrication nf manufacturing
tournevis nm screwdriver
fabricant, e n manufacturer fabricant de meubleslboulons
clef nf a molette BrE (adjustable) spanner AmE wrench manufacturer of furniture/bolts
hache nf axe
produit nm manufacture (industrial) product
lame nf [on axe, knife] blade
usine nf [making raw materials or large objects] factory
poignee nf [on axe, knife] handle
usine siderurgique steel works usine de composants pour
clou nm nail
I'aeronautique aircraft components factory
vis nf screw
fabrique nf [making consumer products] factory une
ecrou nm nut
fabrique de pipes/gants a pipe/glove factory une fabrique
boulon nm bolt
d'appareils electro-menagers a factory making household
electrical appliances
confection nf clothes manufacturing
27.6 Peintures et papiers peints
Decorating
27.10 Construire des batiments
peinture nf (en batiment) painting and decorating
peintre n (en batiment) (painter and) decorator Constructing buildings
peinture nf 1 [material] paint 2 [technique] painting
construire (82) vt [general term. Obj: e.g. house, high-rise
3 [effect on wall] decoration // fauf refaire les peintures
building] to build
dans la cuisine. The kitchen must be redecorated.
batir {19} vt [implies a greater, more complex building than
rouleau nm, pi -x (a peinture) (paint) roller
construire. Obj: house, palace, cathedral] to build
29 Arranging and handling objects
59
materiaux nm pi de construction building materials gaz nm gas
chantier nm(de construction) building site
entrepreneur nm (en batiment) builder Gas
terrain nm a batir building site In remote areas of France, people use bottles of gas, des
permis nm de construire BrE planning permission AmE bouteilles de gaz. In towns, gas is laid on and it is
building permit referred to as gaz de ville. Methane gas, for domestic
consumption, is called gaz nature!.
charbon nm coal
28 Machines and energy petrole nm oil
vapeur nf steam
marcher {6} vt to work marcher au gazla I'electricite to
28.1 Machines Machines work by gas/electricity Ca marche a quoi? What does it run
on?
machine nf 1 [any mechanical object, particularly in an
industrial setting] machine faire qqch a la machine to do
sthg on a machine 2 [domestic. For sewing] (sewing)
machine 3 [domestic. For typing] typewriter rape a la 29 Arranging and
machine typed 4 [domestic. For washing] (washing)
machine Donne-moi tes chaussettes, je les mets dans la handling objects
machine. Give me your socks, I'll put them in the machine.
appareil nm [machine sold complete with outer casing, etc
for easier use] appliance 29.1 Methodique Orderly
engin nm 1 [any equipment, particularly heavy] machine
2 [military] heavy vehicle see also 56.1 Classifier
machine-outil nm, pi machines-outils machine-tool methodique adj 1 [describes : e.g. person] methodical
moteur nm engine a moteur motorized 2 [describes: e.g. survey, drawing, process] thorough
mecanisme nm mechanism ordonne, e adj 1 [describes: e.g. room, work, person]
mecanicien, -cienne n 1 [who assembles or fixes organized
machines] mechanic 2 [on a train] engine driver impeccable adj [describes: e.g. room, apron] spotless
usiner {6} vt to machine systematique adj [describes: e.g. approach, preparation]
usinage nm machining methodical
28.2 Quelques machines industrielles 29.2 Methodique et propre Methodical
Some industrial machines and neat
pompe nf pump pompe a air/vide a/V/vacuum pump see also 30.1 Propre
presse nf press presse hydraulique hydraulic press net, nette adj neat (and tidy)
rotative nf rotary press soigne, e adj [describes: e.g. person, piece of work] neat
turbine nf turbine Elle est toujours tres soignee. She is always very neat.
reacteur nm reactor reacteur nucleaire nuclear reactor brique, e adj [looking as though a lot of effort has gone
reacteur a neutrons neutron reactor reacteur convertisseur and tidying] spick and span
into cleaning
converter reactor pimpant, e adj [suggests colourfulness and gaiety.
chaudiere nf boiler Describes esp person's appearance, house, garden] smart
dans I'ordre
A phrase used in French betting systems, when you bet
28.3 Energie Energy
on three horses to win in the order which you name. Elle
see also 27.7Eau et electricite and 7.7 Station service a joue Baba, Bismuth et Blaireau gagnants dans I'ordre.
energie nf energy faire des economies d'energie to save She bet on Baba, Bismuth and Blaireau to take first,
energy un dispositif qui permet de realiser des economies second and third place respectively.
d'energie an energy-saving device
energetique adj [describes: e.g. supplies, policy] energy les
ressources energetiques de notre pays the energy Locutions Idioms
resources of our country e a quatre epingles [with not a
tire, hair out of place or a
alimentation nf supply /'alimentation en electricitelgaz crease one's clothing] dressed with the utmost care
in
the electricity/gas supply sur son trente et un [in best clothes] dressed up to the
combustible nm (type of) fuel Quel combustible utilisez- nines
vous? What kind of fuel do you use?
Forms of energy 29.3 Desordonne Untidy
energie nucleaire nuclear power
energie eolienne wind power desordre nm of orderliness] untidiness 2 [things
1 [lack
energie maremotrice tidal power which are not any logical or practical order] mess II
in in
energie solaire solar energy avait du desordre dans toutes les chambres. All the
energie de remplacement alternative source of energy bedrooms were in a mess.
energie hydroelectrique hydroelectric power en desordre untidy
60 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Dans
This is
le desordre
a phrase used in French betting systems, which
30 The cleanliness of
allow bets to be placed on three horses. You name the objects
three first horses without stating the order in which they
will pass the post, and you stand to win less than if you
had specified the order in which you thought they would
30.1 Propre Clean
win. // a joue Pipeau, Pair et Poireau gagnants dans le
desordre. He bet on Pipeau, Pair and Poireau to take the see also 29.2Methodique et propre
first three places in any order. propre adj 1 [not dirty] clean 2 [not messy] neat
proprete nf cleanliness
desordonne, e adj 1 [describes: person's habits] untidy impeccable adj immaculate C'est toujours impeccable chez
2 [describes: e.g. movements, actions] uncontrolled eux. Their place is always immaculate.
fouillis nm [informal. Things heaped together] jumble hygienique adj [respecting the rules of hygiene] hygienic
pagaille nf [informal. Things heaped together or
disorganized system] shambles Depuis qu'ils ont usage
commence les travaux c'est la pagaille au centre ville.
Since they started the roadworks the town centre has clair, e adj and pur, e adj
been a shambles. De is water devoid of any added component.
I'eau claire
en unusual and extreme mess, possibly as a
I'air [implies For example, rincer a I'eau claire means to rinse in water
mess Tout etait en I'air dans
result of violent actions] in a that is free of any trace of detergent, shampoo, or what-
la maison apres le passage des cambrioleurs. Everything in ever. De I'eau pure is water with no chemicals in it.
the house was upside down after the burglary.
Locutions Idioms Locutions Idioms
sens dessus dessous [literally: with its top part propre comme un sou neuf as clean as a new penny
underneath] all topsy-turvy
Une chienne n'y retrouverait pas ses petits. [in such a
mess that you could never find what you wanted in it, 30.2 Sale Dirty
even if you had the instinct of a bitch looking for its
young] You couldn't find anything in there in a month of sale adj dirty Tes mains sont sales. Your hands are dirty.
Sundays. salete nf 1 [dirty appearance] dirtiness La cuisine etait
d'une salete repoussante. The kitchen was filthy dirty. 2
[small particle] piece of dirt avoir des saletes sous les
ongles to have dirt under one's nails
29.4 Groupes d'objets Groups of objects salissant, e adj [which gets dirty easily] which shows the
see also 58.3 Grande quantite vetements
dirt Les blancs, c'est salissant. White clothes
collection nf with a feature in common, often
1 [objects shows the dirt.
valuable] collection 2 [of books, magazines] series crasseux, -sseuse adj [informal. Usu describes dirt on
paire nf 1 [two objects] pair une paire de bougeoirs a pair people or clothes] (filthy) dirty Allez vous laver, vous etes
of candlesticks 2 [one object with two parts] une paire de crasseux. BrE Go and have a wash, you're filthy dirty. AmE
jumelles binoculars une paire de lunettes (a pair of) Go wash yourself, you're filthy dirty.
glasses crasse nf [informal] filth La crasse recouvrait tous les
serie nf [sequential] series meubles. The furniture was filthy.
pile nf [objects neatly placed on top of one another] stack boueux, -boueuse adj [describes: e.g. boot, tyre, rugby
une pile de livres a stack of books une pile de bois a stack shirt,dog] muddy
of wood boue nf mud
rang nm row crotte, e adj [covered in mud and dirt from the street This
tas nm 1 [untidy heap un tas de vetements a heap of
]
word, in spite of its literal association with crorte,
clothes 2 [of wood. Can be untidy or neat] heap un beau 'excrement', is neutral, and is often used in storytelling]
tas de bois bien regulier a nice neat pile of wood covered in muck
degueulasse adj [very informal, commonly used term.
Dirty from any kind of source of dirt] filthy
29.5 Mettre les objets en groupe To
group objects together 30.3 Rendre les choses sales To make
empiler {6} vt to stack things dirty
entasser {6} vt [less tidy than empiler] to heap up
amasser {6} vt [heap up in order to stock up] to salir {19} vt [obj: e.g. garment, floor] to make dirty, to get
accumulate lis amassaient leurs provisions dans des caves dirton En sortant la bicyclette du garage, j'ai sali mes
par crainte des restrictions. They stockpiled food in cellars, gants. got dirt on my gloves while taking the bicycle out
I
fearing rationing. of the garage.
se salir v refl [become covered in dirt or any substance that
Locutions Idioms spoils the clean look of an object] to get dirty J'habillerai
en rang d'oignon [lined-up neatly. Sometimes also implies les enfants a la derniere minute pour eviter qu'ils ne se
arranged in order of size] in a row. Toute la famille salissent. I'll dress the children at the last minute so that
attendant en rang d'oignon devant la grille du jardin. The they won't get dirty. L'argenterie se salit tres vite Silver
whole family was lined up waiting outside the garden gets dirty very quickly.
gate. polluer {6} vt [spoil the environment. Obj: e.g. water, air,
pele-mele higgledy-piggledy lis laissent toujours leurs river] to pollute
habits pele-mele sur le fauteuil. They always leave their
clothes lying higgledy-piggledy on the armchair.
30 The cleanliness of objects
61
pollution nf pollution la pollution de I'eau the pollution of
30.6 Nettoyer les sols To clean floors
water
noircir {1 9} 1 vi to go black 2 vt [obj: e.g. face, hands] to aspirateur nm vacuum cleaner J'ai passe I'aspirateur dans
make black L'encre d'imprimerie noircit les doigts. la chambre. vacuumed the bedroom.
I
makes your fingers black.
Printer's ink aspirer {6} vt [applies to pieces of fluff, etc. Subj: vacuum
noir de black with les yeux noirs de khol eyes black with cleaner] to suck up Ca aspire bien. It's got powerful
kohl un mur noir de suie a wall black with soot suction.
tacher {6} 1 vi to stain Le jus de cassis tache. Blackcurrant lave-pont nm, pi lave-ponts mop
juice stains. 2 vt [accidentally] to make a stain on J'ai tache serpilliere nf floorcloth passer la serpilliere to mop (the
le tapis en renversant du vin. made a stain on the carpet
I floor)
when spilt some wine.
I balayer {16} vt [with a broom] to sweep
tache nf stain une tache de jus de tomate a tomato juice balai nm broom
stain balayette nf [appliance which goes with dustpan] brush
marquer {6} vi to leave a mark Quelqu'un a mis ses doigts pelle nf dustpan
sur le miroir et ca a marque. Somebody touched the
mirror with their fingers and it left a mark.
trainee nf smear 30.7 Nettoyer les surfaces To clean
Locutions Idioms surfaces
sale comme un peigne also cochon [used of people] brosse nf [for soft furnishings and hard surfaces] brush
disgustingly dirty
chiffon nm rag
IIn'est pas a prendre avec des pincettes. He's so dirty chiffon nma poussiere [for dusting] cloth Elle passe le
you wouldn't want to touch him with a bargepole. chiffon a poussiere sur les meubles toutes les semaines.
She dusts the furniture every week.
plumeau nm, pi -x feather duster passer le plumeau to
30.4 Le menage Housework dust (with a feather duster)
depoussierer {10} vt [obj: e.g. ornament, mantelpiece] to
laver {6} vt [general term] to wash
dust
se laver v refl to wash Le coton se lave facilement. BrE essuyer [remove dust or spillage] to wipe
{17} vt 1 (off) 2
Cotton washes easily. AmE Cotton cleans easily. La laine se [dry after washing] to wipe (down)
lave a I'eau tiede. Wool should be washed in warm water.
encaustiquer {6} vt to polish
nettoyer {17} vt [describes any cleaning process] to clean encaustique nm (furniture) polish
nettoyer a sec to dry-clean faire nettoyer une veste a sec brosser {6} vtto brush
to have a jacket dry-cleaned
nettoyage nm cleaning nettoyage de printemps spring-
cleaning
nettoyage nm a sec dry-cleaning 30.8 Faire la vaisselle To wash up
menage nm housework faire le menage dans une maison vaisselle nf 1 [things to be washed up or that have been
to do the housework Ce matin, il que je fasse le
faut washed up] dishes 2 [process] washing-up faire la vaisselle
menage (dans la maison). I must do the housework this BrE to do the washing-up AmE to do the dishes
morning. Entrez mats ne faites pas attention, le menage lave-vaisselle nm inv [machine] dishwasher
n'a pas ere fait Come in but don't look, the place is a liquide nf also produit nm a vaisselle washing-up liquid
mess. torchon nm (a vaisselle) drying-up cloth
femme nf de menage cleaner lavette nf BrE dishcloth AmE dishrag
entretien nm [long-term] looking after, upkeep Cest moi eau nf de vaisselle BrE washing-up water AmE dishwater
qui m'occupe de I'entretien des parquets dans la maison. I
look after all the parquet floors in the house.
30.9 Lavage des vetements Laundering
30.5 Nettoyer avec des liquides To clean clothes
with liquids see also 30.5 Nettoyer avec des liquides
lessive nf powder or liquid] detergent
1 [product,
see also 30.9 Lavage des vetements 2 [action] laundering 3 [clothes needing washing or that
nettoyer {17} vt [remove dirt by any means. Obj: e.g. floor, have been washed] wash(ing)
table, dish] to clean Implies use of
lessiver {6} vt [term used in instructions.
laver {6} vt [with a liquid. Obj: e.g. floor, table, dish] to water] to launder
wash blanchissage nm [in spite of the word stem blanc, this
tremper {6} vtto soak refers to cleaning any colour. It refers to cleaning done by
trempage nm [process] soaking a business oran individual for a customer] laundering
frotter {6} vt to scrub porter qqch au blanchissage to have sthg cleaned
rincer {7} vtto rinse buanderie nf [old-fashioned term] utility room
rincage nm [process] rinsing machine nf a laver, also lave-linge nm inv washing
javelliser {6} vtto bleach machine
eau nf de javel bleach sechoir nm a tambour tumble-drier
javel nf [informal] bleach Passe le carrelage de la salle de corde nf a linge clothes line
bain a la javel. Clean the bathroom tiles with bleach, pince nf a linge BrE clothes peg AmE clothes pin
eponge nf sponge adoucissant nm BrE fabric conditioner AmE fabric softener
eponger {8} vtto mop up (with a sponge) amidon nm starch amidon en bombe spray starch passer
des cols de chemise a I'amidon to starch shirt collars
detachant nm stain remover
62 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
repasser {6} vt to iron 31.2 Ouverture Opening
fer nm a repasser iron
planche nf a repasser ironing board ouvert, e adj open
etendre {53} vt [obj: e.g. clothes, laundry] to hang out/up grand ouvert adj, f grande ouverte wide open
Je vais etendre mon ligne. I'll hang out my washing. entr'ouvert, e adj ajar
beant, e adj gaping wide
ouvrir {27} 1 vt [obj: e.g. door, box, lid, shop] to open 2 vi
[subj: e.g. shop] to open
31 Closing, enclosing and s'ouvrir v refl [subj: e.g. oyster, box, drawer] to open
reouvrir also rouvrir {27} vt and vi to reopen
fastening objects clef nf also cle nf key
31.1 Fermeture Closing 31.3 Couvert Covered
fermer {6} 1 vt [obj: e.g. door, lid, box, cupboard, car, couvert, e adj [with a cover, lid or roof on. Describes: e.g.
room, shop] to close 2 vi [subj: e.g. box, purse, drawer, bed, saucepan, market, swimming pool] covered
shop] to close $a ferme bien/mal. It's easy/hard to close. couvrir {27} vt [in order to protect or to hide something] to
se fermer v refl [subj: e.g. door, car door, eye, bolt] to shut cover
enfermer {6} vt [place someone or something inside so recouvrir {27} vt 1 [completely] to cover Une epaisse
that they cannot get out] to shutin N'enferme pas le chat couche de neige recouvrait toute chose dans la campagne.
dans maison. Don't shut the cat in the house.
la A thick layer of snow covered the whole countryside. //
refermer {6} vt [after having opened] to shut (again) faut que je recouvre tous les meubles avant que les
serrure nf lock peintres n'arrivent. must cover up all the furniture before
I
verrou nm bolt the painters come. 2 [when renovating furniture] to make
cadenas nm padlock new fitted covers for 3 [provide with extra protection.
ferme, e adj shut Obj: e.g. book, exercise book] to cover
hermetique adj tightly shut envelopper {6} vt [to protect or to hide something. Subj:
scelle,e adj sealed esp cloth, paper, plastic] to wrap (up) Enveloppe bien les
verrouille, e adj bolted sandwiches pour le pique-nique. Wrap the sandwiches up
carefully for the picnic.
FERMETURE
ANNUELLE
REOUVERTURE
LE
lerSEPTEMBRE
3 E3 EZ
32 Usefulness of objects
63
etendre {53} vt [obj: e.g. layer, coating] to apply, to spread intervalle nm [between two objects, two houses, two lines
embatler {6} vt [cover completely, usu before an object is of print] gap
posted] to wrap (up) completely puits nm 1 [for drawing water] well 2 (in mining] puits (de
habiller {6} vt [technical term used by: e.g. decorators, mine) shaft
packagers, etc] to cover une bouteille habillee avec de la fente nf [long and narrow] slit
paille a bottle covered with a sheath of straw crevasse nf 1 [in skin] crack J'ai des crevasses aux mains. I
napper (often followed by de + noun) [cooking term.
{6} vt have chapped skin on my hands. 2 [on the earth's surface]
Cover with a thick, decorative layer of sauce] to coat crack 3 [in ice on: e.g. a glacier] crevasse
orifice nm the body] orifice 2 [in a wall, hole
1 [in
affording a narrow passage or a view into the space
31.4 Choses faites pour couvrir Coverings beyond] hole
cou verture nf 1 [on roof] roof Tous les 20 ans, nous Locutions Idioms
sommes couverture. Every 20 years we
obliges de refaire la boire comme un trou to drink like a fish
have to have the roof redone. 2 [of a book] cover 3 [bag faire son trou to create a niche for oneself
for clothes] BrE suit bag AmE garment bag
couvercle nm [for saucepan, container] lid
housse nf 1 [for piano, furniture, clothes. Loosely fitted to
the shape of the object covered] loose cover 2 [for use:
31.7 Objets faits pour attacher Fasteners
e.g. as protection for furniture when decorating] dust epingle nf pin epingle de surete also a nourrice safety pin
sheet, dust cover crochet nm [on a door, a lid] hook
protege-cahier nm, pi protege-cahiers [to keep exercise agrafe nf 1 [on a skirt, a bra] hook 2 [on a document]
books clean] cover staple
emballage nm packaging trombone nm (paper) clip
ficelle nf string
corde nf rope un bout de corde a length of rope
31.5 Decouvert Uncovered fil nm de fer (metal) wire
ficelle nf string un bout de ficelle a piece of string
nu, e adj 1 [lacking its usual protective or ornamental chaine nf chain
cover. Describes: e.g. electric wire, brick, blade] exposed
2 [without clothes] bare
denude, e adj [describes: e.g. electric wire, tree] bare
nu-tete adv without a hat (on)
nu-pieds adv barefoot
32 Usefulness of objects
nu-jambes adv barelegged
exposer {6} vt [place on show] to bare exposer ses seins sur
une plage to bare one's breasts on a beach
32.1 Utilisation Use
reveler {10} vt [allow to show, for effect] to show off une utilisation nf [doing something with materials] use
robe courte qui revelait des jambes incomparables a short L'utilisation de cremes protectrices est a recommander lors
dress showing off a matchless pair of legs des premieres expositions au soleil. Use sunscreens until
en plein air [in a place without a roof] in the open un you get accustomed to the sun. C'est un materiel
marche en plein air an open-air market piscine de plein air d'utilisation courante. This equipment is in general use.
outdoor swimming pool utiliser {6} vt [general term] to use Je n'utilise que des
produits biologiques. I use only organic produce. Elle a
utilise le tabouret comme pied de table. She used the
31.6 Cavites et espaces Cavities and stool as a table leg. A utiliser de preference avant le
8/9/99. Use before 8/9/99.
hollow spaces
se servir de {35} v refl [same as utiliser] to use Apprends-
see also 91.14 Couper des materiaux durs lui a se servir d'une fourchette. Teach him to use a fork.
espace nm
space L'herbe pousse dans les espaces entre les usage nm 1 [stresses the way and the length of time
paves. Grass grows in the spaces between the paving during which one uses something] use un vetement/une
stones. machine qui peut encore faire de /'usage a garment/a
cavite nf [hollow space, in a solid body] cavity machine that can still be of use Je te prete mon VTT mais
anfractuosite nf [hollow space in rock or cliff] hole Les fais-en bon usage. I'll lend you my mountain bike but do
enfants aimaient se cacher dans les anfractuosites de la look after it. pour mon usage personnel for my own use a
falaise. The children liked to hide in the holes in the cliffs. I'usage de for the use of a usage externe for external use
trou nm [an opening going right through an object or only hors d'usage no longer in use 2 [in language, in
allowing entry into it] hole 57 tu fais un trou dans le society] usage L'usage veut que Usage dictates that
. . . . . .
ballon, il va eclater. If you pierce a hole in the balloon, it user {6} vi (always + de) user de patience avec qqn to be
will burst. (especially) patient with sb user d'un stratageme to
trouer {6} vt to make a hole in Le chien a reussi a trouer le employ a stratagem
grillage. The dog managed to make a hole in the chicken exploitation nf 1 [economic or ecological term] use
wire. L'exploitation des ressources de notre planete doit etre
troue, e adj with a hole in it, with holes in it un collant repensee. We must rethink the use to which we put the
troue a plusieurs endroits a pair of tights holed in several resources of our planet, des gisements charbonniers qui ne
places troue aux coudes worn out at the elbows sontplus en exploitation disused coalfields. 2 [pejorative]
perce, e adj [with a very small hole or holes through it] exploiting lis se sonf enrichis grace a /'exploitation d'une
pierced main-d'ceuvre a bon marche. They grew rich by exploiting
piquer {6} vt to make small holes in Piquez votre roti et cheap labour.
mettez-y de fail. Make small incisions in your joint and
insert garlic in them.
64 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
exploiter {6} vt 1 [in mining. Obj: e.g. deposit, coalfield] to un etui a cigarettes a cigarette case
work 2 [make good use of. Obj: e.g. possibility, un etui a lunettes a spectacle case
opportunity] to use 3 [pejorative. Obj: e.g. worker, un etui a violon a violin case
woman] to exploit
abus nm [using illegally or in a way detrimental to health] Flacons
abuse I'abus d'alcool alcohol abuse commettre un abus de un flacon (de detachant) a bottle (of stain remover)
privileges to abuse one's privileged position un flacon (de parfum) a bottle (of perfume)
abuser {6} vi (always + de) to abuse abuser des somniferes
to abuse sleeping pills abuser des sanctions penales to rely Paniers
too heavily on custodial sentences un panier a bouteilles a bottle carrier
emploi nm [putting a specified object to use] use On peut un panier a couverts a cutlery basket
de cette illustration pour la couverture
critiquer I'emploi un panier a diapositives a slide holder
du The use of this picture for the cover of the book
livre. is un panier a provisions a shopping basket
debatable. Nous conseillons I'emploi d'un abrasif pour le
nettoyage du four. We recommend using a scouring Paquets
product to clean the oven, des techniques d'emploi un paquet de bonbons a bag of sweets
courant techniques in general use un paquet de chips BrE a bag of crisps AmE chips
mode nm d'emploi directions for use un paquet de sucre a packet of sugar
pret, e a I'emploi ready for use
employer {1 7} vt [obj: e.g. talent, phrase, technique] to use Sacs
// voudrait employer ses connaissances en informatique. un sac a dos BrE a rucksack AmE backpack
He'd like to use his computer skills, employer la violence un sac a pommes de terre a potato sack
to use force employer un langage chatie to use very polite un sac en plastique a plastic bag
language un sac poubelle BrE a (dust) bin bag AmE garbage bag
inusite, e adj [term used only when talking about
language] not used Le participe passe du verbe 'paitre' est Trousses
'pu', mais il est inusite sauf en termes de fauconnerie. The une trousse a ongles a manicure set
past participle of the verb 'paitre' is 'pu', but is used only une trousse de toilette BrE a sponge bag AmE
in the language of falconry. cosmetics bag
une trousse (de medecin) a doctor's bag
32.2 Contenants Containers Others
un bocal a (preserving) jar
Names of different containers
un pack de biere a six-pack, a twelve-pack
Boites
une poche (plastique) a plastic bag (not a carrier bag
from a shop)
une botte a ceufs an eggbox
une boite a ordures BrE a rubbish bin AmE garbage
un coffret a gift box
can
Cageots
une boite a pharmacie a first aid kit
Cageots are open crates made of wood or plastic, used
une boite a the a tea caddy
by wholesalers and greengrocers for handling fruit and
une boite de biere a can of beer
vegetables. The word also refers to wooden or cardboard
une boite de conserve a tin can (beans, sardines, etc)
trays holding a large retail quantity of fruit (24 peaches,
une boite en carton a cardboard box
10 melons, etc), which you can buy in the summer in
shops and supermarkets.
fioufe/7/es
une bouteille de vin/d'huile a bottle of wine/oil
Conditionnements et emballages
une bouteille thermos ® a thermos (flask)
Le conditionnement is the process of protecting an item
une bouteille de gaz a gas cylinder
from damage and displaying it to the purchaser. The
Caisses
word applies mainly to foodstuffs and drink. L'emballage
refers to the packaging of an object for sale or for
une caisse a outils a toolbox
dispatch. Similarly, un conditionnement is a package or a
une caisse d'emballage a packing crate
form of packaging mostly used for food and drink,
whereas un emballage can refer to any piece of
Cartons
packaging: e.g.
un carton pour dossiers a box file
Le conditionnement des eaux minerales se fait de plus en
un carton a chapeau a hatbox
plus sous plastique. Plastic is being increasingly used for
un carton a chaussures a shoebox
packaging mineral water. J'ai jete l'emballage. threw
un carton a dessins a portfolio
I
un carton de 6/12 bouteilles de vin a case (of 6 or 12
away the packaging.
bottles) of wine du papier fort pour l'emballage des manuscrits strong
paper to wrap manuscripts in
des vis sous (un) emballage plastique plastic-wrapped
Casiers
screws
un easier a bouteilles a wine rack
un easier a disques a record rack
Gift-wrapping
un easier a bagages a locker
Shops selling confectionery, flowers or small consumer
Serins et £tuis
goods like books, records, shavers, toys, ties, etc, provide
gift-wrapping, sometimes elaborate and always free. The
un ecrin a bijoux a jewellery box
un ecrin a argenterie, also un etui a couverts BrE a
way to ask for this service is e.g.: Pouvez-vous me faire
canteen AmE a silverware box
un paquet-cadeau? Would you gift-wrap it for me?
32 Usefulness of objects
65
32.3 Utile Useful jeter{1 1} Wto throw (away) Ces mandarines avariees sont
bonnes a jeter! These rotten mandarins are good only for
utile adj 1 [able to help] useful se rendre utile to do the dustbin!
something useful 2 [in a position to serve the interests of jetable adj disposable
someone] useful Cultivez de bon rapports avec le maire, il se debarrasser {6} v refl (+ de) [obj: something or
peut vous etre utile un jour. Keep in with the mayor, he someone that is felt to be a burden] to get rid of le
could be useful to you one day. travaillerai toute la me
matinee s'il le faut, maisje veux
commode adj convenient debarrasser de cette corvee! I'll work all morning if
par commodite for convenience necessary, but want to get this chore out of the way!
I
pratique adj 1 [describes: e.g. gadget, tool, product]
handy, convenient Cest bien pratique, un telephone sans
fit. A cordless telephone is a very handy thing to have.
32.7 Synonymes familiers Informal words
2 [describes: e.g. timing, arrangement] convenient L'ecole
a demande qu'on vienne chercher les enfants a 16 heures for throwing away
precises mais ce n'est pas tres pratique pour les parents
qui travaillent. The school has asked that children be Allthe informal or strong verbs below can be translated
collected no later than 4 p.m. but it's not very convenient into stronger BrE English by adding 'flipping', 'sodding'
for working parents. or even stronger ing' words according to strength of
' . . .
convivial, e adj, pi -viaux [in computing] user-friendly Tu feeling and company present.
as vu leur derniere version du SX280? Elle est beaucoup ficher en I'air [informal. Usu in the perfect tense] to
plus conviviale. Have you seen their latest version of the throw away le ne retrouve plus la lettre des impots,
SX280? It's much more user-friendly. j'espere que je ne I'ai pas fichue en I'air! can't find the I
letter from the tax people, hope didn't throw it
I I
away!
32.4 Inutile Useless foutre en I'air [same meaning and usage as ficher en
I'air, but a much stronger use of language] to chuck
inutile adj [describes: e.g. comings and goings, discussion, out Fous-moi ces vieilleries en I'air! Chuck out this load
information, attempts] pointless of old crap!
inutilisable adj [which cannot be used] unusable Le mettre, also flanquer [informal], also foutre [a very
cadenas est tellement rouille qu'il est inutilisable. The strong but commonly used term] a la porte [remove
padlock is so rusty that it's unusable. from one's home, or dismiss from a job, often in a
bon a rien adj and nm, bonne a rien adj and nf good-for- violent or abrupt manner] to throw out I'ai ete mis a la
nothing £a ne serf a rien. It's useless. // ne sert a rien de
. . porte sans preavis. was thrown out without notice. S'ils
I
. It's useless to . . . recommencent, je les fous a la porte! If they do it again,
I'll throw them out!
balancer {7} vt [very informal. Obj: e.g. papers, old
furniture] to chuck out
32.5 Ordures Rubbish/Garbage
ordures nf pi BrE rubbish AmE garbage
dechets nm pi waste
papiers nm pi (gras) litter
egout nm sewer les egouts the sewerage system
broyeur nm [in a domestic kitchen] BrE waste-disposal
(unit) AmE garbage disposal
vide-ordures nm inv [in block of flats] BrE rubbish chute
AmE garbage chute
decharge nf (municipale) BrE council rubbish dump AmE
city dump
grande poubelle nf BrE skip AmE dumpster
benne nf (a ordures) BrE dustcart AmE garbage truck
eboueur nm BrE dustman AmE garbage man
poubelle nf8rE dustbin AmE garbage can
ramassage nm des ordures BrE rubbish collection AmE
trash collection
32.6 Eliminer To get rid of
eliminer {6} vt 1 [in a logical process] to eliminate
Eliminons tout de suite I'hypothese du suicide. We can
eliminate from the start the theory that it was suicide 2 [in
politics. Obj: e.g. party, opposition] to suppress 3 [kill for
motives of self-interest. Obj: esp political enemy, rival] to
do away with
supprimer {6} vt 1 [no longer include in one's diet] to
avoid // faut que vous supprimiez tous les sucres (de votre
alimentation). You must avoid eating anything with sugar
in it. 2 [in a round of cuts] to do away with lis menacent
de supprimer les prets inter-bibliotheques. They're
threatening to do away with the inter-library loan service.
Society, family and relationships
33.3 Les bebes et la medecine moderne
33 Age Babies and modern medicine
avorter {6} vi 1 [naturally or voluntarily] to have an
33.1 fieoes Babies abortion 2 [volontarily] se faire avorter to have an
abortion avortement nm abortion
see also 34.2 Enfants interruption nf volontaire de grossesse also IVG nf
bebe nm baby Elle va avoir un bebe a Paques. She's having (planned) abortion
a baby at Easter. insemination nf artificielle artificial insemination
jumeau nm [male] twin des jumeaux [two males, or one mere nf de substitution surrogate mother
male and one female] twins vrais jumeaux identical twins bebe-eprouvette nm, pi bebes-eprouvettes test-tube
faux jumeaux non-identical twins baby
jumelle nf [female] twin des jumelles [two females] twins FIV, also fivete nf [spells 'fecondation in vitro'] in vitro
triples nmtriplees nfpl triplets
pi,
fertilization
quadruples nm pi, quadruplets nf pi quadruplets echographie nf ultra-sound scan on a vu a I'echographie
que ... we saw on the scan that
usage
. . .
jumeaux, triples, quadruples
The masculine plural can refer to boys only, or to any
33.4 Gardiens de bebes People who care
combination where there is at least one boy: Les triples, for babies
Laura, Tania et Joseph, se portent bien. The triplets,
nourrice nf [looks after babies and toddlers, usu in their
Laura, Tania and Joseph, are doing well.
own home] BrE babyminder AmE babysitter
baby-sitter n, pi baby-sitters baby-sitter
baby-sitting nm baby-sitting faire du baby-sitting to
babysit
33.2 Avoir un bebe To have a baby
adopter {6} vt to adopt
concevoir {38} vt and vi to conceive adoption nf adoption
conception nf conception des la conception from the nourricier, -ciere adj foster (as adj) famille nourriciere
moment the baby is conceived foster family
enceinte adj f pregnant quand j'etais enceinte (de Paul) garde nf custody avoir la garde d'un enfant to have
when was pregnant (with Paul) enceinte de trois mois
I custody of a child
three months pregnant droit nm de visite rights of access
grossesse nf pregnancy au milieu de sa grossesse in the orphelin, e n and adj orphan
middle of her pregnancy une grossesse difficile a difficult
pregnancy
foetus nm foetus 33.5 Equipement de puericulture Baby
embryon nm embryo
uterus nm [in common and medical usage] womb, uterus equipment
col de I'uterus neck of the womb berceau nm, pi -x BrE cot AmE crib
cordon nm ombilical, pi cordons ombilicaux umbilical
moise nm, also couffin nm Moses basket
cord
porte-bebe nm, pi porte-bebes 1 [made of cloth] baby-
placenta nm placenta sling 2 [wicker basket] Moses (basket) 3 [made of plastic]
travail nm (de I'accouchement) labour commencer le
carry-cot
travail to go into labour
hochet nm rattle
naissance nf birth donner naissance (a) to give birth (to)
biberon nm bottle
Vas-tu assister a la naissance? Will you be present at the
'
tetine nf 1 [on bottle] BrE teat AmE nipple 2 [pacifier] BrE
birth? son poids de naissance her birth weight
dummy AmE pacifier
sucette, also tetine nf [pacifier] dummy
sage bavoir nm bib
couche nf, also change nm BrE nappy AmE diaper couche
naTtre
n: (65) vi and ne, e adj
jetable BrE disposable nappy AmE disposable diaper
The verb naitre means to be born and can be used in
epingle nf a nourrice safety pin
any tense, including the narrative present: // nait en
landau nm [old-fashioned] BrE pram AmE baby carriage
1974, dans une famille aisee. He was born in 1974 into a
poussette nf BrE pushchair AmE stroller
well-to-do family. As an adjective, nee can also be used
poussette-cane nf, pi poussettes-canes [often folding]
to specify a woman's maiden name, although this
BrE baby buggy AmE umbrella stroller
practice is nowadays confined to official documents. The
phrase 'ne a' followed by a blank space on an official
document means 'birthplace'.
33 Age
67
33.6 Ancien Old 33.8 Place dans la famille selon I'age
see also 12.1 Nouveau, 12.4 Vieillot Ranking within the family according to
age, e adj 1 [when talking about people] elderly 2 (always age
+ de)[when stating someone's age, however young] un
bebe age de 18 mois an 18-month old baby La victime aine, e adj and n 1 [the first-born] eldest Elle a eu son
etait agee de 49 ans. The victim was 49 years old. ainee juste apres la guerre. She had her first child just
age nm 1 [the number of years a person has lived, or the after the war. Dans ces familles-la, on sen/ait toujours
number of weeks or months when talking about a baby] I'aine en premier. In those families the eldest brother was
age Quel age as-tu? How old are you? quand tu auras always served first 2 [one of several older siblings] elder
mon age when you get to my age 2 [fact of aging] age On Mes aines m'ont toujours protege des brimades a I'ecole.
change avec I'age. People change with age. My older brothers and sisters always protected me against
bullying at school. Les deux aines sont devenus medecins.
usage The two elder children became doctors.
cadet nm younger brother
vieux before or after the noun cadette nf" younger sister Je suis la cadette de Marie. I'm
1. The masculine singular form vieux changes to vieil Marie's younger sister.
before a noun beginning with a vowel or a silent 'h': cadet, -ette adj younger mon frere cadet my younger
e.g. un vieil aspirateur an old vacuum-cleaner, un vieil brother
hotel an old hotel. benjamin, e n youngest (child) Francois est le benjamin
2. Vieux normally comes before the noun except in Francois is the youngest (in the family)
phrases like un vin vieux a wine that has been aged. The
other exception is when vieux is followed by one or
more other adjectives also describing the noun: e.g. une 33.9 Jeune Young
voiture vieille et sale a dirty old car
jeune adj 1 [person aged approximately 10 to 20] young
vieux, vieille adj 1 [not young] old un vieil arbre an old 2 [person from a later generation than one's own]
tree 2 [not new] old un vieux radiateur qui ne marche plus younger Les gens qui sont jeunes peuvent se permettre de
an old radiator which no longer works 3 [former] old travailler douze heures par jour, mais moi j'ai besoin de
Recopiez les vieux documents sur une disquette avant de repos. Younger people can afford to work a twelve-hour
les effacer de votre disque dur. Copy the old files onto a day but need my rest. 3 [animal or bird that is not fully
I
floppy disk before you erase them from your hard disk. grown] immature
4 [in insulting phrases, regardless of the victim's age] vieil jeune nm young man Demande au jeune qui est la-bas, il a
imbecile old fool w'e/7/e bique old hag I'air de connaitre le quartier. Ask the young man over
vieux nm 1 [informal for age. May be used offensively] old there, he seems to know the area les jeunes the young
man 2 [slang for father] mon vieux my old man Le vieux Nous les jeunes, on veut un avenir correct. Young people
prenait toujours son cafe sous les tilleuls. The old man want a proper future.
always took coffee under the lime trees. jeune nf young woman
vieille nf [informal and offensive] old woman L'enfant jeunesse nf 1 [time of life] youth 2 [group within a
arriva pres de la fontaine oii e//e trouva une vieille qui population. In this term tends to be used by
sense, the
I'attendait. The child came to the fountain where she people who are not themselves 'young'] the young Ca
found an old woman waiting for her. plait a la jeunesse. Young people like it.
vieillesse nf [when talking about people or pets] old age juvenile adj 1 [biological term] juvenile acne juvenile
juvenile acne 2 [used pejoratively. Not sophisticated]
usage immature humour juvenile childish humour 3 [used as
praise] youthful fougue juvenile youthful enthusiasm.
ancien before or after the noun
Ancien normally comes before the noun, except when it Locutions Idioms
means 'antique'. La jeunesse n'a qu'un temps. You're only young once.
II faut que jeunesse se passe. Youth will have its fling.
ancien, -cienne adj 1 {going back a very long time]
ancient D'anciennes queretfes les opposent encore.
They are still fighting old battles. 2 {the one that
existed before, as opposed to nouveau, the current 33.10 Inexperience Inexperience
one] former L'h6tel a 6t£ construit a /'emplacement
inexperimente, e adj inexperienced
de i'ancienne icurie. The hotel was built on the spot
where the former stables were, un ancien eVJeve a inexperience nf, also manque nm d'experience
inexperience
former pupil 3 {valuable because it was made a long
naif, naive adj naive nai'f, naive n naive person naivete
time ago. Describes: e.g. furniture, instrument, book]
nf naivety naivement adv naively
antique des fauteuils anciem antique armchairs
anciennete nf [refers to time spent m a position] seniority Locution Idiom
C'est un blanc-bec. [humorous. Term used to tease or talk
teasingly about an inexperienced man] He's still wet
behind the ears.
33.7 Euphemismes pour dire age
Euphemisms for aged
d'un certain age getting on a bit
personne du troisieme age BrE old age pensioner AmE
retired person
personne du quatrieme age very elderly person
68 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
34.4 Alliance Marriage
34 The family
par alliance by marriage cousin par alliance cousin by
marriage
marinm husband
34.1 Pere et mere Parents
femme nf wife
pere nm [formal when used
as a term of address] father beau-pere nm, pi beaux-peres 1 [father of spouse]
papa nm dad(dy) peut emprunter la voiture de son
Elle father-in-law 2 [second husband of mother] stepfather
papa. She can borrow her dad's car. belle-mere nf, pi belles-meres 1 [mother of spouse]
mere nf [formal when used as a term of address] mother mother-in-law 2 [second wife of father] stepmother
maman nf BrE mum(my) AmE mom(my) beau-fils nm, pi beaux-f ils 1 [husband of daughter] son-
in-law 2 [son of spouse] stepson
usage belle-f ille nf, pi belles-filles 1 [wife of son] daughter-in-
law 2 [daughter of spouse] stepdaughter
parent e n and adj gendre nm [husband of daughter] son-in-law
In French un parent canmean one's father or mother or bru nf [wife of son] daughter-in-law
mes parents can be my mother and
a relative. Similarly, beau-frere nm, pi beaux-freres brother-in-law
father, or my relatives. Nous sommes parents means belle-sceur nf, pi belles-sceurs sister-in-law
'we're related'. But une parente can only be a female belle-famille nf in-laws
relative, not one's female parent. veuf nm widower veuve nf widow
demi-f rere nm, pi demi-freres 1 [sharing one parent]
half-brother 2 [step-parent's son] stepbrother
demi-soeur nf, pi demi-sceurs 1 [sharing one parent] half-
34.2 Enfants Children sister 2 [step-parent's daughter] stepsister
enfant nm child Elle est I'enfant de ma cousine. She's my
cousin's child.
fils nm son 34.5 Freres et sceurs des parents, cousins
fiston nm [informal] son Ca va, ton fiston? How's your Uncles, aunts, cousins
boy?
fille nf daughter
oncle nm uncle
frere nm brother tonton nm [informal.
Usu as form of address] uncle
soeur nf sister
tante nf aunt
frangin, e n [informal] [male] brother [female] sister
tata nf [informal. Usu as form of address] auntie
neveu nm, pi -x nephew
usage niece nf niece
cousin, e n cousin cousin germain first cousin cousin(e)
issu(e) de germain second cousin
frere et soeur
This phrase is used to express the idea of siblings: e.g.
Bien que frere et soeur, ils ne se ressemblent pas. Despite
being siblings, they don't look like each other. 34.6 Liens de famille Family ties
liens nm pi de famille, also attaches nf pi familiales
family ties J'ai des attaches familiales en Bourgogne. I
34.3 Grands-parents et petits-enfants have family ties in Burgundy.
arbre nm genealogique family tree
Grandparents and grandchildren famille nf family famille nombreuse large family famille
monoparentale single-parent family les gens de ma
grands-parents mpl grandparents // voitses grands-
famille my folks Nous ne sommes pas de la meme famille.
parents paternels et maternels. He sees both sets of grand-
parents.
We're not related.
grand-pere nm, pi grands-peres grandfather proche parent, e close relative La Duchesse de Remouet
etait une proche parente du Cardinal Viermot. The
grand-mere nf, pi grands-meres grandmother
mamie, also meme, mame, memere nf BrE granny AmE Duchess of Remouet was a close relative of Cardinal
Viermot.
grandma
papy nm, also pepe, pape, pepere nm BrE grandad AmE descendant, e n descendant
grandpa descendre {53} vi (always + de) to be descended from //
petit-f ils nm, pi petits-fils grandson
descend d'une famille terrienne. He's descended from a
nf, pi petites-f illes granddaughter
petite-f ille
landed family.
petit-enfant nm, pi petits-enfants grandchildren
progeniture nf [humorous] offspring
generation nf generation des immigres marocains de la
usage premiere generation first-generation Moroccan
immigrants
arriere- pref
To refer to one generation further up or down the
family tree, use arriere- as a prefix: mon arriere-petit-
fils my great-grandson, leur arriere-grand-mere their
great-grandmother
35 Groups, individuals and gender
69
usage 35.3 Gens vivant ensemble People living
together
ancetre n, ai'eul nm, aieule nf, aieux mpl
Ancetre refers to any relative from the great-
see also 36.1 Societe et communaute
grandparents' generation and beyond: e.g. nos ancetres
communaute nf 1 [group of people in an institution]
community des moines vivant en communaute monks
les Gaulois our ancestors the Gauls. Ai'eul, e is an
living in a community 2 [group sharing a similar
obsolete word for male or female ancestor, while the
background, a religion or a set of ideas] community la
plural aieux is current but literary: des aieux illustres
communaute islamique de Pahs the Islamic community in
the interjection mes aieux! the
illustrious forebears. In
Paris 3 [local people] community Notre petite
word is used for comic effect: e.g. Mes
informal and is
communaute est prete a accueillir une trentaine de
aieux, quel embrouillaminis! My godfathers, what a mix-
refugies. There is room in our little community for about
up!
30 refugees.
collectivite nf [group of people sharing a project or aim]
local people La mairie n'ayant pas assez de ressources,
c'est la collectivite qui a elle-meme organise la creche. As
35 Groups, individuals the council had no money available, local people got
together to organize the creche AmE day care center
and gender
35.4 Termes fami Hers designant les
35.1 Gens People hommes Informal words for referring to
personne nf person Joseph est une personne irascible. men
Joseph is bad-tempered.
grande personne [children's language] grown-up type nm [used by all generations and social groups] guy
humain, e n [as opposed to animal] human (being) II arrive mec nm [more informal then type. Used mainly by the
que les humains ne se distinguent guere des animaux. younger generation] BrE bloke AmE guy
Sometimes human beings are really no different from
animals.
individu nm 1 [pejorative] individual. Deux individus ont 35.5 Termes familiers designant les
ete apercus pres du lieu du crime. Two individuals were
seen near the scene of the crime. 2 [member of a society
femmes Informal words for referring to
or group] individual Que peut faire I'individu pour women
contribuer au bien-etre de la collectivite? What can
nana nf BrE bird AmE chick
individuals do to contribute to the well-being of the
bonne femme nf [patronizing] woman des bavardages de
community at large?
bonnes femmes women's talk
prochain nm [religious overtones] fellow human being,
neighbour
particulier, -Mere n (private) individual une
reglementation qui s'adresse aux particuliers regulations 35.6 Masculine Male
aimed at private individuals
homme nm 1 [male human] man 2 [humans as opposed to
animals] mankind L'homme ne respecte plus la nature.
Mankind has lost respect for nature.
35.2 Les adolescents Adolescents masculin, e adj [having physical or mental qualities seen as
male. A term with positive connotations] masculine
adolescence nf adolescence
masculinite nf masculinity
adolescent, e n adolescent
male adj 1 [in biology] male 2 [having male physical
ado n [slang, short for adolescent. Implies difficult or
qualities. A term which is normally used positively]
negative attitudes sometimes associated with that age
masculine une voix male a masculine voice
group] teenager
viril, e adj [having traditional male qualities, esp physical
pubere adj pubescent
courage] virile
puberte nf puberty a (I'age de) la puberte at puberty
macho adj [informal and pejorative] macho
phallocrate nm male chauvinist
usage phallo nm [informal] male chauvinist pig
Gens People
Insulting words for men or women who do not conform
The word gens is masculine plural, except when it is
to type and look, and sound or behave like the opposite
preceded by an adjective showing the feminine form, in
sex are:
which case it is feminine plural. Thus Ce sont des gens
hommasse adj [pejorative. Used only of women] butch
merveilleux. They're marvellous people, but de bonnes
erfemine, e adj [pejorative. Used only of men]
gens good people, les vieilles gens old people, les petites
effeminate
gens people of modest means. Jeunes gens refers to
young people in general, male or female. When you
want to specify which sex, use jeunes hommes for young
men and jeunes femmes for young women. 35.7 Feminin Female
femme nf woman la femme womankind
feminin, e adj [having qualities seen as female. A term
with positive connotations] feminine
feminite nf femininity
70 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
femelle adj [in biology] female equipe nf 1 [people working together] team 2 [people
femelle nf \ [in biology] female 2 [pejorative and
,
working L'equipe de 20 heures vient
in shifts] shift
insulting) BrE (piece of) crumpet d'arriver. The 8 o'clock shift has just arrived.
usage
35.9 Former un groupe To form a group
Women in the professions
The word femme is often used to create a feminine grouper {6) vt [general term] to group (together)
noun for a profession, e.g. un professeur a teacher [sex se grouper v refl to form a group Les ministres du
not specified] une femme professeur a woman teacher. nouveau gouvernement se sont groupes devant les
Using this expression stresses the fact that a woman is photographes. The new cabinet ministers stood in a group
doing that particular job. If you wish to refrain from in front of the press cameras.
making such a point, simply use the masculine noun: e.g. rassembler (6) vt [same meaning as grouper, but stresses
Suzanne est professeur depuis 30 ans. Suzanne has been the selection process] to put together Nous souhaitons
a teacher for 30 years. rassembler une equipe hors pair. We would like to put
together a high-quality team.
se rassembler v refl [subj: e.g. group, party] to gather Les
instituteurs ont demande aux enfants de se rassembler
35.8 Groupes de gens Many people dans le hall. The teachers asked the children to gather in
the hall.
together
s'assembler {6}v refl [come together as a group, with a
groupe nm [general word, used of people and things] common purpose] to congregate
group lis en groupe pour la photo. They were
s'etaient mis
standing together as a group for the photograph. Les trois usage
statues forment un groupe. The three statues together
form a group. Verbs for grouping, with and without re-
de groupe (used as an adjective) [done in a group] group Regrouper {6) vt and se regrouper v refl can be used
therapie de groupe group therapy photographie de in the same way as grouper and se grouper, but they
groupe group photograph reduction de groupe group stress that the elements of the group were not
discount together before: e.g. J'ai regroupe tous ses poemes
foule nf motion] crowd II y a foule sur la
[large, static or in dans le dernier chapitre. put all her poems together in
I
place. There's a crowd
the square. La foule s'est
in the last chapter. Apres la visite des grottes, nous vous
precipitee pour voir passer la voiture de la star. The crowd demandons de vous regrouper devant le car. After you
rushed to see the star's limousine go past. have visited the caves, we would ask you to reassemble
affluence nf[like foule, but mainly used in contexts of in front of the coach.
shopping and public transport] crowd L'affluence Similarly, se rassembler means the same as
commence bien avant I'ouverture du magasin. The crowd s'assembler, but with an extra emphasis on putting
starts building up long before the shop opens, aux heures together what was apart.: e.g. Apres les formalites de
d'affluence in the rush hour douane, oil est-ce qu'on se rassemble? After going
cohue nf [pejorative. People jostling, often in order to through customs, where shall we meet again?
reach a place first] crush J'ai failli perdre les jumeaux dans
la cohue autour des vitrines de Noel. nearly lost the twins
I
s'attrouper {6} v refl [slightly pejorative. Come and stand
in the crush around the Christmas window displays. together to stare at a scene] to gather Les voyageurs
bande nf 1 [pejorative. People coming together for a s'attroupaient devant les panneaux annoncant la greve-
negative purpose] gang une bande de voyous BrE a gang surprise. Passengerswere gathering in front of the notices
of yobs AmE a gang of delinquents 2 [pejorative. People announcing the lightning strike.
sharing an undesirable characteristic] bunch une bande
d'imbeciles a bunch of idiots
rassemblement nm [sometimes pejorative. Small group 35.10 Les gens seuls People who are
assembled usu in the street for a political purpose]
gathering Un rassemblement s'etait constitue devant
alone
I'ambassade. A gathering had formed in front of the ermite n [suggests a liking for meditation] hermit
embassy. misanthrope n [someone, usu a man, who hates mankind]
attroupement nm [small group, in the street, assembling misanthrope
out of curiosity] group Un attroupement s'est forme vieux garcon nm [pejorative. Implies ingrained habits]
autour du blesse. A group formed around the injured bachelor
man. vieille fille nf [very pejorative. Implies narrow-
le (gros du) troupeau [very pejorative] the crowd Elle n'a
mindedness] old maid
jamais de position sur quoi que ce soit et suit le gros du enfant n unique only child
troupeau. She has no firm opinion about anything and f ils nm unique only son
just follows the crowd. fille nf unique only daughter
assemblee nf 1 [non-random group, usu seated in a room, celibataire n term] unmarried person rester
1 [neutral
to debate a political or other topic] assembly I'Assemblee celibataire to remain unmarried 2 [a more pejorative term
(nationale) the (French) National Assembly 2 [people in a when used of a woman than a man] C'est une celibataire.
room] audience Quand vous ouvrirez le colloque, She's a spinster. C'est un celibataire. He's a bachelor.
n'oubliez pas que vous vous adressez a une assemblee en
majorite anglophone. When you open the conference, Locution Idiom
don't forget that you're addressing a mainly English- faire bande a part [used of a pair or a group, sometimes
speaking audience. used of one person] to go one's own way
C'est un ours, [usu refers to men] He's a grumpy old sod.
36 Society, politics and community 71
35.11 Solitude Loneliness collectivite locale
seul, e adj 1 (after noun) [stresses absence of company, by The name collectivite locale refers to public associations
choice or not] lonely Elle a toujours ete une femme seule. or groups setup at the level of the town or district, of
She was always a lonely woman. Nous sommes seuls severaltowns or districts, or of the department.
maintenant que notre fille est mariee. We're on our own For example, Nos collectivites locales sont tres actives en
now that our daughter has got married, etre tout(e) matiere de recyclage des dechets. Our local organizations
seul(e) to be all alone Je prefere en parler seul(e) a seul take an active part in the recycling of waste.
avec lui. I'd rather talk about it with him privately.
solitaire adj and n [stresses a liking for being alone]
solitary Cest un solitaire. He's a loner.
solitude nf loneliness La solitude ne me fait pas peur. I'm
36.2 Classes sociales Social classes
not afraid of being alone. classe nf sociale social class
isole, e adj 1 [in physical isolation. Describes: e.g. person, classe ouvriere working class
village] cut off 2 [psychologically] isolated bourgeoisie nf middle class petite bourgeoise lower
independant, e adj [a positive description, stressing a middle class grande bourgeoisie upper (middle) class
person's capacity for taking initiatives] independent proletariat nm proletariat
abandonne, e adj 1 [describes: e.g. child] abandoned sous-classe nf, pi sous-classes underclass
2 [describes: e.g. lover] forsaken
abandonne a lui-meme adj m, abandonnee a elle-
meme adj f left to his/her own devices
36.3 Politique Politics
politique nf1 [political life] politics J'aurais voulu faire de
la politique mais maintenant c'est trop tard. would haveI
36 Politics, society and liked to go into politics but now it's too late. Je ne fais pas
de politique. I'm not political. 2 [type of political ideas]
community policy lis font une politique de droite/gauche. They follow
right-wing/left-wing policies.
politique adj political Quelle est sa ligne politique? What
36.1 Societe Society and community are her politics? demander I'asile politique to ask for polit-
ical asylum
see also 35.3 Gens vivant ensemble politique nm, also homme politique (male) politician
societe nf 1 [people among whom we live, their culture femme nf politique (female) politician
and habits] society une societe d'economie mixte a mixed- politiquement adv politically Politiquement, il se situe ou?
economy society Considerons les consequences sur la Where does he stand, politically speaking?
societe de notre politique ecologique. Let us consider the gouvernement nm [the members of the cabinet]
social consequences of our ecological policy. 2 [people in government entrer au gouvernement to join the
general] society Notre societe n'accepte pas I'inceste. Our government
society does not tolerate incest.
en societe [sometimes used ironically] in (polite) company The French political system
On ne met pas coudes sur la table en societe. You
ses The head of and the nation's leader is the
state
don't put your elbows on the table in polite company. president, le President de la Republique, elected for
social, e adj, mpl sociaux 1 [concerning the relationships seven years by universal suffrage. Political power is
between sections of the population. Describes: e.g. exercised by the president, with his appointed prime
problem, development] social fst-ce que les rapports minister, le Premier Ministre and the cabinet, le
sociaux se degradent dans les grandes villesl Is the social gouvernement. The elected representatives of the people
fabric disintegrating in the larger towns? 2 [relating to are the deputies, les deputes, who form the National
the welfare state] social un travailleur social a social Assembly, I'Assemblee Nationale, also called le
worker la securite sociale social security les charges Parlement. In the parliament building, la Chambre des
sociales employers' overheads des logements sociaux BrE deputes, their seats are ranged in a semicircle, hence one
council dwellings AmE subsidized housing of the names which the newspapers use for the
social nm [everything that is connected with the welfare Chambre, The descriptions 'right-wing' and
I'hemicycle.
state] social welfare Le gouvernement pretend investir and their equivalents, de droite
'left-wing', in English,
dans le social. The government claims to invest in social and de gauche, come from the parties' seating
welfare. arrangements, to the right and the left of the semicircle
as you look towards the front. Each depute represents a
False friend social meaning sociable constituency, une circonscription. The other house is the
Although social can be used to refer to relationships Senate, le Senat, whose members, les senateurs, are
between friends or acquaintances, this meaning tends to elected by the deputies and other officials. Before
be restricted to scientific descriptions, e.g. L'enfant becoming law, a bill must be approved by both houses,
acquiert un comportement social en imitant ses proches. which may mean it has to shuttle between the
Children learn to behave sociably by imitating their Assemblee and the Senat. In case of disagreement, the
immediate family. L'abeille est un insecte social. Bees are Assemblee has the final say The basis for the
social insects. constitution of the French Republic resides in the
Declaration des Droits de I'Homme et du Citoyen, written
commune nf [basic French administrative division] in 1789. It has been continuously added to and modified
municipality by statute law since.
communal, e adj municipal
intercommunal, e adj shared between several districts un
projet intercommunal de ramassage des ordures a rubbish
collection scheme organized by several districts
72 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
victoire de la droite. The right won the last election.
Republicanism
2 [mode of electing] ballot au scrutin secret by secret
France first became a republic, une republique, in 1792.
ballot
The first republic lasted until 1804. Three different vote nm 1 (one person's suffrage] vote 2 [fact of electing]
republics followed, 1848-52, 1870-1940, and 1944-58.
voting £7/es n'avaient pas le droit de vote. They weren't
The constitution for the current (fifth) republic, la entitled to vote.
Cinquieme Republique, was approved in referenda in voter {6} vt and vi to vote Je ne voterai pas pour eux. I
1958 and 1962. When used in the context of France, the won't vote for them.
adjective republicain, e does not usually refer to a
se presenter (a une election) BrE to stand for election
particular party, but to the egalitarian principles of the
AmE to run for election
state, e.g. les institutions republicaines, the institutions
of the (French) republic. However, the term is sometimes
used in the context of political parties, in which case it
means 'of the Parti republicain' (France) or 'of the 36.5 Les partis et les ideologies Parties
Republican party' (e.g. the United States). and ideologies
Main ministerial titles and their closest British and parti nm (politique) (political) party
American equivalents centrisme nm centrist politics
Premier ministre Prime Minister socialisme nm socialism
Ministre de I'lnterieur BrE Home Secretary AmE anarchisme nm anarchism
Secretary of the Interior communisme nm communism
Ministre des Finances BrE Chancellor of the Exchequer imperialisme nm imperialism
AmE
Treasury Secretary fascisme nm fascism
Garde des Sceaux BrE Lord Chancellor AmE Attorney Gaullisme nm Gaullism
General liberalisme nm [economic doctrine] free enterprise
Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres BrE Foreign democratic nf democracy
Secretary AmE Secretary of State democratique adj democratic
dictature nf dictatorship
Names for places of central government propagande nf propaganda
(le Palais de) I'Elysee the Elysee Palace (where the
president works and may reside)
Matignon the prime minister's office 36.6 Termes pejoratifs designant les
Bercy the Ministry for Finance
appartenances politiques Pejorative terms
le Quai d'Orsay the Foreign Office
for political orientations
Local politics
rouge adj and nm [informal] red
Except the case of very large cities, the basic local
in
coco adj and nm [informal] commie
government unit in France is la commune. Each
facho adj and nm [informal] fascist
commune has a town hall, la mairie, which is headed by
a mayor, le maire, and a council le conseil municipal,
which administers the area within its jurisdiction, la
municipality. Large cities, like Paris or Lyons, are divided 36.7 Les luttes Struggles
into smaller sections called arrondissements, each of
revendication nf [by a union] demand
which functions like a commune and has a mairie. There
greviste n striker
is also a mairie for the whole city, e.g. la Mairie de Paris.
greve nf strike se mettre en greve, also faire greve to
strike
Women
manifestation nf demonstration
Women mayors vary in their preferences as to what title
manif nf BrE demo
they wish to be given. A recent tendency is to change the
manifestant, e n demonstrator
masculine noun maire into a feminine, la maire. This is
rebellion nf [implies suddenness] rebellion
surprising to many, who favour Madame le maire, or
revolte nf [more deep-seated than rebellion] revolt
simply le maire. The word la mairesse is used, but may
coup nm d'Etat coup II y a eu un coup d'Etat contre
sound disrespectful. Similarly, women members of
Gorbatchev. There was a coup against Gorbachev.
parliament may prefer to be referred to as le depute, la
deputee, or Madame le depute.
36.8 La revolution Revolution
36.4 Les elections Elections The French Revolution
When French people talk about la Revolution, they
election(s) nf (pi) election(s)
usually mean
the Revolution of 1789, the most significant
electeur, -trice n voter
event in France's history, which destroyed the old order,
presidentielles nf pi elections to elect the president (of
I'Ancien Regime, and changed the country from a
the republic)
monarchy into a republic. The beginning of the period is
legislatives nf pi elections to elect the members of
symbolized by the taking of the Bastille prison,
parliament
celebrated to this day as the national holiday, la fete
candidat, e n candidate candidat sortant outgoing
nationale, on 14th July. The other symbolic event of the
candidate
Revolution took place in 1793, when the king, Louis
parlementaire adj parliamentary
XVIth, was guillotined.
partielles nf pi BrE by-elections AmE special election
referendum nm referendum
scrutin nm 1 [election] poll Le dernier scrutin a vu la
37 Authority and the law 73
36.9 Les ambassades Embassies Locutions Idioms
heureux comme un roi as happy as a king
ambassade nf embassy Le roi n'est pas son cousin, [informal. Refers to someone
ambassadeur nm 1 [post-holding diplomat] ambassador so conceited that they consider themselves closer even to
Son Excellence I'Ambassadeur du Japon His Excellency the the king than a cousin] He's far too full of himself.
Japanese Ambassador 2 [person on a mission] envoy
ambassadrice nf 1 [post-holder] ambassador Son Citation Quotation
Excellence I'Ambassadrice des Etats-Unis Her Excellency Je meurs innocent, je pardonne a tous mes ennemis.
the American Ambassador 2 [spouse] ambassador's wife [Allegedly Louis XVIth's last words before being guillotined]
consulat nm consulate I die an inocent man, I forgive
enemies. all my
consulaire adj consular lis n'ont rien appris, ni rien oublie. [The comment by
consul nm consul the French diplomat Talleyrand about the nobles who fled
from France during the revolution and returned after the
fall of Napoleon] They've learned nothing and forgotten
36.10 Monarchie Monarchy nothing.
monarchic nf monarchy
monarque nm [male only] monarch
royaute nf
that there
[refers to
is
the system but focuses on the fact
a king or queen] monarchy
37 Control, authority and
royal, e adj, mpl royaux [describes: e.g. palace, family, the law
prerogative] royal
regicide adj and n regicide
Majeste nf [in titles] Majesty Sa Majeste le roi His Majesty 37.1 Contrdle Control
the king Leurs Majestes se promenaient dans le pare. Their
Majesties walked in the park. contrdle nm 1 [making sure that a machine, document, etc
regne nm reign is in good order] check(ing), inspecting 2 [mastery over
regner {10} W to reign regner sur un pays/peuple to reign one's behaviour, a vehicle, an animal] control le controle
over a country/a people de soi self-control // a perdu le contrdle de son vehicule.
interregne nm interregnum He lost control of his vehicle.
cour nf court a la cour at court controler {6} vt 1 [have power to check what sb does] to
couronnement nm coronation check Mon travail consiste a controler les magasiniers. My
couronne nf crown job is to check the (work of the) warehousemen. 2 [be
trone nm throne influential over] to control EHe contrdle le budget mais n'a
aucun pouvoir de decision sur I'equipe de creatifs. She
controls the budget but has no decision-making power
over the creative team.
36.1 1 Titres royaux et titres de noblesse
pouvoir nm 1 [in general] power 2 [in politics] political
Royal and noble titles power Elle a toujours vise le pouvoir. She has aimed at
Female
political power all her life.
Male
diriger {8} vt 1 [lead and exert overall control over. Obj:
roi nm king reine nf queen
company, team] to manage 2 [give instructions] to
e.g.
princenm prince princesse nf princess
direct Cest elle qui a dirige les operations de sauvetage.
dauphin nm the king's dauphine nf wife of the
She directed the rescue operations.
eldest son dauphin
gerer {6} vt 1 [be in charge of an organization on behalf of
empereur nm emperor imperatrice nf empress
the owner] to run Elle gere une petite surface a Hyeres.
due nm duke duchesse nf duchess
She runs a small supermarket in Hyeres. 2 [to be in overall
comte nm BrE earl AmE Count comtesse nf countess
charge of. Stresses the financial, rather than the strategic
vicomte nm viscount vicomtesse nf viscountess
aspects of management. Obj: e.g. company, organization]
baron nm baron baronne nf baroness
to manage. Elle gerait le pays comme elle aurait gere une
marquis nm marquess marquise nf marchioness
epicerie. She managed the country as she would have
managed a grocer's store. 3 [have financial and
administrative responsibility. Obj: e.g. budget, accounts,
36.12 Noblesse Nobility stock] to manage.
noblesse nf term for nobles] nobility 2 [high-
1 [collective
commander {6} vt [in the army. Obj: e.g. regiment] to be
charge of Ca n'est pas toi qui commandes ici! You're
in
mindedness] nobility (of mind)
not the boss around here!
noble ady [describes: e.g. family, ancestor, gait, mien]
coordonner {6} vt to coordinate
noble
discipliner {6] vt 1 [impose a sanction on. Obj: rebel,
noble n nobleman, noblewoman // a epouse une noble. He
disruptive pupil] to punish 2 [teach some self-control to.
married a noblewoman.
Obj: child, soldiers] to bring into line
aristocratie nf aristocracy
dominer {6} vt [psychologically] to dominate
aristocrate n aristocrat
administrer (6) vt [obj: e.g. organization, project] to
aristocratique ady [of the aristocracy; also befitting an
administer
aristocrat] aristocratic
inf luencer (7) vt [obj: e.g. person, events] to influence
crime nm de lese-majeste crime against the monarch's not
influer {6} vi [same meaning as influencer but does
authority
have people at its object] influer sur to influence
roitelet nm petty king
Obj: gang] to lead 2 [in battle,
mener {9} vt 1 [pejorative.
election, match] to lead mener des troupes a la victoire to
lead troops to victory
fini par
regenter {6} vt [literary] to control La favorite avait
tout regenter a la cour. The king's mistress was eventually
in control of everything and everyone at court
74 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
37.2 Ceux et qui controlent People
celles our national institutions have their origins in the French
Revolution. Le steak-frites est une veritable institution.
who exercise authority Steak and chips is a national institution.
see also 84.6 Les societes
institut nm 1 [learned organization] institute 2 [for buying
cosmetics and having beauty treatment] beauty parlour
administrateur, -trice n administrator
chef nm (male) boss
chefe nf [informal. Sometimes used humorously] (female)
boss 37.4 Faire marcher une organisation To
patron, -tronne n (informal, used in all professions] boss
run an organisation
contremaitre, -tresse n foreman, forewoman
controleur, -leuse n (in trains, on buses] ticket collector siege nm (social) (company) head office La maison a son
directeur, -trice n [head of a department in e.g. business siege a Rotterdam. The company's head office is in
organizations] director Rotterdam.
dirigeant, e n [in politics] leader president nm chair(man) (person)
leader nm [synonym for dirigeant] leader presidente nf chair(woman)
responsable n [this term applies to people in charge in all presider {6} vi and vt to chair
sorts of organizations and at many levels in the hierarchy] secretaire nm [to a committee] secretary secretaire general
person in charge Appelez-moi le responsable. want to I General Secretary
speak to the person in charge. membre nm member Brigitte est un des plus anciens
gerant nm [employee in charge of a shop, a hotel, a bank] membres de /'association de consommateurs de sa region.
manager Brigitte is one of the longest-serving members of her local
gerante nf [as above] manageress consumer association.
comite nm committee etre au comite to be on the
Asking to see the manager committee II y a reunion du comite a 14 heures demain.
If you want someone to 'fetch the manager' you should There is a meeting of the committee tomorrow at 2 p.m.
say something like voudrais parler au directeur/a la
'ye
directrice s'il vous plait' or ye voudrais parler au
responsable/a la responsable'. The terms gerant and 37.5 Lois et reglements Laws and
gerante tend to be used mainly to denote status as
employee. regulations
loi nf 1 [act passed by a government] law, act Cest interdit
gouverneur nm [historical. In colonies] governor par la loi de 1932. It's forbidden under the 1932 Act. qui
garde-chiourme nm, pi gardes-chiourmes [pejorative fait force de loi legally binding 2 [that which is legal] the
and informal. Can refer to a real prison officer or to
law La loi est dure mais c'est la loi. The law may be hard
someone who behaves like one] jailer
but it is the law. 3 [in scientific usage] law une des lois de
maitre nm 1 [painter, head of household with servants]
la nature one of the laws of nature
master 2 [in music] maestro 3 [at primary school] (male)
legal, e adj, mpl -gaux legal la limite legale de paiement
teacher
de I'impot the legal limit for payment of tax owed
maTtresse nf 1 [in a household with servants] mistress 2 [at
legalement adv lawfully
primary school] (female) teacher
illegal, e ady, mpl -gaux illegal
puissant, e ady and n [wielding power] powerful les
legiferer {6} vi to legislate
puissants the powerful
Locutions Idioms
Locutions Idioms
Nul n'est cense ignorer la loi. Ignorance of the law is no
tirer les ficelles to pull (all) the strings
excuse.
avoir droit de regard sur qqch to be entitled to a say
C'est la loi du talion. It's an eye for an eye and a tooth
about sthg
for a tooth.
regie nf [decision made by a group or a person] rule
en regie (used an adjective) [conforming to the law]
as
37.3 Organisation sociale Organization of legal, in order II a des papiers en regie. His papers are in
society order. Je suis en regie avec le fisc. My tax affairs are sorted
out.
organisation nf 1 [group] organization une organisation reglement nm [set of decisions made a group] regulations
humanitaire a humanitarian organization 2 [process] Pour lui, le reglement c'est le reglement. He's stickler for
organizing regulations.
etablissement nm 1 [general term for schools and reglementaire ady regulation papier aux dimensions
colleges] school Maquillage et bijoux sont interdits dans reglementaires regulation-sized paper
de nombreux etablissements scolaires. In many schools, it reguler {6} vt [administrative term] to regulate
is forbidden to wear make-up or jewellery. 2 [slightly old- contrat nm contract Je suis sous contrat. I'm under
fashioned term referring to small or middle-sized contract.
companies, including their buildings] company Les
etablissements Desruelle ont du fermer a cause de la crise.
Desruelle and Co have had to close because of the
recession.
institution nf 1 [religious college] (denominational) school
Elle a et$ mise en pension a /'institution Sainte-Catherine.
She was sent to Saint-Catherine's College as a boarder.
2 [long-established organization or tradition. Sometimes
used humorously] institution La plupart de nos institutions
nationales ont 6te cre4es pendant la Revolution. Most of
37 Authority and :
75
37.6 Judiciaire The Judiciary 37.9 Prison Prison
In this area of vocabulary it is very difficult to provide
prison nf prison
accurate translations, since the judicial systems in France, maison nf d' arret [official term] prison
Britain and the US are so different. In topics 37.7 to 37.1
(maison) centrale [official term] large prison
below you will find a few taule nf [slang] BrE nick AmE slammer S'il continue comme
translations, but mostly
ca, il va se retrouver en taule. If he carries on like this, he'll
descriptions, of the various divisions of the French
judicial system and rough equivalents where end up in the nick.
it is possible
prisonnier, -niere n prisoner
to give them.
detenu, e n [slightly informal] prisoner
le droit penal criminal law
le droit civil civil law
37.10 Juristes Lawyers
le parquet lawyers (acting for the British Crown or the
37.7 Crimes et delits Offences Am public to put a case against a person).
le barreau the bar
infraction nf everyday language, a minor offence. In
In
juriste n lawyer, attorney
legal language, any offence, serious or minor.
crime nm In everyday language, a murder. In legal
avocat, enA lawyer whose work includes advocacy on
behalf of a client in a court of law, similar to an English
language, a serious breach of the law.
contravention nf In everyday language, a motoring fine.
barrister, or in some circumstances a solicitor.
Also, a breach of traffic regulations. In legal language a
notaire nm A whose work does not
practising solicitor
involve advocacy.
minor breach of the law.
delit nm In everyday language, an offence not involving
death or bodily harm. In legal language a breach less
serious than un crime but more serious than une 37.11 Au tribunal In court
contravention.
cour nf court
juge nm judge
The phrases an offence and une offense can be a source
temoin nm witness
of confusion, not only because of their spelling but also
le banc des temoins the witness box
their meaning. The French word is literary and means an
les jures the jurors
affront: e.g. Tu as mis en doute I'honneur de ma mere:
I'accuse the defendant
une telle offense se lave dans le sang! You have
le banc des accuses BrE the dock
questioned my mother's honour: only blood can wash
avocat, e n BrE barrister
away such an insult!
accusation nf 1 charge mettre qqn en accusation to
charge sb 2 [team of lawyers] /'accusation the prosecution
accuser {6} vt (often + de) [subj: police] to charge // est
37.8 Les policiers et leurs actions Police accuse de detournement de mineur. He's been charged
with corrupting a minor. De quoi suis-je accuse? What am
officers and their duties 1 charged with?
policier nm policeman defense nf 1 [procedure for defending oneself] defence Sa
femme nf policier policewoman seule defense consiste a nier. His only defence is that he
nm de la paix, a^so agent nm (de police) denies the facts. 2 [defendant's lawyers] la defense the
gardien [in
charge of general policing esp in towns] policeman defence
gendarme nm [member of a military unit specializing in
defenseur nm 1 [in criminal law] counsel (for the defence)
policing, mainly traffic duty] policeman 2 [in civil law] defendant's counsel
CRS nm [member plaignant, e n plaintiff
of the Compagnies Republicaines de
caution nf bail verser une caution de 100.000 francs to
Securite, a special police force usedby the state for crowd
stand bail for 100, 000 francs sous caution on bail
control, for dealing with major incidents, or on state
occasions] special policeman
etre juge, e 1 [during trial] to stand trial etre juge pour
vol a main armee to stand trial for armed robbery 2 [as a
flic nm [slang] cop
result of a trial] to be sentenced II sera juge demain. He'll
barbouze nm secret police agent
suspect, e n suspect be sentenced tomorrow.
tribunal nm. pi -naux 1 [building] court(house) 2 [scene of
soupconner {6} vt (often + de) to suspect La police le
trials] court comparaitre devant un tribunal to appear
soupconne d'avoir recrute un tueura gages. The police
before a court tribunal de commerce commercial court
suspect him of having hired a professional killer.
tribunal pour enfants juvenile court
soupcon nm suspicion avoid des soupcons to be suspicious
suspecter {6} vt (often + de) [more pejorative than
Other types of tribunal
soupconner] to suspect // est suspecte d'avoir detourne
des fonds. He's under suspicion of embezzlement.
The tribunal de grande instance is a higher court with
jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. The tribunal
arrestation nf arrest
correctionnel is part of this higher court, and deals with
arreter {6} vt to arrest
serious breaches of the law and claims for damages.
garde nf a vue (police) custody mis, also place en garde a
vue placed in (police) custody
The tribunal d 'instance deals with less serious cases.
descente nf de police police raid
plaider {6} 1 vi plaider coupable to plead guilty plaider
fouille nf corporelle body search
non coupable to plead not guilty 2 vt plaider la legitime
defense to plead self-defence
76 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
proces nm trial intenter un proces a qqn to sue sb instruire 37.13 Autorisation Allowed
un proces to prepare a (criminal) case, lis ont conteste
/'heritage et ils ont fait un proces. They contested the will see also 110.1 (Gambits)
and instituted proceedings. permettre {56} vt ([tolerate] to allow J'ai
permis a Julien
poursuivre qqn en justice, also engager des de allowed Julian to go out last night. Tu
sortir hier soir. I
poursuites (judiciaires) contre qqn to prosecute sb me permets une remarque? Would you allow me one
Toute personne voyageant sans billet s'expose a des observation?
poursuites judiciaires. Persons travelling without a valid se permettre v refl 1 [pejorative] to allow oneself II s'est
ticket will be prosecuted. permis une remarque desobligeante sur mes competences.
preuve nf (piece of) evidence preuve recevable/non He allowed himself to speak disparagingly about my
recevable admissible/inadmissible evidence preuve abilities. 2 [when requesting something politely.
indirecte circumstantial evidence Frequently, this is not translated, as English is more direct]
verdict nm verdict Lesjures ont rendu leur verdict. The jury to take the liberty of Je me permets de vous ecrire pour
has returned its verdict. vous demander un conseil. am writing to ask you for
I
peine nf sentence une peine de prison a prison sentence advice.
une lourde peine a harsh sentence une peine legere a permission nf permission // faut demander a I'editeur la
light sentence condamne a la peine de mort sentenced to permission de reproduire les illustrations. Permission to
death commuer une peine to commute a sentence reproduce the drawings must be sought from the
condamner {6} vt (often + a) to sentence condamner qqn a publisher, avoir la permission de minuit to be allowed to
des travaux d'interet general to sentence sb to community stay out until midnight.
service autorisation nf [more official than permission]
authorization
Citation Quotation
J'accuse! [title of Emile Zola's famous open letter Autorisation de sortie du territoire francais
defending Dreyfus, published in 1898 in the newspaper A minor may leave French territory only if he or she is
L'Aurore] accuse!
I
carrying not only a passport or identity card, but also a
document called an autorisation de sortie du territoire
{francais). This has to be signed by one of the young
person's parents.
37.12 Liberie Freedom
libre adj 1 [not in prison] free Vous etes libre. You are free avoir le droit de to be allowed to A huit ans, il n'a pas
(to go). 2 [not occupied. Describes: e.g. space, time] free Je encore le droit de traverser la rue tout seul. At eight, he's
ne serai pas libre avant huit heures. won't be free until
I not allowed to cross the road on his own.
eight o'clock. avoir droit a to be entitled to Vous avez droit a des
liberte nf opposed to imprisonment] freedom 2 [state
1 [as allocations chomage. You're entitled to unemployment
freedom liberte de
of being unrestrained] (often + de) benefit(s).
pensee freedom of thought liberte du culte freedom of
religion usage
liberer {1} vt 1 [obj: e.g. prisoner, country] to free 2 (often
+ de) [remove constraints from] to free Un assistant vous Using permettre in mock courtesy
libererait des taches les plus immediates. An assistant You can pretend to seek permission while really
would relieve you of the most pressing tasks. imposing your will, using phrases like: e.g. Vous
liberation nf [in historical or political contexts] liberation permettez que je fasse une remarque? Will you allow
la Liberation de Paris en aout 44 the liberation of Paris, in me to make a comment? More forcefully: e.g.
August 1944. Permettez! J'etais la avant vous! Do you mind! I was
relacher {6} vt [obj: e.g. prisoner, captive animal] to release here before you!
The verbs echapper a and s'echapper de
The reflexive verb s'echapper {6}, used with de, refers to Locution Idiom
ll/Elle se croit tout permis. He thinks he/She thinks she
a physical escape from a place: Hier, un dangereux
criminel s'est echappe de la prison des Guiermes.
can get away with anything.
Yesterday, a dangerous criminal escaped from the prison
at Guiermes. By contrast, echapper a implies avoiding a
situation, responsibility, etc: e.g. II a simule des troubles 37.14 Interdit Forbidden
psychiques pour echapper au service militaire. He
interdire {78} vt to forbid ie reglement interdit tout
pretended to be mentally ill in order to escape military
contact avec I'exterieur. All contact with the outside world
service.
is forbidden under the regulations. Le medecin lui a
interdit le Sucre. The doctor has told him to stay off sugar.
Je t'interdis de sortir avec ce garcon. won't allow you go I
Locutions Idioms
out with that boy. Et alors, je ronfle. c'est pas interdit! So.
faire le mur from prison, boarding
[informal. Escape
I snore, there's no law against it, is there?
school or mental hospital] to go over the wall
interdit e adj forbidden rue interdite road with no access
libre comme I'air [without any constraints. Implies joyous
la Cite Interdite the Forbidden City // est interdit de sejour
and adventurous] footlose and fancy-free
en France. He's not allowed on French territory.
libre a toi/vous de le faire It's up to you if you want to
interdiction nf [very strong] prohibition ies enfants ont
do it.
interdiction de traverser la rue tout seuls. The children are
strictly forbidden to cross the road on their own.
Citation Quotation
ll/Elle n'a pas le droit de faire He's/She's is not
. . .
Liberte. egalite, f raternite [The motto of the French
Republic, adopted in 1793 and reproduced in townhalls
allowed to do ... On n'a pas le droit de cumuler les deux
all
allocations. You're not allowed to receive both kinds of
over France] Liberty, equality, fraternity
allowance.
37 Authority and the law
77
vice nm 1 [sexual depravity] le vice vice 2 socially
Signs and notices prohibiting certain things: [
unacceptable habit or character trait] weakness Lui, son
Interdit aux chiens No dogs
vice, c'est I'alcool. Hisgreat weakness is alcohol. // a tous
Colportage interdit No hawkers
les vices. He's bad through and through. 3 [disposition
// est interdit de se pencher au dehors. Do not lean out.
towards evil] sinfulness
Interdiction de fumer. Smoking prohibited
peche nm [in religious contexts] sin le peche originel
original sin
prohiber [forbidden by law] to outlaw Le port
{6} vt
d'arrnes est prohibe sur tout le territoire. Carrying
weapons is illegal throughout the country.
censure nf censorship 37.17 Soumission et passivite Enduring
censurer {6} vt to censor and being passive
tabou nm taboo
see also 43.2 Qui se conforme a ce que Ton demande
Citation Quotation supporter {6} vtto put up with, to endure Le malheureux
II est interdit d'interdire. [a slogan popular at the time a supporte la maladie et la misere jusqu'a sa mort en 1887.
of May 1968, reflecting people's frustration with The wretched man endured ill-health and poverty until his
authoritarian prohibitions] It's forbidden to forbid. death in 1887. Je supporterai tout, sauf I'infidelite. I'll put
up with anything, but not infidelity. Quand il a une
migraine, il ne supporte pas la lumiere du jour. When he
has a migraine, he can't bear daylight.
37.15 Culpabilite Guilt soumission nf being submissive En tant que representant
coupable adj 1 [recognized as responsible after a trial] syndical, je vous en conjure, n'optez pas pour la
guilty coupable de meurtre guilty of murder 2 [assumed soumission! As union representative, beg of you, don't I
to be responsible for a bad situation] guilty Je me sens act like sheep!
coupable. feel guilty. De quoi suis-je coupable a tes yeux?
I
se soumettre {56} v refl (often+ a) to submit // s'est soumis
What am I guilty of in your eyes? de bonne grace a une fouille corporelle. He submitted
culpabilite nf 1 [in law] guilt 2 [blameworthiness] guilt with good grace to a body search.
porter la culpabilite de qqch to be guilty of sthg soumis, e adj 1 [as a character trait] submissive 2
blame nm 1 [formal. Severe judgment on someone's [temporarily] cowed
actions] disapproval 2 [in school] formal warning Apres leche-bottes nm inv toady, sycophant
troisblames, I'eleve peut etre exclu du lycee. A student
may be expelled after having been given three formal Citation Quotation
warnings. II faudra se soumettre ou se demettre. [Words
blamer {6} vt (often + de) [fairly formal. Express
addressed by the Republican orator Gambetta to the
disapproval of] to condemn, to blame Qui pourrait blamer Conservative President of the French Republic, MacMahon,
une mere d'avoir voulu proteger son enfant? Who could warning him that he must heed the will of the people
blame a mother for having tried to protect her child? expressed through universal suffrage] You must give in (to
responsable adj (often + de) responsible Je ne suis pas the will of the people) or resign.
responsable de tout ce qui va mal dans cette maison! I'm
not reponsible for everything that goes wrong in this
house! 37.18 Victimes Victims
responsabilite nf (often + de) responsibility La
responsabilite de /'accident lui incombe. He bears victime nf victim C'est lui la victime dans cette affaire. He
responsibility for the accident. was the victim in this matter.
tort nm [respect in which one is wrong] mistake Son tort, bouc nm emissaire [person who is punished for others]
c'est de n'avoir pas communique ses soupqons a ses
scapegoat
superieurs. Where she went wrong was in not letting her souffre-douleur nm inv [victim of bullying] scapegoat
superiors know about her suspicions. esclave n slave
lavette nf [used as an insult] wimp
Locutions Idioms
C'est la faute a qui? also A qui la faute? Who's to Locutions Idioms
blame? obeir au doigt et a I'oeil to do as you're told // obeissait
Il/Elle est dans son tort. He's/She's in the wrong. au doigt et a I'oeil a son pere He toed the line with his
father.
se laisser mener par le bout du nez to be led by the
nose
37.16 Mauvais Wicked courber tete also I'echine devant qqn [slightly
la
mauvais, e adj noun) [moralistic and slightly
(after the literary] togrovel before sb
dated word. Used of people only] wicked Aucun enfant s'aplatir devant qqn 1 [always] to be sb's doormat 2 [on
a particular occasion] to cave in to sb
n'est naturellement mauvais. No child is naturally wicked.
mechant, e adj (before the noun) [who habitually hurts
others] bad Ce n'est pas un mechant homme, mais quand
il a bu il ne se controle plus. He's not a bad man, but he
can't control himself when he's drunk.
vilain,e adj [used of or to children] naughty
immoral, e adj [respecting no moral rules, esp as far as sex
or money are concerned] immoral immoralite nf
immorality
vicieux, -cieuse adj [excessively interested in sex]
depraved
78 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
38.4 La ceremonie du mariage The
38 Rituals and beliefs wedding ceremony
fiancailles nf pi 1 [set engagement bague de
of customs]
38.1 Coutumes Customs fianqailles engagement engagement party
ring 2 [party]
Pour leurs fiancailles, its ont loue un bateau-mouche sur la
coutume nf [ritualized behaviour going back many Seine. For their engagement party, they hired a pleasure
generations] custom C'est la coutume chez nous de cruiser on the Seine, repas de fianqailles engagement party
donner un cadeau aux enfants le jour de leur fete. It's our se f iancer {7} v refl to get engaged lis se sont fiances en
custom to give children a present on their saint's day. A mai dernier. They got engaged last May. Elle s'est f/ancee
Piques, on cache des chocolats dans le jardin, c'est la a un Italien. She got engaged to an Italian.
coutume qui veut ca. At Easter, chocolates are hidden in se marier {1 5} v refl to get married lis se sont maries dans
the garden, it's a custom. I'intimite. They had a simple wedding ceremony.
tradition nf [wider than coutume. Can refer to whole mariage nm 1 [set of customs, civil status] marriage Le
ways of thinking or behaving] tradition Nous vivons selon mariage doit etre public selon la loi franqaise. According
des traditions judeo-chretiennes. We live according to to French law the marriage vows must be taken in public.
Judeo-Christian traditions. 2 [ceremony, party] wedding un grand mariage a lavish
culture nf [set of traditions of a group of people] way of wedding
life pays de culture musulmane a country with an Islamic
arte nm de mariage marriage certificate
cultural tradition contrat nm de mariage marriage contract
mariee nf bride
marie nm groom
38.2 Fetes Celebrations temoin nm witness Ma soeur sera mon temoin. My sister
will be my witness (at my wedding).
feter {6} vt 1 [rejoice and have a party in honour of] to
celebrate Elle fete ses cinquante ans demain. She'll
Witnessing the civil ceremony
celebrate her fiftieth birthday tomorrow. Fetons Noel
In France a civil wedding ceremony must take place for
ensemble. Let's celebrate Christmas together. On a fete le the marriage to be legally valid. Couples who also want
14 juillet avec un bal de rue et un feu d'artifice. We
their marriage to be celebrated in church will therefore
celebrated Bastille day with a street party and a fireworks
go through two separate marriage ceremonies, often on
display. 2 [in the Christian tradition] to celebrate the
the same day. It is a legal obligation for the bride and
saint's day of Demain, on fete les Etienne. Tomorrow is
groom to each have a witness present at the civil
the saint's day of people called Etienne. ceremony. The presence of a best man or a bridesmaid is
fete nf 1 [organized public activity] day (of celebration) la
a matter of tradition and personal choice.
fete nationale Bastille day la fete du travail Labour day la
fete des meres Mothers' day 2 [in the Christian tradition]
garcon nm d'honneur best man
saint's day C'est quand ta fete? When is your saint's day?
demoiselle nf d'honneur bridesmaid
offrir une montre a un enfant pour sa fete to give a child
alliance nf wedding ring
a watch on his saint's day 3 [private function] party Nous
robe nf de mariage also de mariee wedding dress
faisons une fete samedi soir, vous viendrez? We're having
voile nm (de mariee) wedding veil
a party on Saturday evening, will you come?
bouquet nm de la mariee wedding bouquet
reception nf (wedding) reception
Les Fetes lune nf de miel honeymoon Nous avons passe notre lune
The phrase Les Fetes refers to the period around
de miel au Colorado. We honeymooned in Colorado.
Christmas and up to New Year's Day. At that time,
separation nf separation separation de corps legal
people wish each other Bonnes also Joyeuses Fetes,
separation
meaning 'Have a good time at Christmas and the New se separer {6} v refl to separate Elle et son mari se sont
Year'
separes. She and her husband have separated. Mireille
s'est separee de Guillaume. Mireille has separated from
anniversaire nm 1 [day of a person's birth] birthday Guillaume.
Joyeux anniversaire! Happy birthday! 2 [commemoration divorce nm divorce
of an event] anniversary anniversaire de mariage wedding
divorcer {6} v refl to get divorced lis vont divorcer. They're
anniversary /'anniversaire du referendum sur
going to get divorced.
I'independance de I'Algerie the anniversary of the
divorcer {6} vi (always + de) to divorce Elle a divorce d'avec
referendum on Algerian independence son premier mari en 1995. She divorced her first husband
anniversaire adj anniversary le jour anniversaire de sa in 1995.
morttne anniversary of her death le jour anniversaire de
la prise de la Bastille the anniversary of the fall of the
Bastille
38.5 Enterrement Funeral
enterrement nm 1 [ceremony and procession] funeral a
38.3 Ceremonies religieuses Religious I'enterrement de mon oncle at my uncle's funeral
2 [putting in the grave] burial
ceremonies
enterrer {6} vt to bury On enterre Adeline demain. Adeline
bapteme nm christening robe de bapteme christening is being buried tomorrow.
robe nom de bapteme Christian name cimetiere nm cemetery quand je serai au cimetiere when
parrain nm godfather I'm dead (and buried)
marraine nf godmother tombe nf grave mettre des fleurs sur la tombe de qqn to
filleul nm godson put flowers on sb's grave
filleule nf goddaughter pierre nf tombale gravestone
bar mitsva nm Bar Mitzvah cercueil nm coffin
couronne nf (mortuaire) wreath Ni fleurs ni couronnes.
No flowers.
38 Rituals and beliefs
79
porteur nm de cercueil pallbearer 38.8 Croire trop facilement To believe
croque-mort nm, pi croque-morts [informal] undertaker
('s assistant) too easily
employe, e n des pompes funebres undertaker gogo nm [slang] sucker
fourgon nm mortuaire hearse avaler {6} vt [informal. Believe without questioning] to
veillee nf mortuaire wake
swallow J'ai invente une histoire de rendez-vous tardif;
veiller {6} vt [while the dead person is laid out, before they
heureusement, il a tout avale. made up some story about
I
are placed in the coffin] to keep vigil over Elle a veille son
a late appointment; fortunately he swallowed it. On te
pere toute la nuit. She stayed up all night by the side of
ferait avaler n'importe quoi. You'd believe anything
her dead father.
anybody told you.
incinerer {10} vt to cremate Apres ma mort, je veux me gober {6} vt [more slang and more pejorative than avaler]
faire incinerer. When I die I want to be cremated. to swallow (whole)
incineration nf cremation credule adj [believes things without questioning them]
deuil nm 1 [event] bereavement Un deuil a frappe leur gullible
famille. Their family suffered a bereavement. 2 [feelings]
mourning Je ne sortirai jamais de ce deuil. will never stop I
Locutions Idioms
mourning. 3 [clothes] (vetements de) deuil mourning avoir la foi du charbonnier [refers to a legendary
clothes Les femmes quittaient le deuil, also cessaient de
stubborn coal merchant] to have a blind faith
porter le deuil dix ans apres la mort de leur mari. Women II n'y a que la foi qui sauve! [used ironically] Hope
could stop wearing mourning (clothes) ten years after springs eternal!
their husband's death.
prendre quelque chose pour argent comptant to take
etre en deuil 1 [feelings] to mourn ie pays tout entier est something at face value
en deuil. The whole country is in mourning. 2 [in black parole d'evangile [words which you can believe in] gospel
clothes] to be in mourning (clothes)
truth Tout ce qu'elle raconte, pour lui c'est parole
prendre le deuil (de qqn) [wear black] to go into d'evangile. To him everything she says is (the) gospel
mourning (for sb) truth, lis ont promis le remboursement mais ne prends pas
necrologie nf also notice nf necrologique obituary ca pour parole d'evangile. They've promised to pay the
testament nm will money back but don't assume they'll keep their word.
croire dur comme fer a/en [informal] to believe in sthg
implicitly
38.6 Croyance Believing faire avaler des couleuvres a qqn to feed sb lies
C'est a peine croyable! [it's a cause for wonder] It's unbe-
croire {68} vt [think probable] to believe Je n'arrive pas a
lievable!
croire qu'il a cinquante ans! can scarcely believe that he's
C'est a ne pas croire! above, the sense of wonder
I
[as is
Tu I'as cru quand il t'a dit qu'il avait perdu son
fifty!
even greater] Who'd believe it!
chequier? Did you believe him when he told you he'd lost
his chequebook?
croire vi 1 [have faith] to be a believer fa fait longtemps
que je ne crois plus. ceased to be a believer a long time
I
38.9 Religion Religion
ago. 2 [think something is real] croire en Dieu to believe religion nf religion Quelle est votre religion? What
in God croire au pere Noel to believe Father
in
religion areyou?
Christmas/Santa Claus 3 [in conversation] Tu crois? Do you religieux, -gieuse adj [describes: e.g. conviction,
think so? education] religious
croyance nf [element within a system of beliefs] belief Elle
religieux, gieuse n member of a religious order
a etudie les croyances de ces peuplades insulaires. She foi nf faith J'ai perdu la foi.have lost my faith. Elle a ete
I
studied the beliefs of these islanders. elevee dans la foi catholique. She was brought up in the
croyant, e adj [having faith] religious // est tres croyant. Catholic faith.
He's very religious.
croyant, e n believer une famille de croyants a religious
family
foi nf [belief which is not amenable to reasoning] faith
38.10 Les religions dans le monde World
avoir la foi to believe in God avoir foi en quelqu'un to religions
trust sb
chretiente nf Christianity Chretien, -tienne n Christian
conviction nf [strong belief, arrived at through intuition
Chretien, -tienne adj Christian
or reasoning] conviction J'ai la conviction qu'on est venu
ici en mon absence. I'm convinced that somebody was bouddhisme Buddhism Bouddhiste n Buddhist
pour ses convictions bouddhiste adj Buddhist
here while I was out. Elle a ete elue
europeennes. She was elected because she believes in
hindouisme nm Hinduism Hindou, e n Hindu hindou, e
adj Hindu
Europe.
judaisme nm Judaism Juif nm Jew, Juive nf Jewess juif,
-ve adj Jewish
islam nm Islam
38.7 La force de ce que I'on croit The Musulman, e n Muslim musulman, e adj Muslim
strength of one's beliefs
aveugle adj [pejorative. Describes faith] blind
inebranlable adj [describes: e.g. faith, conviction,
38.11 Religions chretiennes Christian
certainty] unshakeable denominations
ferme adj [describes conviction] firm ferme, also
catholique n and adj Catholic
fermement adv Les leqons de /'experience, j'y crois ferme
protestant, e n and adj Protestant
also fermement. I'm a firm believer in learning from
orthodoxe adj (Greek or Russian) Orthodox
experience.
copte n Copt copte adj Coptic
80 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
38.12 Divinites Divine beings 38.14 Le culte Worship
Oieu nm (the Christian) God culte nm 1 [in any religion, act of venerating] worship 2 [in
dieu nm god the French Protestant Church] (church) service
deesse nf goddess adorer {6} vt to worship
Allah nm Allah office nm (religieux) [formal] (religious) service
Bouddha nm Buddha messe nf mass alter a la messe to attend mass dire la messe
Mohammed nm Mohammed to say mass Je I'ai remarquee a la sortie de la messe. I
Jehovah nm Jehovah noticed her as people were coming out of mass.
Jesus (Christ) nm Jesus (Christ) prier {1 5} 1 vi to pray Prions. Let us pray. Priez pour nous.
le Christ Christ Pray for us. 2 vt [obj: e.g. God, Mary] to pray to
le Saint-Esprit the Holy Spirit priere nf prayer dire, also reciter ses prieres to say one's
la Vierge Marie the Virgin Mary prayers
Satan nm Satan pater nm [informal. Prayer] Our Father
ange nm angel ange gardien guardian angel ave nm [informal. Prayer] Ave Maria
diable nm devil missel nm prayer book
saint, e adj saint Saint Paul Saint Paul Sainte Anne Saint chapelet nm rosary egrener son chapelet BrE to tell one's
Anne beads AmE to say the rosary
prophete nm prophet prophetique adj prophetic cantique nm canticle livre de cantiques hymnal le Cantique
prophetie nf prophecy des Cantiques the Song of Songs
psaume nm psalm
Locutions Idioms precher {6} vi and vt to preach
Nul n'est prophete en son pays, [proverb] No one is a predicateur nm preacher
prophet in his own country. sermon nm sermon
par I'operation du Saint-Esprit [ironic] miraculously confession nf confession entendre qqn en confession to
Allez, remue-toi, tes devoirs ne vont pas se faire par hear sb's confession confessional nm confessional
I'operation du Saint-Esprit! Come on, get a move on, your se confesser {6} v refl 1 [speak confidentially to a priest] to
homework isn't going to get done by a miracle! confess (one's sins) 2 [as a practice] to go to confession Je
me confessais toutes les semaines. used to go toI
confession every week.
38.13 Le clerge The clergy benediction nf blessing donner sa benediction a qqn to
bless sb
cure nm [in charge of a Catholic parish] priest benir {19} vtto bless
vicaire nm [priest's assistant in a Catholic parish] curate beni, e adj blessed Votre union est benie. Your marriage
pretre nm priest has been blessed.
pretrise nf priesthood eau nf benite holy water
pasteur nm [in the French Protestant Church] minister n churchgoer les fideles the faithful I'assemblee des
f idele
ministre nm (du culte) [formal for pasteur] minister fideles thecongregation
rabbinnm rabbi croyant, e adj religious
mollah nm mullah
imam nm imam
pope nm [Greek orthodox] pope 38.15 Textes sacres Sacred writings
Pape nm pope le Pape Jean-Paul II Pope John Paul II
moine also religieux nm monk la Bible the Bible
religieuse nf nun I'Ancien Testament the Old Testament
soeur nf [informal] nun Elle a ete elevee chez les soeurs. She le Nouveau Testament the New Testament
went to a convent school. I'Evangile the Gospel
monastere nm monastery I'Evangile selon Saint Jean/Matthieu the Gospel
couvent nm convent according to St John/Matthew
le Coran the Koran
portailnm portal
porche nm porch
clocher nm steeple 38.16 Saint Holy
contrefort nm buttress
saint, e adj 1 (before the noun) [in phrases describing
banc nm (d'eglise) pew religious symbols] holy les saintes huiles the holy oils la
nef nf (central) aisle Sainte Famille the Holy Family le Saint-Esprit the Holy
bas-cote nm, pi bas-cotes (side) aisle sacrement the Sacrament of Holy
Spirit le saint
fonts nm pi baptismaux font Communion 2 (before the noun) [embodying holiness.
benitier nm stoup Used of people only] holy un saint homme a holy man une
chaire nf pulpit sainte femme a holy woman 3 (after the noun) [with a
autel nm altar sacred meaning] holy un lieu saint a holy place un livre
saint a sacred book une guerre sainte a holy war
eglise nf church lis ne vont pas a I'eglise. They're not sacre, e adj [similar to saint 3] holy la colline sacree the
churchgoers. I'tglise catholique the Catholic Church Holy Mount
I'tglise anglicane the Church of England divin, e ady [coming from a deity] divine le divin enfant the
temple nm 1 [in the French Protestant Church] church 2 Holy Child
(Buddhist, Hindu] temple pieux, pieuse adj [a slightly old-fashioned term, not
synagogue nf synagogue pejorative] pious Le livre raconte I'histoire d'une jeune
mosquee nf mosque femme tres pieuse. The book tells the story of a very
devout young woman.
39 Dangers, risks and conflicts
81
devot, e adj devout martial, e adj, mp/ -tiaux [literary] martial
bigot e adj [pejorative. Implies sanctimoniousness and off icier nm officer officier d'active/de reserve
frequent visits to church] excessively devout regular/reserve officer officier de liaison liaison officer
grade nm officer
sous-off icier nm, pi sous-off iciers non-commissioned
38.17 L'au-dela Life after death officer
adjudant nm warrant officer
ame nf dimension to a person] soul 2 [literary.
1[ spiritual
Person] soul un village de cinq cents ames a village of 500
souls
39.2 L'armee de terre The army
spirituel, -tuelle adj [concerning the soul] spiritual
paradis nm Heaven marechal nm, pi -chaux field marshal
enfer nm Hell general nm, pi -raux general
purgatoire nm Purgatory colonel nm colonel
lieutenant-colonel nm, pi lieutenants-colonels
lieutenant colonel
38.18 La non-croyance Non-belief chef nm de bataillon major
capitaine nm captain
atheisme nm atheism lieutenant nm lieutenant
athee n atheist sergent-chef nm, pi sergents-chefs staff-sergeant, colour
agnostique n agnostic sergeant
laic, lai'que adj 1 [not linked to a religion] secular sergent nm sergeant
2 [performing a religious function but not in holy orders] caporal-chef nm, pi caporaux-chefs BrE corporal AmE
lay corporal
laic, lai'que n [not a member of the clergy] lay person caporal nm, pi -raux (lance) corporal
lai'citenf [the principle of laicite underlies the whole of (simple) soldat nm private
French state education, in which there are no collective homme nm de troupe private
acts of worship and no religious teaching] secularism infanterie nf infantry
The term general may be used to refer to three ranks:
38.19 Astrologie Astrology general de corps d'armee lieutenant general, general de
division major general, and general de brigade brigadier.
astrologie nf astrology
astrologue n astrologer
horoscope nm horoscope lire son horoscope to read one's
horoscope 39.3 L'armee de fair The air force
signe nm (star) sign mon signe du Zodiaque my sign of the
marechal nm, pi -chaux [the French word denotes rank,
Zodiac Tu es ne sous quel signe? What sign were you born
while its British equivalent is a title] Marshal of the RAF
under?
zodiaque nm zodiac
general nm de l'armee de I'air (pi generaux ) air
marshall
general nm de brigade aerienne (pi generaux) air vice-
Les signes du zodiaque Signs of the zodiac
marshal
le Verseau Aquarius
colonel nm de l'armee de I'air air commodore
les Poissons Pisces
colonel nm (de l'armee de I'air) group captain
le Belier Aries
lieutenant-colonel nm, pi lieutenants-colonels wing
le Taureau Taurus
commander
les Gemeaux Gemini
commandant nm squadron leader
le Cancer Cancer
capitaine nm (de l'armee de I'air) flight lieutenant
le Lion Leo
lieutenant nm (de l'armee de I'air) flying officer
la Vierge Virgo
sous-lieutenant nm pilot officer
la Balance Libra
sergent-chef nm, pi sergent-chefs flight sergeant
le Scorpion Scorpio
caporal nm, pi caporaux senior aircraftman
le Sagittaire Sagittarius
soldat nm (de l'armee de I'air) airman
le Capricome Capricorn
39.4 La marine The navy
39 Dangers, risks and amiral nm, pi -raux (de France) admiral of the fleet
vice-amiral nm, pi vice-amiraux (d'escadre) vice-admiral
conflicts contre-amiral nm, p/-raux rear-admiral
contre-amiral nm, pi -raux commodore
capitaine nm captain
39.1 Guerre War capitaine de fregate commander
capitaine de corvette lieutenant commander
guerre nf war guerre c/V/7e civil war guerre nucleaire
enseigne nm de vaisseau premiere classe lieutenant
nuclear war la premiereldeuxieme guerre mondiale the
enseigne de vaisseau deuxieme classe sublieutenant
First/Second World War
maitre nm chief petty officer second maitre petty officer
soldat nm soldier
matelot nm (brevete) able seaman
troufion nm [slang] BrE squaddy AmE soldier
matelot ordinary seaman
militaire adj military militaire nm soldier
guerrier, -rriere adj [literary] warlike guerrier nm warrior
homme nm d'equipage hand
82 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
39.5 Les armes Weapons ennemi, e n enemy ennemi public (numero un) public
enemy (number one) On ne lui connaissait pas d'ennemis.
arme nf weapon arme conventionnelle/nucleaire She had no known enemies.
conventional/nuclearweapon armes chimiques chemical inimitie nf [slightly formal] enmity ]
weapons inamical, e, mpl -caux adj [slightly formal] unfriendly
armement nm armament hostilite nf 1 [feeling] hostile feeling Elle me traite avec
munitions nf pi ammunition hostilite. She's hostile towards me. 2 [in war] hostilites
armer {6} vt to arm etre arme de to be armed with fighting faire cesser les hostilites to stop the fighting
armure nf armour hostile adj [describes: e.g. person, country, army, reefs,
balle nf bullet weather] hostile
poudre nf powder
mitrailleuse nf machine gun
mortier nm mortar
39.9 Verbes d'opposition Verbs of
obus nm shell
char, also tank nm tank opposition
blinde nm armoured car repousser {6} vt to reject E lie n'a jamais aime ce quatrieme
division nf blindee armoured division
fils, et elle I'a toujours repousse. She never loved her
fourth son and she has always rejected him. repousser les
avances de qqn to rebuff sb
39.6 Se battre To fight brouiller {6} vt brouiller deux amis to drive a wedge
between two friends etre brouille avec qqn to have fallen
se battre {55} v refl to fight lis se sont battus contre les
out with sb
Allemands. They fought the Germans.
se disputer {6} v refl to argue
se rendre {53} vi to surrender
se chamailler {6} v refl [more petty than se disputer] to
conquerir {24} vtto conquer
bicker
envahir {1 9} vt to invade
se brouiller {6} v refl to fall out // s'est brouille avec son
defendre {53} vt to defend
frere. also Son frere et lui se sont brouilles. He has fallen
victoire nf victory
out wih this brother.
defaite nf defeat
siege nm siege faire le siege d'une vllle to besiege a town
position nf avancee advanced position
tir nm 1 [action] shooting 2 [noise] gunfire 39.10 Rancune Grudges
tirer {6} vt to shoot
rancune nf [long-lasting] grudge garder rancune a qqn de
tireur nm rifleman tireur embusque sniper
qqch to bear sb a grudge for sthg Sans rancune! No hard
feelings!
Locutions Idioms
en vouloir a qqn to hold it against sb Je lui en ai toujours
A la guerre comme a la guerre! In an emergency you
voulu d'avoir detruit mes illusions. I've always held it
just have to make do!
against her that she destroyed my illusions.
C'est de bonne guerre. All's fair in love and war.
reprocher {6} vt reprocher qqn a to hold sthg against
faire la guerre a [obj: bad habit, absenteeism, disease] to
Qu'est-ce que vous lui reprochez, a votre frere? What have
wage war on you got against your brother? Qu'est-ce que tu lui
reproches, a cette omelette? What don't you like about
this omlette?
39.7 Se battre ailleurs qu'a la guerre To reproche nm criticism Je ne te fais pas de reproches, mais
fight other than in war ... I don't want to criticize you, but . Le reproche qu'on
. .
peut leur faire c'est la qua lite de la nourriture. The thing
se battre {55} v refl (exchange blows] to fight one could criticize about them is the quality of the
se bagarrer {6} v refl [informal for se battre. Subj: e.g. catering.
drunkards, rivals] to fight Les enfants, arretez de vous
bagarrer! Children, stop fighting!
bagarre nf [informal. Often without weapons] fight
39.11 Risque Risk
Attention qa va etre la bagarre Careful, there's going to
1
.
be a fight! risque nm risk prendre un risque to take a risk courir le
bagarreur, -rreuse adj [inclined to fight] // est bagarreur. risque de rencontrer qqnlde perdre son investissement to
He's always getting into fights. run the risk of meeting sb/of losing one's investment C'est
echauffouree nf [brief fight between two or more men] un risque a courir. It's a risk we'll have to take.
scrap risquer {6} vt to risk risquer sa vielsa sante to risk one's
rixe nf [usu between several men who have been drinking] life/one's health Si tu ne signes pas le contrat, tu risques
brawl de rater une If you don't sign the
tres belle occasion.
baroudeur nm [man who is attracted by the idea of contract, there's a risk that you may miss a splendid
fighting, in the street or in wars] (street) fighter opportunity.
risque, e adj [containing the possibility of danger or
failure. Describes e.g. initiative, investment) risky C'est
:
39.8 Opposition et hostilite Opposition trop risque. It's too risky.
s'aventurer {6} v refl (often + a + infinitive) to venture Je
and hostility ne m'aventurerais pas a predire nos performances sur le
adversaire nf [in war, sport, debate] opponent marche europeen I'annee prochaine. wouldn't venture to I
predict our performance in the European market next
opposant, e nf [in politics, in a debate] opponent
year.
ennemi, e adj enemy freres ennemis warring brothers
aventureux, -reuse adj [pejorative synonym for risque]
adventurous
39 Dangers, risks and conflicts
83
aventure nf (a risque) risky undertaking se lancer dans sauveteur nm [after an accident] rescuer
I'aventure to run a (big) risk sauveur nm [religious] saviour
hasardeux, -deuse adj [less strong than risque] chancy sauvegarde nf [of historic buildings or endangered
peril nm hasard Ignorant des perils qui
[literary] species] preservation
I'attendaient, notre heros partit pour I'Afrique. Unaware sauvegarder {6} vt [obj: historic buildings, endangered
of the hasards awaiting him, our hero left for Africa. species, rare manuscripts] to preserve
cellule nf de crise emergency committee paix nf [absence of war, of disturbance, or of noise] peace
capitaux nm pi a risques venture capital Le pays est en paix. The country is at peace.
risque-tout n inv [slightly stilted or humorous] daredevil
Locution Idiom
Locutions Idioms Deux precautions valent mieux qu'une. [proverb] It's
jouer avec le feu to play with fire better to make doubly sure.
I'avoir echappe belle to have had a narrow escape On I'a
echappe belle, les Bonnard viennent demain mais
heureusement on sera partis! We've had a narrow escape, 39.13 Protection Protection
the Bonnards are coming tomorrow but thankfully we'll
be gone! protection nf 1 [fact of protecting] protection lis etaient
crier au loup to cry wolf sans protection contre la maladie. They had no protection
Le jeu n'en vaut pas la chandelle. It's not worth the risk. against disease. 2 [device] guard Le casque integral est
Qui ne risque rien n'a rien [proverb] Nothing ventured une bonne protection. Wraparound helmets provide good
nothing gained. protection.
au peril de sa vie at the risk of his/her life proteger {14} vt to protect Un sac de couchage le
C'est a tes/vos risques et perils. On your head be it. protegeait du froid. A sleeping bag gave him protection
Attention! Careful! against the cold. Seigneur protegez-nous! Lord protect us!
protecteur, -trice n protector
protectorat nm protectorate territoire sous protectorat
39.12 Assure Made safe franqais French protectorate
abriter {6} vt [implies a roof or physical protection] to
assurance nf [commercial] insurance policy asswance au
1 shelter
insurance assurance tous risques
tiers third-party abri nm [building with a roof, vegetation forming a roof,
comprehensive insurance 2 [pledge] assurance donner a etc] shelter abri d'autobus bus shelter a I'abri under
qqn /'assurance que ... to assure sb that . . . shelter se mettre a I'abri sous un arbre to shelter under a
assurer {6} vt 1 [by means of a contract] to insure 2 [make tree
sure that something is safe, or available] to ensure Le asile nm [political and religious contexts] asylum La France,
guide avaitpris toutes precautions necessaires pour
les terre d'asile France, a traditional asylum for the
assurer sa cordee. The guide had taken all necessary persecuted
precautions to ensure the safety of the climbers. // nous refuge nm 1 [against enemies] safe haven 2 [in the
faut nos deux salaires pour assurer I'ordinaire et le mountains] refuge
superflu. We need both salaries to cover basic needs and a se refugier {1 5} v refl to take refuge
few extras, etre assure (contre le vol/le degat des eaux) to refugie, e n refugee camp de refugies refugee camp
be insured (against theft/flood damage) Sauve qui peut! [in cartoons or adventure stories] Run for
s'assurer v refl to take out insurance it!
assure, e n [legal term. Having paid an insurance premium]
policyholder les assures sociaux BrE those entitled to
National Insurance benefits AmE those qualified for public 39.14 Objets protecteurs Objects that
assistance (including Social Security, unemployment
benefits and welfare) protect
rassurer to reassure Rassurez-vous,
{6} vt [psychological]
protege-cahier nm, pi protege-cahiers cover (for an
I'inspecteur ne viendra que le mois prochain. Don't worry,
exercise book)
the inspector isn't coming until next month. protege-dents nm inv BrE gum shield AmE mouth
compagnie nf d'assurances insurance company
protector
courtier nm en assurances insurance broker protege-oreilles nm inv (set of) ear-muffs
police nf also contrat nm d'assurance insurance policy protege-tibia nm, pi protege-tibias shin pad
prime nf d'assurance insurance premium
demande nf d'indemnite insurance claim Locution Idiom
assurance-vie nf, pi assurances-vies life
sous son aile protectrice under his/her wing
assurance/insurance
securite nf [being safe from worry or from physical
dangers] safety securite routiere road safety consignes de
securite safety instructions
39.15 Herofsme et courage Heroism and
en securite [away from physical danger or material risk] courage
somewhere safe J'ai mis les bijoux en securite. I've put the
jewels away somewhere safe.
courageux, -geuse adj brave
de securite [describes: e.g. device, mechanism] safety courage nm bravery du courage! be brave!
en lieu sur [similar to en securite] somewhere safe Void audacieux, -cieuse adj daring
audace nf 1[willingness to take risks] daring 2 [pejorative.
ton argent, va le mettre en lieu sur. Here's your money,
Nerve] audacity
put it away in a safe place.
hardi, e adj 1 [same meaning as audacieux] daring 2 [not
surete nf [being safe from physical dangers, esp those
easily intimidated] undaunted
arising from war, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, etc] safety
la surete de I'Etat the security of the state mettre qqch en
hardiesse nf boldness
surete to make sure sthg is safe
.
84 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
s'enhardir {19} v refl to become bolder s'enhardir (jusqu')a 40.2 Conflits entre personnes Personal
... to become bold enough to Le petit a lache la main
. . .
de sa mere et s'est enhardi jusqu'a venir vers moi. The disagreements
toddler let go of his mother's hand and was bold enough see also 39.10 Rancune
to come up to me. dispute nf quarrel, argument
temeraire adj foolhardy querelle nf [more durable and serious than dispute]
temerite nf foolhardiness (lasting) quarrel
brave adj [willing to face physical danger] brave crepage nm de chignon [between women only] squabble
bravoure nf [in the face of physical danger] bravery scene nf de menage (marital) row
intrepide adj fearless mesentente nf [not getting on together. Often within a
impavide adj [literary] impassive (in the face of danger) family or with close associates] friction
vaillant,e adj 1 [able to face danger] brave 2 [able to face
incompatible nf d'humeur incompatibility
hard work] hardworking
hero'ique adj heroic Locutions Idioms
heroVsme nm heroism avoir I'esprit de contradiction to be argumentative
heros nm hero semer la zizanie [set people against one another] to cause
heroine nf heroine trouble
la pomme de discorde [phrase often used humorously]
Locutions Idioms the apple of discord
prendre son courage a deux mains [to overcome fear
and find courage] to pluck up courage
ll/Elle n'a pas froid aux yeux. [informal] He's/She's pretty
fearless.
40.3 Inflexible Inflexible
La fortune sourit aux audacieux. [proverb] Fortune inflexible adj 1 [describes a person who will not be
favours the brave. influenced] unbending lis viendront vous supplier mais il
A coeur vaillant rien d'impossible. [proverb] There's no faut rester inflexible. They'll beg you but you mustn't
such word as 'can't'. change your mind. 2 [describes a person who keeps to
Du cran! [informal] Buck up! routines] rigid 3 [describes: e.g. regulations, policy]
II est courageux mais pas temeraire. [ironic] He's no
inflexible
hero. Je ne prends pas ma bicydette dans Paris, je suis impitoyable adj [emotionally unbending] pitiless
courageuse mais pas temeraire! don't ride my bicycle in
I
intransigeant, e adj [intellectually rigid] uncompromising
Paris. may be brave but I'm not foolhardy.
I
Locutions Idioms
n'avoir pas de coeur, also etre sans coeur to be hard-
hearted
40 Disputes and On ne le fera pas changer d'avis. You'll never get him to
change his mind.
negotiations faire la sourde oreille to refuse to listen J'ai essaye
plusieurs fois de lui parler d'argent, mais elle fait la sourde
oreille. I've tried several times to mention money to her
40.1 Disaccord Disagreement but she refuses to listen.
see also 128. 2 (Gambits)
usage 40.4 Refus Refusal
refuser {6} vt (often + de + infinitive) to refuse S'ii me
Describing disagreement
demande de he asks me to come I'll
venir, je refuserai. If
The word disaccord nm, meaning disagreement, is
refuse. // a refuse de participer au pot d'adieu de la
slightly formal and implies some degree of
secretaire. He refused to make a contribution to the
reasonableness in a conflict e.g.: Le disaccord qui les
farewell drinks party for the secretary.
separe porte sur la faqon d'elever leur fils. The
refus nm refusal opposer son refus a une proposition to
disagreement between them is about the (best) way to
refuse a proposal un refus categorique a flat refusal
bring up their son. Because of its moderateness, it is not
mettre son veto a qqch to veto sthg
the best word to use when one needs to express
faire un signe de denegation 1 [with one's hand] to
disagreement with some force. For this, n'etre pas
signal one's refusal 2 [with one's head] to shake one's
d'accord, to disagree, is more useful, e.g.: Moi je pense
head in refusal
que le moment est venu de vendre la maison mais mon
mari n'est pas d'accord. think this is the right time to
I
Locutions Idioms
sell the house but my husband disagrees.
se ferait hacher menu plutot
ll/Elle que de . . .
He'd/She'd die rather than . .
desapprouver {6} vt [implies strong moral judgment] to
condemn L'Histoire a desapprouve le comportement du
Marechal Petain. History has condemned the conduct of
Marshal Petain. 40.5 Accord Agreement
discorde nf [disharmony] discord
see also 40.1 Disaccord, 128 (Gambits)
ne pas s'accorder [subj: e.g. stories, testimonies] to nm agreement deux
accord II y a eu un accord entre les
conflict
pays sur non-proliferation d'armes nucleaires. An
la
controverse nf controversy
agreement was reached between the two countries on
controverse, e adj controversial
halting the spread of nuclear weapons d'accord in
agreement D'accord? OK?
40 Disputes and negotiations
85
etre d'accord (avec qqn) to agree (with sb) Vos parents Locutions Idioms
sont d'accord? Do your parents agree? lis sont tombes se rendre a I'evidence to accept the obvious
d'accord sur la necessite d'ajourner les travaux. They baisser les bras to give in
(finally) agreed on the need to postpone the work. J'en ai pris mon parti accepted it I
etre en accord avec qqch to agree with sth
s'accorder concur Les congressistes s'accordent
{6} v refl to
sur ce point. The members of the conference concur on 40.8 Suggestion Suggestion
this point. Le irere et la sosur ne parviennent pas a
127 (Gambits)
see also
s'accorder. The brother and sister can't reach an
suggestion nf [idea given to someone, rather tentatively]
agreement.
suggestion
rapprocher {6} vtto bring together Ce drame les a
suggerer 0} vt and vi to suggest
{1
rapproches. This tragedy brought them together.
conseil nm
[more resolute than suggestion] piece of
entente nf [between persons] relationship vivre en bonne
advice donner un conseil a qqn to give sb a piece of advice
entente to live harmoniously together
donner des conseils a qqn to give sb advice
concorder {6} vi to concur Les temoignages concordent.
conseiller, -Here n adviser conseiller d'orientation careers
The testimonies concur.
adviser
n'est-ce pas? [phrase used to ask for agreement] isn't it?
-conseil [suffix used after names of professions to denote
isn't that so?
consultant] avocat-conseil legal consultant ingenieur-
bien sur [phrase used to state agreement] of course
conseil consultant engineer
conseiller vt 1 encourage someone to behave in a
[
Locutions Idioms
particular way] to recommend, to advise conseiller qqch a
Qui ne dit mot consent, [proverb] Silence is taken to be
qqn to recommend sthg to sb Je te conseille le boudin aux
agreement.
pommes. I'd recommend (you try) the black pudding with
etre de connivence avec to be in league with
apples, conseiller a qqn de faire to advise sb to do Le
s'entendre comme larrons en foire to get on like a
medecin m'a conseille de ralentir mes activites. The doctor
house on fire
advised me to slow down a bit. 2 [give advice to] to advise
C'est lui qui me conseille quand j'achete une voiture. He
advises me whenever buy a car. bien/mal conseiller qqn
I
40.6 Persuasion Persuasion to give sb good/bad advice 3 (in the impersonal form) il
est conseille de it is advisable to il n'est pas conseille de it
126 (Gambits)
see also
is inadvisable to
convaincre {60} vt [implies use of rational proof] to
proposition nf [more formal suggestion, worked out in
convince
some detail] proposal
persuader {6} vt [similar to convaincre, but implies that
proposer {6} vt (often + de } [offer as an idea] to suggest
eloquence is used] to persuade
Pour terminer, je vous propose le dessert du chef. To finish
persuasion nf persuasion
your meal, suggest the chef's dessert. // m'a propose de
I
inf luencer {7} vt to influence
monter une affaire avec lui. He suggested we started a
influer {6} vi inf luer sur to influence
business together. Je lui ai propose de I'emmener diner.
argument nm convaincant
I
convincing argument
offered to take him out to dinner.
recommandation nf recommendation
recommander {8} vt (often + de + infinitive) [similar to
40.7 Acceptation Acceptance conseiller 1] to recommend Je vous recommande la visite
du chateau also de visiter le chateau. recommend you I
accepter to agree to £ He accepte toutes vos
(6) vt
visit the chateau. Recommandez-leur la prudence also
conditions. She agrees to all your conditions. Je
d'etre prudents. Tell them to be careful.
n'accepterai jamais le divorce. I'll never agree to a divorce.
acceptation nf acceptance. // exigeait de moi une
Locution Idiom
acceptation totale de son style de vie. He demanded from
Les conseilleurs ne sont pas toujours les payeurs. [the
me total acceptance of his lifestyle.
noun conseilleur is not used much other than in this
admettre something is a fact] to accept
{56} vt [agree that
phrase] Advice comes cheap when you don't have to foot
// n'a jamais admis mon point de vue. He never accepted
the bill.
my point of view. J'admets que je n'avais pas mesure les
consequences de ma decision. admit hadn't thought
I I
through the consequences of my decision. 40.9 Promettre To promise
avouer {6} vt 1 [recognize that one did something wrong]
to own up to Elle a avoue son larcin. She owned up to the see also 118 (Gambits)
theft. 2 [concede] to admit J'avoue que je n'y connais rien promesse nf promise faire une promesse to make a
en electricite. admit don't know anything about
I I promise tenir une promesse to keep a promise promesse
electricity. electorate election pledge
avouer vi to confess Vers 3 heures du matin, it a finalement promettre {56} vt to promise Je lui ai promis de venir la
avoue. About 3 o'clock in the morning he finally voir demain also que je viendrai la voir demain. I
confessed. promised her I'd visit her tomorrow.
reconnaitre {64} vt [obj: e.g. truth, error] to admit donner sa parole d'honneur (que) to promise solemnly
s'incliner {6} v refl (often + devant) [used humorously] to (that)
give way, to bow (to) Je m'incline devant ton savoir-faire. I parole d'honneur! [used to guarantee the truth of what
bow to your (superior) know-how. Si c'est ton prof qui t'a one is saying) swear (it)!
I
dit qa, alorsje m'incline. If your teacher's the one who told engagement nm commitment prendre un engagement to
you this, I'll bow to his superior knowledge. take on a commitment prendre /'engagement de faire
conceder{10} vt [in a debate, a joust. Obj: e.g. advantage, qqch to commit oneself to doing sthg remplir ses
victory, point] to concede engagements to honour one's commitments
86 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Locutions Idioms signale. There's no sign warning you of the dangerous
Chose promise chose due. [used to assure someone that curve in the road.
a promise will be kept] A promise is a promise. Je fe prouver {6} vt [show scientifically, logically or
donne cinquante francs, chose promise chose due.
tes mathematically] to prove
Here's your 50 francs, a promise is a promise.
une promesse d'ivrogne (a promise made by someone
who is likely to forget what was promised] an empty 41.2 Montrer pour se faire admirer To
promise
Croix de bois, croix de fer, si je mens, je vais en show in order to be admired
enfer! [literally 'Wooden cross, iron cross, let me go to faire etalage de, also etaler {6} vt [pejorative. Obj:
hell if there is a word of a lie in what I'm saying'] Cross my
knowledge, erudition] to show off
heart and hope to die!
afficher {6} vt [pejorative. Obj: e.g. knowledge, sorrow,
wealth] to flaunt
s'aff icher v refl to show off, to flaunt oneself // a les
40.10 S'interposer To intervene moyens de s'afficher dans tous les endroits elegants. He
can afford to show off in all the chic places.
s'interposer {6} v refl [act decisively to change the course
of an action. Not pejorative. Subj: person] to intervene La
police voulait fermer le college mais heureusement la
mairie s'est interposee. The police wanted to close the 41.3 Montrer le chemin To show the way
college but fortunately the council intervened.
see also 4.3 Visites; 6.2 Voyages et deplacements
intervenir {23} vi 1 [similar to s'interposer, but less indication(s) nf (pi) [printed on a map or handwritten]
decisive] to intervene 2 [take part in a conversation, usu
directions Suis /'indication que je t'ai donnee also les
when one has not been invited to do so] to speak Puis-je indications que je t'ai donnees. Follow the directions I
intervenir? May speak? Personne ne vous a demande
I
gave you.
d'intervenir. Nobody asked you to speak. 3 [take part in a
indiquer {6} [show something so that others will notice
vt
conference] to speak Notre collegue italien interviendra
or understand] to show Quelqu'un m'a indique la
tout a I'heure pour vous resumer I'etat des recherches en direction. Somebody showed me the way.
la matiere. Our Italian colleague will shortly be speaking
guide nm [book] guide book
to you in order to summarize the state of research in this
guide n [person] guide E He est guide de montagne depuis
area.
1993. She's been a mountain guide since 1993.
interferer {10} [may be slightly pejorative. Subj: factor,
vi
visite nf guidee guided tour
influence] to interfere Son election ne s'explique pas guider {6} vt 1 [show the way] to guide Je recule avec la
uniquement par ses idees politiques, d'autres elements remorque, tu peux te mettre sur le trottoir et me guider?
ont interfere. Her success in the election can't be I'll back up with the trailer, could you stand on the
explained by her political ideas alone, other factors played pavement and guide me? 2 [help with a task] to advise Je
a part. ne connais pas bien ce travail, j'ai besoin qu'on me guide. I
don't know this type of work very well, need advice. I
Locutions Idioms
se meler de qqch [pejorative] to interfere in sthg De quoi
te meles-tu? What business is it of yours?
mettre, also fourrer son nez dans qqch [pejorative. 41.4 Endroits ou I'on montre des objets
Investigate] to stick one's nose into sthg Places where things are displayed
mettre son grain de sel (dans qqch) [pejorative. Give
one's unsolicited opinion] to stick one's oar in. musee nm museum
vitrine nf showcase
maison-temoin nf, pi maisons-temoins BrE show-house
AmE model house
41 Showing, giving and appartement-temoin nm,
BrE show-flat AmE model
apartment
pi appartements-temoins
owning salon nm, also foire-exposition nf, pi foires-
expositions show le salon de la plaisancelde /'automobile
the boat/car show
salle nf d'exposition 1 [in a museum] gallery 2 [at a fair]
41.1 Montrer To show showroom
montrer {6} vt [general term] to show J'ai du montrer ma exposer {6} vt [in a museum] to exhibit
cartede presse pour entrer. had to show my press card
I mettre en evidence to display (prominently) Placez votre
before was allowed in. montrer qqn/qqch du doigt to
I
ticket de stationnement en evidence sur votre pare-brise.
point at sb/sthg (with one's finger) Display your parking ticket on your windscreen.
designer {6} vt 1 [with a finger] to point at 2 [with a nod]
to nod in the direction of 3 [select] to single out Personne
ne se proposant pour la vaisselle, il m'a fallu designer 41.5 Choses montrees Things displayed
quelqu'un. As nobody volunteered, I had to single out
someone to do the dishes. piece nf 1 [in art exhibition] exhibit 2 [in court of law]
signaler something which others have not
{6} vt [indicate piece (a conviction ) exhibit
noticed] to point out te petit Marc ne voit pas bien le nm [of material, carpet]
echantillon sample
tableau, il faut que je le signale a ses parents. Little Marc specimen nm [text] sample page
can't see the blackboard properly, I'll have to point this
out to his parents, te tournant dangereux n'est pas
41 Showing, giving and owning
87
41.6 Evident Obvious cadeau nm, pi -x gift, present un cadeau d'anniversaire a
birthday present faire cadeau de qqch a qqn to give sb
evident, e adj [plain to see] obvious A la lecture des faits, sthg as a present Ses collegues lui ont fait cadeau d'un
la gene de I'accuse etait evidente. When the facts were vase de crista!. Her colleagues gave her a crystal vase as a
read, the defendant's unease was obvious (to all). present,
de toute evidence obviously De toute evidence, il avait pourboire nm tip donner un pourboire au garcon to tip
bu. He had obviously been drinking. the waiter. Ellf m'a donne cinquante francs de pourboire.
evidemment adv 1 [as anyone can see] obviously On ne She tipped me 50 francs.
peut evidemment pas sortir sous cette pluie. Obviously we off re nf 1 [suggestion] proposition Je t'avais dit que je
can't go out in this rain. 2 [predictably enough] no pouvais t'aider, et mon offre tient toujours. told you I I
wonder Marine a renverse son lait! - Evidemment, elle ne could help you and my offer still stands. 2 [by shop or
fait jamais attention! Marine spilled her milk! - No commercial outfit] (special) offer
wonder, she never watches what she's doing! charite nf charity faire la charite a qqn to give to sb out of
clair, e adj [easily worked out] clear Si elle me reclame une charity Us ne veulent pas qu'on leur fasse la charite. They
pension alimentaire, je ne pourrai pas payer, c'est clair! If don't want handouts.
she asks me for alimony, clearly won't be able to pay!
I
charitable adj [describes: e.g. person, attitude, act]
clair et net crystal clear clairement adv clearly charitable
C'est une evidence [faux-ami] It's self-evident caritatif, -tive adj [describes: e.g. organization,
association] charitable
Locution Idiom
donation nf donation
C'est pas evident! [informal cliche] It's not easyTrouver
donneur, -nneuse n donor donneur de sang blood donor
des fringues pas cheres mais de qualite, c'est pas evident!
donneur d'organe organ donor
Finding good cheap clothes isn't easy!
41.7 Donner et transmettre General
41.9 Faire en sorte que des choses soient
terms for giving
donnees To ensure that things are given
fournir {19} vt (often followed by a + name or description
donner {6} vt (often followed by a + name or description of
of the person receiving) [give so that someone may have
the person receiving) 1 [general term] to give je lui ai
all the things they need, or all the things they have
donne une serviette propre. gave her a clean towel. J'ai
I
ordered] to provide Le traiteur fournira tout y compris les
donne un peu d'argent aux enfants. gave the children a
I
couverts. The caterer will provide everything including
little money. On nous a donne un formulaire a remplir.
knives and forks.
We were given a form to complete. J'ai deja donne. have I
munir ( always followed by name or description of
{19} vt
already made a contribution. 2 [stresses the fact that
receiver, + de + thing received) [give so that someone may
things are given for free] to donate Donnez-nous vos
have the thing they need for survival or protection] to
vieux vetements, nous les recyclerons. Donate your
provide Munissez votre enfant d'un bonnet de laine pour
unwanted clothes, we'll recycle them.
les jours d'excursion par temps froid. For cold-weather
passer {6} vt (often followed by a + name or description of
outings, make sure you provide your child with a hat.
the person receiving) [give quickly, usu by hand] Passe-moi
delivrer {6} vt (often followed by a + name or description
le tournevis. Hand me the screwdriver. Pouvez-vous me
of the person receiving) [in administrative contexts] to
passer le sel? Could you pass the salt? On m'a passe un
issue
papier. was handed a piece of paper.
I
remettre {56} vt (often followed by a + name or
description of the person receiving) [implies transferring
ownership] to hand over Les proprietaires nous 41.10 Donner a plusieurs personnes ou se
remettront les des demain. The owners will hand over the donner I'un I'autre To give to several
keys to us tomorrow.
ceder {10} vt (often followed by a + name or description of
people or to each other
the person receiving) [give for a lower price than partager {8} vt 1 [split something and give a piece to each
anticipated] to let go for lis ont finalement cede la
(it)
of a number of people] to share Les enfants, il faut
maison et le terrain pour trois cent mille francs They partager les bonbons. Children, you have to share the
finally let the house and the land go for 300,000 francs. sweets. 2 [give up part of something in order to use
laisser {6} vt (often followed by a + name or description of jointly] to share // m'a propose de partager le taxi avec lui.
the person receiving) [as inheritance] to bequeath He offered to share his taxi with me.
distribuer {6} vt [similar to partager 1, but implies that
the recipients are entitled to the things received] to give
41.8 Donner genereusement To give
out Wotre organisation distribue des couvertures aux
away refugies. Our organization gives out blankets to the
refugees.
offrir {27} vt (often followed by a + name or description of
echanger {8} vt 1 [give to each other. Obj: e.g. news,
the person receiving) [obj: e.g. gift, chocolates, jewel] to
advice] to swap 2 [in shops,when goods are
give (as a present) Je pense lui offrir un bracelet en argent
unsatisfactory] to exchange
pour son anniversaire. I'm thinking of giving her a silver
troquer {6} vt [acquire goods or services by exchange,
bracelet for her birthday. On va partager les frais, void
doing away with the need for money] to swap
cinquante francs. - Non, non, c'est moi qui offre. Let's
splitthe cost, here's 50 francs. - Certainly not, it's my
Locutions Idioms
treat. 2 [give free as part of advertising drive] to give
Donner c'est donner, reprendre c'est voler [children's
(away) Pendant le mois de fevrier, nous offrons un stylo a
saying] Once you've given something away you can't
tout acheteur de montre. During February we are giving
change your mind and take it back.
(away) a pen to anyone purchasing a watch.
The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
La facon de donner vaut mieux que ce qu'on donne. 41.12 Prendre To take
[Corneille's line in Le Menteur, 1635] It's not what you
give, it's the way you give it that matters. prendre {54} vt [so as to have something] to take J'ai pris
Un vaut mieux que deux 'tu I'auras'. A bird in
'tiens' I'argent etje lui ai donne un requ. took the money and
I
the hand is worth two in the bush. gave her a receipt.
La plus belle f Hie du monde ne peut donner que ce reprendre {54} vt [after lending or showing something to
qu'elle a. [proverb] You can't give what you haven't got. someone] to take back Je peux reprendre mon stylo? May
Ihave my pen back?
passer prendre to collect Vous pouvez passer prendre
votre voiture demain. You can come and collect your car
41.11 Tenir et garder To hold and to
tomorrow.
keep enlever {9} vt 1 [so as to prevent harm] to remove enlever
qqch a qqn to take sthg from sb Enleve-lui ce couteau.
tenir {23} vt 1 [in one's grip] to hold, to clasp L'enfant
Take that knife from him. 2 [detach] to take off J'enleve le
tenait la balle serree dans sa main. The child clasped the
prix? Shall I take the price label off?
ball in his/her hand. Je I'ai tenue dans mes bras longtemps
ce soir-la. held her in my arms for a long time that night.
I
Tiens le verre a deux mains. Hold the glass with both
hands. 2 [under one's influence] to hold Elle avait trouve 41.13 Prendre vite To grab and to catch
/'argument qu'il fallait et elle tenait son auditoire. She'd
saisir {19} vt [implies agility or speed] to grab II saisit la
found the right argument and she held her audience. Les
lettre et dechira I'enveloppe. He seized the letter and tore
nationalistes tiennent la ville. The nationalists are holding
it open.
the town.
s'emparer de {6} v refl [similar to saisir, with more
tenir vi [remain in position] to hold Le clou est trop court,
firmness and even some brutality] to grab (hold of) Un
le tableau ne tiendra pas. The nail's too short, the picture
individu s'est empare de son sac. A man grabbed (hold of)
won't hold. Tu peux monter, I'echelle tient. You can go
her bag.
up, the ladder's safe.
attraper {6} vt [when something is moving fast] to catch
se tenir v refl to steady oneself Tiens-toi bien, le bus
Essaie d'attraper la balle d'une seule main. Try catching
demarre! Hold on tight, the bus is about to start! se tenir
the ball with one hand.
a un mur/une grille to cling to a wall/a railing
rattraper {6} vt [when something or someone is falling] to
serrer {6} vt to hold tight(ly) // serrait la piece dans sa main.
catch Je I'ai rattrapee juste a temps pour empecher sa tete
He held the coin tightly in his hand. Serre-moi dans tes
de heurter le sol. caught her just before her head hit the
bras. Hold me tight (in your arms).
I
floor.
maintenir {23} vt [fix] to hold Un petit peigne dore
maintenait ses cheveux (en place). A small golden comb
held her hair (in place) Des baguettes maintiennent la
photo en place. Strips of wood keep the photograph in 41.14 Acquerir To acquire
place.
acquerir {24} vt [get for permanent use. Implies the the
detenir {23} vt 1 [have something which others might
thing obtained is large, expensive or important] to acquire
want. Obj: e.g. record, information] to hold ie notaire
Ma famille a acquis ces terres pendant les annees
detient son testament. The lawyer holds her will. 2 [obj:
cinquante. My family acquired this land in the fifties.
e.g. suspect, criminal] to detain
se procurer {6} v refl [implies that some effort is expended
retenir {23} vt [prevent from falling] to hold Des embrasses
in obtaining e.g.: special ingredient, special issue of
retenaient les epais rideaux de velours. The thick velvet
magazine etc] to get Ou est-ce qu'on peutse procurer du
curtains were held in position with ties.
gingembre frais? Where can one get fresh ginger?
conserver {6} vt 1 [maintain in a good state. Obj: e.g. food,
obtenir {23} vt [have a required object given to one.
materials, archives, data] to keep Wos olives sont
Implies effort, but ultimate success is within the control of
conservees dans de la saumure. Our olives are kept in
the giver] to get J'ai fini par obtenir deux billets au
brine. 2 [hold on to] to keep Je souhaite conserver mon
premier rang. In the end managed to get two front-row
I
travail. want to keep my job.
I
tickets.
garder {6} vt 1 [retain for oneself] to keep, to hold on to
trouver {6} vt synonym for se procurer] to get
[informal
Cardez la monnaie. Keep the change, garder le pouvoir to
Je trouve tout ce que je veux chez I'epicier d'a cote. can I
hold on to power 2 [keep for sb else] to save // faut garder
get anything need at the local grocer's.
des cerises pour maman quand elle rentrera. We must save
I
prendre {54} vt [obtain on a regular basis. Obj: e.g.
some cherries for when mother gets home.
newspaper, bread, milk] to get Cest chez lui queje prends
recueillir {28} vt [take something precious often from
mon pain depuis vingt ans. I've been getting my bread
nature or through a careful process. Obj: e.g. sap, honey]
from his shop for 20 years.
to collect Mettez le lait dans des pots et le lendemain
avoir {1} vt [informal synonym for all the verbs listed
recueillez la creme. Pour the milk into pots and collect the
above] to get Ou est-ce que tu as eu ton canape? Where
cream on the following day. Nous avons deja recueilli 300
did you get your sofa from?
signatures. We've already collected 300 signatures.
Locutions Idioms
Locution Idiom
mettre la main sur to lay one's hand(s) on
Qui trop embrasse mal etreint. (proverb warning
Bien mal acquis ne profite jamais [proverb seeking to
against excessive ambition] By trying to grasp too many
encourage honesty] Ill-gotten gains seldom prosper.
different things, you may end up losing everything.
41 Showing, giving and owning og
41.15 Posseder To own
posseder own Tout est a ma femme, je ne
{10} vt to
possede rien en propre. Everything belongs to my wife, I
don't have anything in my own name. Qui, dans notre
possede les moyens de production? Who,
societe, in our
owns the means of production?
society,
proprietaire n [general term] owner Qui est le
proprietaire de la Ford bleue garee devant la porte? Who
is the owner of the blue Ford parked outside the door?
propriete nf 1 [fact of owning] ownership titre de
propriete proof of ownership accession a la propriete
home ownership 2 [house, or house with land around it]
property L'entree de la propriete est a gauche apres
I'eglise. The drive leading to the house is on the left after
the church.
affaires nf pi (personal) belongings N'oublie pas tes
affaires dans la classe. Don't leave your belongings in the
classroom.
appartenir {23} vi appartenir a to belong to Ce livre
appartient a . This book belongs to
. . . . .
avoir nm [legal term] leurlmon avoir their/my assets
Citation Quotation
La propriete, c'est le vol. This partial quotation from
Proudhon's 1840 essay Ou'est-ce que la propriete? is often
rendered in English as 'Property is theft', corresponding to
sense 2 of propriete above. However, a better translation
would correspond to sense 1 above: 'Property ownership is
theft'.
Emotions, feelings and attitudes
affectif, -tive adj [describes: e.g. reaction, state,
42 Temperament and behaviour] emotional Notre vie affective est influencee
par les experiences vecues dans notre enfance. Our
emotion emotional life is influenced by things which happened to
us when we were young children.
42.1 Temperament et comportement usage
Temperament and behaviour affectif, emotionnel and emotif
caractere nm [long-term psychological traits] character Allthree adjectives mean emotional, but affectif is a
avoir mauvais caractere to be bad-tempered avoir bon psychological term and speakers use it when they want
caractere to be good-tempered avoir du caractere to be a to sound objective. Emotionnel and emotif, on the other
strong character n'avoir aucun caractere to be a weak hand, describe an impressionable person or a reaction of
character troubles du caractere personality disorders an extremely emotive type.
personnalite nf [attitudes and behaviour. Can be used in
psychological contexts] personality troubles de la emu, e adj [describes a person under the influence of an
personnalite personality disorders Elle a une forte emotion] moved La presidente, visiblement emue, a
personnalite. She has a strong personality. souhaite bonne chance a son successeur. Showing
temperament nm [attitudes and emotions typical of considerable emotion, the president wished her successor
someone] nature // est de temperament indulgent. He has good luck.
a forgiving nature. sentiment nm [any emotion, good or bad] feeling
comportement nm [what a person or an animal does, in sentimental, e adj, mp/-taux [usu pejorative] sentimental
general or on a particular occasion] behaviour sensible adj sensitive
se comporter {6} v refl [habitually or in a given situation] sensibilite nf sensitivity
to behave Tu t'es bien comporte hier. You behaved well sensiblerie nf [pejorative] mawkishness
mal comportee dans sa jeunesse. She
yesterday. E lie s'est
behaved badly in her youth.
se conduire {82} v refl [like se comporter, but with moral 42.4 Verbes d'emotion Verbs expressing
overtones] to behave Devant la tentation de la corruption,
certains saventse conduire dignement. Faced with the
emotion
temptation of corruption, there are those who know how emouvoir {44} vt to move Cette scene a emu les tele-
to behave with dignity. spectateurs du monde entier. Viewers all over the world
were moved by this scene.
sentir {25} vt [be aware of a feeling, sometimes a subtle
42.2 Humeurs qui passent Short-lived one] to feel Je sens une grande tristesse m'envahir. feel a I
great sadness sweeping over me. Amour ou amitie, il n'est
moods pas toujours facile de sentir ces nuances. Love or
humeur nf [good or bad frame of mind] mood De quelle
1 friendship, it's not always easy to feel the difference.
humeur est-elle ce matin? What (sort of) mood is she in ressentir {25} vt [slightly more formal than sentir. Be
this morning? de bonne humeur in a good mood de under the influence of a lasting emotion] to feel Ce que je
mauvaise humeur in a bad mood 2 (pejorative] bad mood ressens pour lui n'est pas de I'amour. What feel for him is
I
Excusez-moi pour ce matin, j'ai eu un mouvement not love, ressentir une grande emotion to feel a powerful
d'humeur. apologise for sounding off this morning. // ne
I
emotion
saitpas cacher ses humeurs. He doesn't know how to eprouver {6} vt [to be under the influence of} to feel
conceal his moods. eprouver de la jalousie to feel jealous eprouver un
disposition nf [particular feelings at a given time) frame sentiment to have a feeling
of mind Vous allez le trouver dans une excellente
disposition. You'll find him in a positive frame of mind. Locutions Idioms
manieres nf pi [used pejoratively in connection with old- Son sang n'a fait qu'un tour. His/Her blood ran cold.
fashioned standards of polite behaviour] behaviour faire tourner les sangs a qqn BrE to give sb a turn AmE to
des manieres to put on airs cause a strong emotion in sb
42.3 Emotion Emotion
emotion nf 1 [strong mood affecting one] emotion
L'emotion lui nouait la gorge. He could hardly speak for
emotion. 2 [particular feeling]] feeling A la vue des
enfants, je sens une douce emotion m'envahir Watching
the children, am filled with a feeling of tenderness. Cette
I
fin de match, que d'emotion! What a thrilling end to the
match! donner une emotion a qqn to give sb a shock
emotif, -tive adj 1 [feeling and showing emotions readily]
sensitive 2 [pejorative. Unable to control one's emotions]
excitable
43 Observing and failing to observe rules of behaviour 91
Locutions Idioms
43 Observing and failing C'est une bonne pate, also II est bon/Elle est bonne
comme le bon pain. He's/She's got a heart of gold.
to observe rules of C'est une pate d'homme [similar to above, but applies
behaviour only to males] He's full of the milk of human kindness.
C'est une sainte-nitouche. [used of women, implies
outward show of virtue, belied by slyness] Butter wouldn't
melt in her mouth.
43.1 Moralite et vertu Morality and
virtue
43.2 Qui se conforme a ce que I'on
See also 43.15 Gentillesse et generosite
bon, bonne adj (after noun) [an old-fashioned term. demande Well-behaved
Disposed towards helping fellow-beings] good II a
see also 37.17Soumission et passivite, 66.13 Raison
toujours ete bon envers nous. He was always good to us.
sage also gentil, -tille adj [used of or to children.
adj,
Sa mere etait une femme bonne, qui s'occupait beaucoup
Obedient] being well-behaved Sois gentille avec Grand-
des pauvres. His mother was a good woman who did a lot
mere pendant que je suis partie. Behave yourself with
for the poor.
Grandma while I'm out.
bonte nf goodness
obeissant, e adj obedient
bien nm [philosophical or religious term] good le bien et le
obeir (19} vi (often + a) to obey obeir a qqn to obey sb
mal good and evil
obeir a un ordre to obey an order Tais-toi et obeis! Be
innocent, e adj 1 [not guilty] innocent innocent de ce dont
quiet and do as you're told! Obeissant a un pressentiment,
on /'accuse innocent of what he is being accused of 2 [not
il revint chez lui, juste a temps pour sauver sa famille de
wicked, nor to do with sex] innocent A leur age, leurs jeux
I'incendie. Prompted by feelings of foreboding he came
sont encore innocents. At that age, their games are still
home just in time to save his family from the fire.
innocent.
obeissance nf obedience Us devaient obeissance a leur
innocence nf innocence en toute innocence in all
seigneur. They owed obedience to their liege lord.
innocence clamer, also crier son innocence to protest
one's innocence
Locution Idiom
pur, e adj [describes: e.g. motivation, thought] pure
sage comme une image [used mainly of children] as
purete nf purity
good as gold
moral, e adj, mpl -raux 1 [ethical. Describes e.g. question,
:
judgment, principle] moral 2 [of good character.
Describes: e.g. person, life] moral, decent
moralement adv morally moralement parlant morally 43.3 Egoisme Selfishness
speaking
egoiste adj selfish
morale nf] [edifying message] moral et la morale de egoisme nm selfishness
I'histoire, c'est
. .and the moral of the story is ... 2 [rules
.
egocentrique adj self-centred
of conduct] moral principles La morale n' est plus
egocentrisme nm self-centredness
enseignee a I'ecole. They don't teach schoolchildren moral
principles any more. Je suis assez grand pour savoir ce que
Locutions Idioms
j'ai a faire, ne me fais pas la morale, also epargne-moi tes
On n'est jamais si bien servi que par soi-meme. If you
lemons de morale. I'm old enough to know what have to I
want a job done properly, do it yourself.
do, don't lecture me.
Il/Elle se prend pour le nombril du monde. He thinks
he is/She thinks she is the centre of the universe.
usage II n'y en a que pour lui/elle. [informal] With him/her, it's
always 'me, me me'
La morale and le moral
Beware of the masculine noun le moral, which has Citation Quotation
nothing to do with morals, but refers to one's inner Apres nous le deluge, [allegedly uttered by Madame de
perception of how one is faring in life, e.g. // a le moral. Pompadour to comfort Louis the XVth after a military
He's feeling good about things. See also 48.1 Robuste.
defeat. Reflects the cynicism and selfishness attributed to
the royal entourage] Who cares what happens after we've
moralite nf 1 [set ofmoral rules] morality Sa moralite ne
gone.
me regarde pas. His moral standards are no concern of
mine, la moralite publique public morality 2 [informal. To
conclude] consequence Tu n'avais pas prevenu que tu
serais en retard, moralite on t'a cherche partout. You 43.4 Ceremonieux Formal
didn't say you were going to be late: the consequence was
ceremonieux, -nieuse adj [describes: e.g. person,
that we were looking for you everywhere.
welcome, dinner] very formal
conscience nf [awareness of good and evil] moral sense
ceremonie nf 1 (formal event] ceremony C'etait
avoir bonne conscience to have a clear conscience
emouvant, j'ai pleure pendant la ceremonie. It was
pour se donner bonne conscience (purely) to salvage
moving, cried during the ceremony. 2 [fact of acting
I
one's conscience
formally] ceremony Les deplacements du president
avoir mauvaise conscience to have something on one's
s'entourent de beaucoup de ceremonie. Much ceremony
conscience
surrouds the presidential trips.
devoir nm duty faire son devoir to do one's duty
digne adj dignified // est reste digne sous les huees du
vertu nf [literary] virtue
public. He remained dignified when faced with the
vertueux, -tueuse adj [literary] virtuous
booing of the audience.
dignite nf dignified attitude On a sa dignite! You have to
remain dignified!
pompeux, -peuse adj [pejorative] pompous
92 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
43.6 Courtoisie Politeness
usage
politesse nf [general term. Refers to conventional
formel, -melle adj standards of behaviour] politeness formule de politesse
Do not be tempted to use formel in contexts where letter ending
English would use 'formal'. Formel means 'positive' in, poli, e adj polite un sourire poll a polite smile Ce n'est pas
for example, // I'a vue, il est formel la-dessus. He saw her, poli d'interrompre les gens. Butting in to people's
he's positive about it. It also means 'strict' in, e.g., lis ont conversation is rude. Le serveur a ete a peine poli. The
/'interdiction formelle de se servir o" allumettes. They are waiter was almost rude. Dites done, vous, soyez poli! Hey,
strictly forbidden to use matches. For contexts such as you, don't be so rude!
e.g. Don't be so formal!, a phrase such as We faites pas bien eleve, e adj [describes: child. Refers to conventional
tant de ceremonies! might be used. standards of upbringing] polite Eux, Us ont dit merci, voila
des enfants bien eleves! They said thank you, now that's
what I call polite children.
Locutions Idioms courtoisie nf [implies more of a deep-seated politeness]
en grande ceremonie, also pompe with great ceremony
courteousness. Par pure courtoisie, il n'a jamais evoque le
mettre les petits plats dans
grands to
les lay on a feast
passe de son amie. He refrained from ever mentioning his
etre (tres) collet monte [old-fashioned and
insisting on
girlfriend's past out of sheer courteousness.
proper behaviour] to belong to the old school
Locution Idiom
L'exactitude est la politesse des rois. [attributed to
43.5 Simple Informal Louis XVIII] Punctuality is the politeness of kings.
simple adj 1 [without pretentiousness, by implication,
sincere. Describes: e.g. family, welcome, meal] unassuming
Ce sont des gens simples, malgre leur notoriete. They are 43.7 Grossierete Rudeness
unassuming people in spite of their fame. 2 [without
grossier, -ssiere adj 1 [offending against conventional
complexity] plain expliquer quelque chose dans un
standards of behaviour] (very) rude Sa tenue a table a ete
langage simple to explain something in plain language consideree comme grossiere par toute la famille. His table
simplement adv [with no unnecessary fuss or frills] manners were considered (very) rude by the whole family
informally
2 [offending against decency] vulgar // a eu un geste
a la bonne franquette [always applies to meals, simple
grossier. He made a vulgar gesture.
and friendly] Venez diner demain soir, ce sera a la bonne
grossierete nf rudeness
franquette. Come for dinner tomorrow night, you'll have
mal eleve, e adj [describes: child. Refers to conventional
to take pot luck.
standards of upbringing] rude Veux-tu arreter de tirer la
relax adj inv [in common informal usage] cool Elle est
langue, en voila un petit garqon mal eleve! Will you stop
relax, ta mere, elle te laisse sortir quand tu veux. Your
sticking your tongue out at people, what a rude little boy
mother's cool, she lets you go out whenever you want.
you are!
intime adj [describes: e.g. reunion, engagement party,
malpoli, e adj [more informal than mal eleve, applying to
wedding ceremony] involving close friends and relatives
persons of any age] rude Je ne vais plus chez ce
only
poissonnier, il est malpoli. don't go to that fishmonger's
I
any more; he's rude.
vulgaire adj [failing to achieve conventional standards of
good taste] vulgar Leur fille parte de faqon vulgaire. Their
daughter uses vulgar language.
de mauvais gout des cartes d'anniversaire de mauvais
gout birthday cards in bad taste
goujat, also butor nm lout
Monsieur et Madame Roger Liegeois
Monsieur et Madame Jean Priault M and Mrs Robin Prior
Madame Claude Gerard M and Mrs Paul Victor
Mrs Gerard Tomlinson
sont heureux de vous faire part du mariage
de leurs enfants et petits-enfants are happy to announce the marriage of
Emmanuel et Marie-Blanche Emmanuel and Catherine
a Rivaux-la-Vieille which will take place at the
le samedi 13 fevrier 1999 church of Saint Nicholas
Church Lane
Le mariage sera celebre Dibney, Hants
dans Vintimite en Veglise on Saturday 13th February 1999
Saint-Sebastien Barleycroft Avenue
2,
2,avenue Mozart Heddesdon HD6 6RY
89190 LePlessis
43 Observing and failing to observe rules of behaviour
93
43.8 Traiter quelqu'un grossierement To bluffer {6} 1 vi [informal] BrE to try it on AmE to bluff lis
ont menace de licencier tout le monde, mais its bluffent.
treat somebody rudely They threatened to sack everybody, but they're just trying
it on. 2 vt [obj: person] BrE to have on AmE to put on //
injure nf insult te
injurier {6} vtto insult bluffe, en fait il n'est jamais alle en Afrique. He's having
insulte nf [stronger than injure] insult you on, in fact he's never been to Africa.
insulter {6} vt [stronger than injurier] to insult
invective nf [powerful insult or curse] abuse
gros mot nm [children's language] swearword dire des 43.11 Modestie Modesty
gros mots to use bad language
grossierete nf very rude remark modestie nf [absence of boastful tendencies in someone's
les cinq lettres [euphemism for merde] a four-letter word
character]modesty fausse modestie false modesty
Je te dis les cinq lettres! F you! . . .
modeste adj [not boastful] modest // a eu le triomphe
modeste. He was modest about his success.
humble adj 1 [not ostentatious. Describes: e.g. meal,
home] simple 2 [religious overtones. Not proud] meek
43.9 Effronterie Cheekiness humilite nf [religious overtones. Harbouring no pride]
effronte, e adj [not without charm] cheeky effronterie nf humility
[in common usage] cheek
impudent, e adj [pejorative and more formal than usage
effronte. Implies a superior attitude to others arrogant ]
impudence nf arrogance humble
Before a noun, humble means simple, not sophisticated,
impertinent, e adj [lacking respect and interfering]
or not large. Beware of the difference between, e.g. une
disrespectful
impertinence nf 1 [character trait] disrespect 2 [remark]
humble demeure 'a simple dwelling' and des paroles
disrespectful remark
humbles 'words full of humility'.
insolent, e adj [more disrespectul than impertinent]
insolent
insolence nf 1 [character trait] insolence 2 [remark]
insolent remark 43.12 Fierte et vanite Pride and vanity
fier, fiere adj 1 [satisfied with one's achievements, with
Allthe terms above can describe attitude, expression,
good reason] proud 2 [pejorative] vain
remarks. When they refer to persons, the implication is
fierte nf 1 [justified feeling] pride 2 [excessive self-regard]
usually that the person is young. Culotte below, on the
vanity
other hand, can describe people of any age.
orgueil nm 1 [pejorative] arrogance // ne s'excusera jamais,
il a trop d'orgueil. He'll never apologize, he is too
culotte, e adj [informal] having a lot of nerve
arrogant. 2 [value which one places on one's actions]
culot nm [informal] nerve 7"'as du culot! You've got a pride Par orgueil, elle n'a jamais demande un centime a sa
nerve!
famille. Through sheer pride, she never asked her family
for even a penny.
s'enorgueillir de {19} v refl [to be justifiably self-congratu-
43.10 Vantardise Boastfulness latory about] to take pride in Je m'enorgueillis d'avoir eu
un pere objecteur de conscience. take pride in the fact
I
vantard, e adj boastful
that my father was a conscientious objector.
vantardise nf 1 [character trait] boastfulness 2 [remark]
amour-propre nm 1 [pejorative] self-satisfaction 2 [value
boast
which one attaches to one's actions] pride des satisfactions
vanter {6} vt [to speak positively order to sell] to
of, usu in
d 'amour-propre reasons to feel proud
sing the praises of une publicite qui vanteles merites
vaniteux, -teuse adj 1 [excessively self-regarding] self-
d'une marque de voiture an advert singing the praises of a
satisfied 2 excessively proud of one's looks] vain
[
brand of car.
vanite nf 1 [excessive self-regard] self-importance
se vanter v refl (often + de + infinitive) 1 [say out loud in
2 [excessive pride in one's looks] vanity
order to be admired] to boast // se vante d'avoir des amis
suffisant e adj smug
en haut lieu. He boasts of having friends in high places.
2 [in negative phrases, as a euphemism for keeping things
Locutions Idioms
secret] // n'y a pas de quoi se vanter! It's nothing to be
se croire sorti de la cuisse de Jupiter [pejorative] to
proud of! A ta place je ne m'en vanterais pas. wouldn't I
think one is God's gift to mankind
shout it from the rooftops, if were you. // a vole I'idee a
fier comme un coq also paon [pejorative] proud as a
I
son collegue mais il ne s'en est pas vante. He stole the idea
peacock
from his colleague but he kept it quiet.
fier comme Artaban [used as an affectionate comment
frime nf [informal. Behaviour adopted in order to attract on, for example, a small child achieving a difficult feat]
sympathy or respect] pretence Sa migraine, c'est de la pleased as Punch
frime. Her migraine attack is just a pretence. // depense
vaniteux comme un paon [pejorative] vain as a peacock
beaucoup pour la frime. He spends a lot of money on
things designed solely to impress.
frimer {6} vi (informal. Boast or parade one's possessions in
order to impress] to show off Regarde-le avec son
telephone portatif, il frime! Just watch him showing off
with his mobile phone!
bluff nm bluffing We I'ecoutez pas, c'est du bluff! Don't
listen to her, she's bluffing you!
94 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
43.13 Injustice Unfairness generosite nf generosity
sympathique adj 1 [describes a person whom others tend
injuste adj (often + envers) unfair Ne sois pas injuste to often on first acquaintance] nice. // est tres
like,
(envers lui), it a beaucoup travaille. Don't be unfair (to sympathique, le nouveau maire. The new mayor's a really
him) he's worked hard, injustement adv [formal] unjustly nice man. 2 [generous. Describes e.g. action, thought]
injustice nf 1 [unfairness] injustice // est revolte par kind. Elle m'a propose de garder les enfants pour que je
/'injustice. He cannot bear injustice. 2 [unfair action] act of me repose, c'est sympathique. She's kindly offered to look
injustice etre victime d'une injustice to be the victim of an after the children so can get some rest.
I
act of injustice sympa adj [informal. Similar to both senses of
prejuge nm prejudice plein de prejuges prejudiced sympathique] nice, kind Elle m'a propose de m'aider,
partial, e adj, mpl -tiaux [fairly formal contexts only. c'est sympa, non? She offered to help me. Kind of her,
Describes: e.g. judge, press article, opinion] biased wasn't it?
false friend partial Locutions Idioms
Beware the French adjective partial has only one
: etre plein d'attentions pour qqn to be very attentive
meaning, i.e. 'biased', unlike its English equivalent towards sb
'partial' etre aux petits soins pour qqn [informal] to lavish
attention upon sb
racisme nm racism raciste adj and n racist
sexisme nm sexism sexiste adj and n sexist
43.16 Compassion Compassion
Locution Idiom
II n'y a pas de justice. There's no justice in this world. pitie nf [this term expresses a form of sympathy which is
sometimes felt to be patronizing] pity avoir pitie de qqn
to pity sb Les petits mendiants leur faisaient pitie. Their
hearts went out to the child beggars. Ce n'est pas de la
43.14 Equite Fairness
pitie que demandent les handicapes, ce sont des actes. The
juste adj eu plus de dessert que moi, c'est pas juste!
fair // a disabled aren't after pity, they want action. Donne-moi un
He's had more dessert than me, it's not fair! Je dois me de tes sacs, tu me fais pitie. I'll take pity on you and carry
montrer juste envers tous. must be fair to all.
I one of your bags.
justice nf 1 [impartiality] justice agir selon la justice to act compassion nf [slightly formal. Deep sympathy]
in a just manner 2 law respecter la justice to
[institution] compassion
respect the law temoigner en justice to be a witness in compatir sympathize Nous compatissons a leur
{19} vi to
court malheur, mais doit reprendre ses droits. We feel for
la vie
a juste titre [slightly formal] rightly (so) them in their loss, but life must go on.
equitable adj [more formal than juste but less formal plaindre {59} vtto feel sorry for Encore deux jours a passer
than English 'equitable'. Describes: e.g. share, character] en sa compagnie, je te plains! Another two days to put up
fair with him, feel sorry for you! ///e//e n'est pas a plaindre.
I
equite nf [more formal than justice but not as formal as There's no reason to feel sorry for him/her.
English 'equity'] justice En toute equite, nous devons leur partager la peine de qqn to share in sb's grief
donner leur chance. To be absolutely fair, we have to give etre de tout cceur avec qqn, also etre avec qqn en
them a chance. pensee [suitable for sad or happy occasions] to be with sb
in one's thoughts
Locutions Idioms
Ce n'est que justice. It's only fair.
se faire justice (a soi-meme) to do away with oneself 43.17 Clemence Clemency
(rather than be judged in court)
Bien fait pour toil, also Tu ne I'as pas vole! [in see also 122 (Gambits)
informal speech] Serves you right! clemence nf [literary. Generous forgiveness, often on the
part of high-ranking persons] clemency
indulgence nf 1 [overlooking faults] leniency 2 [slightly
pejorative. Forgiveness exercised in a slightly lax way, esp
43.15 Gentillesse et generosite Kindness
by parents] indulgence
and generosity indulgent, e adj lenient Soyez indulgents, il n'a que
quatorze ans. Don't be too harsh, he's only fourteen.
see also 43.1 Moralite et vertu
grace nf (official) pardon accorder sa grace a qqn to
gentil, -tille adj [used both sincerely and for thanking
pardon sb Ses avocats ont sollicite la grace presidentielle.
politely] kind C'est un homme tres gentil. He's a very kind
His lawyers sought an official pardon from the president.
man. Voulez-vous que je vous rapporte quelque chose du
recours nm en grace [official term for grace] pardon Le
marche? - Non, merci, vous etes gentille. Would you like
recours en grace a ete accorde. The pardon was granted.
me to bring you something from the market? - No thanks,
amnistie nf amnesty
but it's kind of you to offer.
pitie nf [feeling sorry and relenting] avoir pitie de qqn to
gentillesse nf kindness
be sorry for sb te professeur a eu pitie de nous, il nous a
aimable adj [always ready to welcome or help. Can be a
autorise I'usage du dictionnaire pendant le test. The
purely conventional attitude friendly lis sont toujours
]
teacher was sorry for us, he allowed us to take a
tres aimables, dans ce magasin. The people in this shop
dictionary into the test
are always very friendly. Je te propose un cafe, tu pourrais
sans pitie pitilessly
au moins etre aimable! I'm offering you a coffee, couldn't
sans merci [archaic literary phrase] mercilessly
you at least be nice about it!
amabilite nf friendliness
delicat, e adj tactful delicatesse nf tactfulness
genereux, -reuse adj generous
43 Observing and failing to observe rules of behaviour 95
43.18 Exercer sa clemence To show 43.20 Honnetete Honesty
clemency honnete adj 1 [not crooked. Refers to permanent
character trait or behaviour on a particular occasion]
epargner {6} vt 1 against expectations] to spare Son
[
grand age lui a epargne la prison. Because of his great age honest un marchand honnete an honest shopkeeper Elle
he was spared a prison sentence. 2 [at the last minute] to
m'a rembourse immediatement, c'etait honnete, non? She
paid me back immediately, wasn't it an honest thing to
reprieve La crue a baisse et les maisons du faubourg ont
ete epargnees. The river level went down and the houses
do? 2 [just] fair // faut etre honnete, I'erreur ne venait
pas de lui. To be fair, he wasn't to blame for the mistake.
on the edge of town were saved.
pardonner {6} vt 1 [religious or moral] to forgive 3 [old-fashioned or used humorously. Not immoral] une
pardonner qqch a qqn to forgive sb sthg 2 [official] to par- femme honnete an honest woman
don
honnetement adv 1 [without cheating or thieving]
honestly 2 [without pretending] honestly Honnetement, je
excuser {6} vt 1 [forgive esp for minor fault] to provide an
ne vois pas comment tu aurais pu refuser leur invitation.
excuse for Excusez-la, elle n'a pas eu le temps de finir tout
Honestly, don't see how you could have refused their
le travail que vous lui aviez donne. Please excuse her, she
I
invitation.
didn't have time to complete all the work which you had
given her. Lui, on peut I'excuser, puisqu'il n'avait pas ete
honnetete nf honesty
mis au courant. He has an excuse: he was not informed. Tu
integre adj [slightly literary. Used of someone who will not
compromise his or her honesty] principled Vous ne pouvez
/'excuses toujours parce que c'est ta sceur! You're always
pas la soupqonner, elle est parfaitement integre. You
finding excuses for her, just because she's your sister!
really cannot suspect her, she's a woman of great
2 [allow to escape punishment] to let off Allez, pour cette
integrity.
fois-ci, je t'excuse. All right, I'll let you off this once.
integrite nf integrity
gracier {1 5} vt to grant a(n official) pardon to
transparence nf [made fashionable in political and
amnistier {1 5} vt to grant an amnesty to
journalistic language by 'glasnost', for which term
this is a
translation]open government
Locutions Idioms
Faute avouee est a moitie pardonnee. [proverb used to
probe adj [literary synonym for honnete 1] honest
probite nf [literary] honesty
exhort esp children to own up to a misdeed] A sin
confessed is a sin half pardoned.
passer I'eponge to overlook misdeeds Bon, on va passer
I'eponge. Alright, Let's pretend it never happened. 43.21 Malhonnetete Dishonesty
malhonnete adj [cheating or thieving] dishonest
malhonnetete nf\ [character trait] dishonesty 2 [instance]
43.19 Honte Shame dishonest action Ce serait une malhonnetete de ta part de
lui donner le cheque, le compte etant a decouvert. It
honte nf 1 [emotion] shame avoir honte to be ashamed (of
would be dishonest on your part if you gave him the
oneself) Prendre de I'argent a un enfant, tu n'as pas
cheque while knowing it would bounce.
honte! Taking money from a child? You should be
ashamed of yourself! J'aurais du apporter des fleurs, j'ai malhonnetete nf 1 [character trait] dishonesty 2 [action or
thought] piece of dishonesty
honte! should have brought flowers, I'm really ashamed
I
of myself! faire honte a qqn to make sb ashamed 2
[person. Often humorous] black sheep Tu es la honte de la
famille! You're a disgrace to the family! 43.22 Types de malhonnetetes Dishonest
honteux, -teuse adj 1 [feeling shame] ashamed 2 [looking actions
ashamed] sheepish 3 [causing shame. Describes e.g.
behaviour, event] shameful escroquerie nf swindle
scandale nm [public shame] scandal C'esr un scandale! It's arnaque nf [slang] rip-off Les entrees a 35 francs! C'est de
outrageous! Un sein nu et les gens crient au scandale! A I'arnaque! 35 francs to get in, it's a rip-off!
glimpse of bare breast and people are outraged! malversation nf [while in an official capacity]
repentir nm [formal] remorse avoir du repentir to feel embezzlement
remorse detournement nm de fonds misappropriation of funds
se repentir {25} v refl 1 [formal] to repent 2 (often + de) abus nm de conf iance breach of trust
[in everyday speech] to regret Je ne lui ai pas reclame tromperie nf cheating L'auteur n'a pas cite ses sources, et
I'argent maisje m'en suis repenti apres. didn't ask for theI
j'estime qu'il y a eu tentative de tromperie de sa part. The
money but regretted it later.
I
author failed to quote his sources, and think that was an I
attempt at cheating, on his part, tromperie sur la
Locutions Idioms marchandise BrE breach of the trades description act
J'aurais voulu rentrer sous terre also me fourrer dans escroquer {6} vt to swindle
un trou de souris. wanted the earth to swallow me up.
I
arnaquer {6} vt [slang synonym for escroquer] to rip off
etre rouge comme une tomate or pivoine to be bright tricher {6} vi [used of small-scale swindlers] to cheat
red with embarrassment tromper {6} vt [used of small or large swindlers] to cheat //
avoir le rouge (de la honte) au front [literary or for a trompe ses clients pendant trois ans avant d'etre arrete.
comic effect] BrE to blush with embarrassment AmE to get He cheated his customers for three years before he was
red as a beet arrested.
tete basse // est rentre tete basse. He came home with his
head hung low.
la queue entre les jambes also la queue basse with his
tail between his legs
sans fausse honte quite naturally II parlait sans fausse
honte du passe fasciste de son pere. He spoke in a
straightforward manner about his father's fascist activities
in the past.
.
96 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
43.23 Escrocs Crooks
44 Doing things well and
escroc nm crook
arnaqueur, -queuse n [slang synonym for escroc] crook doing them badly
tricheur, -cheuse n [particularly at cards] cheat
filou nm 1 [small-time crook, a slightly old-fashioned term]
rogue 2 [used as a term of endearment] rogue Petit filou, 44.1 Fiabilite Reliability
va! You little rogue!
aigrefin nm [literary or humorous synonym for escroc] fiable adj reliable
crook fiabilite nf 1 [of testimony, of promise] reliability 2 [of
vereux, -reuse adj [used esp of people in positions of person] trustworthiness
trust] crooked avocat/banquier vereux crooked confiance nf trust faire confiance a qqn to trust sb avoir
banker/lawyer toute confiance en qqn to trust sb implicitly gagner la con-
fiance de qqn to gain sb's trust trahir la confiance de qqn
to betray sb's trust
compter {6} vt {always + sur) to rely on Je compte sur toi
43.24 Brigands et vols Robbers and thefts
pour le convaincre. I'm relying on you to persuade him.
vol nm theft Demain soir a neuf heures, je compte sur vous, hein?
voler {6} vi and vt to steal voter qqch a qqn to steal sthg Tomorrow night at nine, be there, won't you? fst-ce
from sb qu'on peut compter sur lui? Is he dependable?
voleur, -leuse n thief sur, sure adj [describes: e.g. person, information, machine]
reliable Nous savons de source sure que We know from
. . .
Differents vols Types of theft reliable sources that . .
vol a la tire pickpocketing
vol a I'etalage shoplifting Locution Idiom
vol a main armee armed robbery donner carte blanche a qqn to give sb a free hand
vol a I'arrache BrE bag-snatching AmE purse-snatching
vol a la roulotte stealing from cars
44.2 Consciencieux Conscientious
consciencieux, -cieuse adj thorough
43.25 Verbes synonymes de voler Other conscience nf prof essionnelle conscientiousness
verbs for 'to steal' attention nf care (and attention) faire attention a ses
affaires to look after one's things
derober {6} vt [more formal word than voler. Suggests attentif, -tive adj [attending carefully to what is being
more discretion] to steal le ruban derobe par Cherubin the explained] attentive // est toujours tres attentif en cours.
ribbon which Cherubino had stolen He always applies himself in class.
piquer {6} vt [slang synonym for voler] BrE to nick AmE to attentivement adv assiduously
rip off applique, e adj [giving all one's attention to the task in
chaparder {6} vi and vt [small-scale opportunistic thefts] to hand] conscientious
pinch Etant enfants nous chapardions des fruits dans les application nf care faire qqch avec application to do sthg
vergers. As children, we used to steal apples from the carefully
orchards. soin nm care prendre soin de qqnlqqch to take care of
sb/sthg Prenez soin de ne pas laisser paraitre votre
mecontentement. Be careful not to let your dissatisfaction
43.26 Autres methodes de vol Other show, avec soin carefully
soigneux, -gneuse adj [stresses neatness of result] neat
ways of stealing (and careful) soigneusement adv neatly (and carefully)
cambrioler {6} vt to burgle prudence nf [anticipation of what might go wrong] care,
cambrioleur, -leuse n burglar caution conduire avec prudence to drive cautiously
piller {6} vt to loot
prudent, e adj [anticipating what might go wrong] careful.
pillage nm
(de magasins) 1 [on foot] looting 2 [with a cautious
car] pillageavec bris de vitrine BrE ram-raiding
grivelerie nf not paying for one's drinks or meal in a
restaurant 44.3 Paresseux Lazy
larcin nm [language of newspaper reports] (petty) theft
quand elle paresseux, -sseuse adj lazy paresseux, -sseuse n
Elle avait commis deux ou trois larcins etait
when lazybones
adolescente. She'd done a little petty thieving she
paresse nf laziness
was an adolescent.
agression nf (de rue) mugging paresser {6} vi to laze around
kidnapping nm kidnapping faineant e adj [informal] idle faineant, e n BrE idler, AmE
slacker
kidnapper {6} vt to kidnap
rancon nf ransom flemmard, e adj (informal] BrE bone idle
ravisseur, -sseuse n kidnapper
flemmarder {6} vi [informal] to loaf around doing nothing
chantage nm blackmail
On a flemmarde au lit toute la journee. We lounged
around in bed all day.
chanter {6} vi to talk (when subjected to blackmail) faire
indolent, e adj [showing no energy. Can imply negligence
chanter qqn to blackmail sb
of one's duty] indolent
45 Positive and negative feelings 97
Locutions Idioms Locutions Idioms
avoir un poil dans la main [informal. Permanent avoir la main lourde [put too much of an ingredient in a
character trait] to be lazy // a un poil dans la main. He dish] to be heavy-handed Cest un peu trop pimente, j'ai
never does a thing. eu la main lourde. It's too hot, went too heavy on the
I
II a/J'ai la flemme. [informal] He can't/I can't be bothered. spices.
Elle a la flemme de se lever pour fermer la fenetre. She Faites chauffer la colle! [called out with humorous intent
can't be bothered to get up and shut the window. when someone has just dropped an object on the floor
and broken it or spilled its contents] Whoops,
butterfingers!
44.4 Negligence Sloppiness
negligent, e adj [in one's work or duties] careless
neglige, e adj 1 [describes: e.g. handwriting, exercise 45 Positive and negative
book] sloppy 2 [describes: e.g. person, clothes] scruffy
negligence nf 1 [lack of care] sloppiness 2 [specific feelings
instance] careless mistake
torchon nm [describes a messy exercise book, letter,
document, etc] (complete) mess Va me recopier ce 45.1 Confortable Comfortable
torchon! Take this mess away and copy it all out neatly
again! conf ortable adj comfortable un fauteuil confortable a
imprudence nf 1 [tendency to anticipate what
to fail comfortable armchair une position confortable a
might go wrong] carelessness 2 [specific instance] careless comfortable position conf ortablement adv comfortably
actioncommettre une imprudence to do something confort nm [physical or material well-being] comfort Chez
en montagne, pas d'imprudences!
careless. Attention, nous c'est petit mais il y a tout le confort. Our home is
Beware, when in the mountains, you must exercise small but very comfortable, un appartement tout confort
caution. a flat/apartment with all modern conveniences une salle
imprudent, e adj careless L'accident a ete cause par un de bains sans aucun confort a Spartan bathroom
automobiliste imprudent. The accident was caused by a bien assis, e adj sitting comfortably On est bien assis dans
driver who wasn't exercising caution. cette chaise a bascule. This rocking chair is very
comfortable.
luxueux, -xueuse adj luxurious de luxueux tapis d'Orient
luxurious Oriental rugs
44.5 Faire les choses sans soin To do dans un bon
douillet, -llette adj snug J'adore lire le soir lit
things carelessly douillet. love reading at night snug
I in my bed.
a I'aise [feeling right about one's clothes, surroundings,
Allexpressions below are pejorative in the senses shown.
companions, etc] comfortable Je me sens a I'aise dans mon
expedier {1 5} vt [fast and badly] to dash off (carelessly) // a
vieux pull noir. feel comfortable wearing my old black
I
expedie ses devoirs pour courir rejoindre ses copains. He
sweater. // se sentait a I'aise chez nous. He felt
dashed off his homework so he could go and meet his
comfortable in our house.
pals.
bacler {6} vtto bungle
faire qqch par-dessous la jambe to do sthg in a slipshod
way 45.2 Mai a I'aise Uncomfortable
faire qqch a la va-comme-je-te-pousse [informal] to do
see also 45.1 Confortable
sthg any old way mal a is used as an invariable adjective]
I'aise [this phrase
uncomfortable On est mal a I'aise sur ce canape. The sofa's
uncomfortable. Nous nous sommes sentis mal a I'aise
44.6 Agilite Agility lorsqu'il a fait son discours. We felt uncomfortable during
his speech.
agilite nf [physical] agility avec agilite nimbly // a grimpe mala
mal also pas bien dans sa peau [same usage as
avec agilite sur le rebord de la fenetre. He climbed nimbly and long-lasting inner sense of
I'aise. Implies profound
up on (to) the window sill.
unease] worried Depuis que son mari I'a quittee, elle est
agile adj nimble
mal also e//e n'est pas bien dans sa peau. She's not been
adresse nf [involves coordination of hand and eye] skill
at all well in herself since her husband left her.
avec adresse skilfully Elle a envoye avec adresse la make
gener {6} vt [physically or psychologically] to
boulette de papier dans la cheminee. She skilfully threw
uncomfortable Mes nouvelles bottes me genent aux
the crumpled ball of paper into the fire.
talons. My new boots are uncomfortable at the heels. Ca
adroit, e adj ski If u
ne t'a pas gene quand il s'est mis a chanter tes louanges
II
souple adj 1 [describes: e.g. body, movement] flexible 2 [fit
devant tout le monde? Didn't you feel uncomfortable
and slim] lithe souplesse nf litheness
when he started singing your praises in front of everyone?
coincer {7} vt 1 [place in a tight position] to get stuck lis
ont coince le piano dans I'escalier. They got the piano
44.7 Maladresse Clumsiness stuck on the stairs. 2 [informal. To put in an
uncomfortable situation] to corner // m'a vaguement
maladresse nf 1 [lack of coordination] clumsiness avec
promis de m'aider maisje vais lui telephoner puis je vais le
maladresse clumsily 2 [result of clumsiness] Encore une
coincer. He made a vague promise to help me but I'm
maladresse de Robert! Robert's been clumsy again!
going to ring him up and corner him.
maladroit, e adj clumsy
coince, e adj 1 [physically] stuck une fermeture a glissiere
gauche adj [physical and psychological] awkward
coincee a stuck BrE zip AmE zipper 2 [slightly humorous
gaucherie nf awkwardness
word describing a psychological trait] repressed
echapper {6} vi [always with a] Le verre m'a 6chapp6. The
glass slipped through my fingers.
98 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
45.3 Affection Affection populaire adj [loved by the greatest number of people]
popular un chanteur populaire en Egypte a singer much
see also 50.3 Les seducteurs appreciated in Egypt etre populaire aupres de to be
aimer {6} vt 1 (sometimes + bien) [feel pleasure or popular with
affection for] to like J'aime (bien) son style. I like his style. prendre {54} vi to catch on Le style femme d'affaires prend
J'aime (bien) le fromage. like cheese. Aimez-vous le
I bien chez les 25-30 ans. Power-dressing is catching on
blues? Do you like the blues? 2 [be in agreement with) to among 25- to 30-year-old women.
approve Je n'aime pas beaucoup leur facon de travailler. I
don't approve of their way of working. 3 (in the Locutions Idioms
conditional, and followed by bien) [have a yearning for] a mon gout to my liking
to love J'aimerais bien alter en Amerique. I'd love to go to une femme/un homme comme je les aime a
America. J'aimerais bien quelque chose a boire. I'd love man/woman after my own heart
something to drink. avoir les faveurs de qqn to be (well) in with sb
adorer {6} vt [be extremely fond of: applies to anything etre dans les petits papiers de qqn [informal] BrE to be
from food to great passions] to love Les ecureuils adorent in sb's good books AmE to be in sb's good graces
les noisettes. Squirrels love hazelnuts. J'adore ta grand-
mere. think your grandmother's wonderful. // adorait la
I
jeune femme. He was passionately in love with the young Amour
45.6 Love
woman.
adoration nf [used only for being besotted, usu with see also 45.3 Affection
someone] worship // a une adoration pour Mozartlsa fille. aimer {6} vtto love Je t'aime. I love you.
He worships Mozart/his daughter. amour nm 1 (in this sense, this word is feminine in the
affection nf [implies long-term feeling, sometimes of plural) [feeling] love 2 [as a term of endearment, to
tenderness] fondness J'ai beaucoup d'affection pour elle. I address lovers or children] love Viens m'embrasser, mon
have a great fondness for her. amour. Come and give me a kiss, my love.
avoir une propension a faire qqch [habitual behaviour] aimant, e adj loving une famille aimante a loving family
to have a liking for doing sthg // a une propension a histoire nf d'amour 1 [real life events] love story Entre tes
passer des heures au telephone. He likes to spend hours parents, qa a ete une grande histoire d'amour. Your
on the phone. parents' life was a storybook romance. 2 [in fiction] love
avoir un penchant pour qqch [habitual behaviour] to story
have a liking for sthg Son penchant pour la bouteille lui a amoureux, -reuse adj in love Ne cherche pas a lui faire
valu bien des mesaventures. His fondness for the bottle entendre raison, il est amoureux. Don't try to make him
has caused him a lot of problems. see sense, he's in love.
avoir un faible pour [liking for pleasures of the flesh] to amoureux, -reuse n [person in love] boyfriend, girlfriend
be partial to Elle a toujours eu un faible pour les blonds. amoureux, un peu de tenue! Come on,
Allons, les we
She's always been partial to blond men. know you two are in love, but behave yourselves!
45.4 Les gens qui aiment quelque chose 45.7 L'amour hors manage Love outside
ou quelqu'un Fans and enthusiasts marriage
fan nm [of rock group] fan The phrases below all sound a little old-fashioned now that
supporter nm [of football] supporter extramarital relationships are much more socially
mordu, e n [informal] fan des mordus de I'informatique acceptable.
computer fanatics un mordu de la musique a music lover liaison nf, also aventure nf affair Us onteu une liaison.
amateur nm [person who is keen on something] enthusiast They had an a une liaison avec son assistant.
affair. Elle
un amateur de mots croises a crossword enthusiast Elle est She's having an affair with her assistant.
grand amateur de chats persans. She's a great lover of Per- amant nm 1 [male] lover partagee entre son mari et son
sian cats. amant torn between her husband and her lover 2 [person
partisan, e n [person who favour of an idea, a policy]
is in having an extramarital relationship, or a relationship
la peine de mort supporters of
supporter les partisans de while not married] lover Qu'ils soient amants ou non ne te
capital punishment une methode d'education qui n'a plus regarde pas. It is none of your business whether they are
beaucoup de partisans an educational method with very lovers or not.
few supporters left maitresse nf mistress
extraconjugal, e adj, mpl -gaux extra-marital des
rapports extraconjugaux an extra-marital relationship
45.5 Etre aime To be liked petit ami nm boyfriend
petite amie nf girlfriend
aime, e adj (often + de) (well-)loved sa fille tant aimee the copain nm [informal. Man with whom a woman lives]
daughter he loved so much les athletes aimes du grand partner
public athletes much loved by the general public copine nf [informal. Woman with whom a man lives]
bien vu, e adj (often + de) [held in high regard socially] partner
approved of J'etais bien vue au lycee parce que j'etais tres compagnon nm [slightly formal. Man with whom a
disciplinee. was well thought of at school because
I I
woman lives] partner
always did as was told. Faire du cheval, c'est bien vu dans
I compagne nf [slightly formal. Woman with whom a man
certains milieux. Horseriding is the done thing among lives] partner
some social groups. concubin, e n [used in legal contexts. When used in
couru, e adj [describes: e.g. film, play] popular everyday language the term is pejorative] cohabitee
frequente, e adj [describes: e.g. bar, cinema, church] draguer (6) vt [slang] to (try to) pick up // m'a draguee au
popular cours d'une soiree. He tried to pick me up at a party.
baratiner (6) vt [informal] to chat up
45 Positive and negative feelings
99
beguin nm infatuation avoir beguin pour qqn to be
infatuated with sb
le
45.10 Autres types d'amities Other kinds
sortir {25} vi (often + with) [suggests enjoying the company of friendships
of the other sex, esp in public places of entertainment] to
solidarity nf solidarity
go out (with) II sort avec elle depuis un mois. He's been solidaire adj on the same side Nous sommes tous
going out with her for a month, lis sortent ensemble.
solidaires. We're all united. Wous agissons par solidarity
They're going out together.
avec opprimes. We are taking action to show our
les
frequenter {6} vt [suggests a regular relationship. Obj: e.g.
sympathy with the oppressed.
boy, girl] to see Je ne veux pas que tu frequentes ce
compagnon nm [implies shared past journey or
garcon. don't want you to see this boy. On s'est
I
experiences]companion // a ete mon compagnon de la
frequentes un peu, etant jeunes. We saw a bit of each
premiere heure, nous avons monte I'entreprise ensemble.
other when we were younger.
He was my companion from the very early days, we set up
the company together.
Locutions Idioms copinage nm [pejorative. Unfair practice in recruitment,
avoir qqn dans la peau [suggests strong desire] to be etc] giving preference to one's friends
besotted with sb
faire la cour a qqn [suggests slightly old-fashioned,
romantic courtship] to woo sb
conter f leurette a qqn [suggests old-fashioned, innocent 45.11 Comportement amical Friendly
style of courtship] to pay court to sb behaviour
amical, e adj, mpl -caux [taking place between friends]
friendly un match amical a friendly match une
45.8 Noms affectueux Terms of conversation amicale a friendly chat
endearment gentil, -tille adj [encouraging good relations] friendly Les
nouveaux voisins sont gentils. The new neighbours are
The following terms can be used in addressing boys or girls,
friendly, gentiment adv in a friendly way
men or women, regardless of whether the term of chaleureux, -reuse adj [hospitable] warm
endearment is masculine or feminine. The exception is ma chaleureusement adv warmly
cherie, which may only be used to girls or women.
ouvert, e adj 1 [accessible] open Tu peux lui parler de tes
mon (petit) tresor my little treasure problemes d'argent, il est tres ouvert, il comprendra. Do
mon cheri my darling talk to him about your money worries, he's very
ma cherie my darling approachable, he'll understand. 2 [without prejudice]
mon amour my love broad-minded
mon (petit) canard my little ducky f idele adj [with long-lasting loyalty] loyal C'est un ami
mon (petit) chaton my little lamb fidele, sur lequel on peut compter meme dans I'adversite.
ma (petite) puce my little pet He's a loyal friend, who can be relied upon even in hard
mon (petit) chou my darling times.
fidelite nf loyalty Votre fidelite lors de mon proces m'a
beaucoup touche. I was very moved by your loyalty to me
45.9 Amitie Friendship during my trial.
s'entendre (bien) avec {53} v refl to get on (well) with Je
ami, e n friend une amie d'enfance a childhood friend Les m'entends bien avec mes freres. get on well with my
I
Lucet sont des amis a nous. The Lucets are friends of ours. brothers.
se faire des amis to make friends rester amis to stay
friends
Locutions Idioms
amitie nf friendship Une vieille amitie nous unit. We've rompre, also briser la glace to break the ice
been friends a very long time, se prendre d'amitie pour Les petits cadeaux entretiennent I'amitie. The
qqn to become friends with sb On prend le verre de occasional present helps to keep a friendship going.
I'amitie? Shall we have a drink for friendship's sake?
s'entendre comme larrons en foire [implies friendly
copain nm [informal, used by all except the older complicity,sometimes mischievous] BrE to get on like a
generations. Male, although in the plural it may refer to a
house on fire
group containing both males and females] friend, pal Tous etre comme cul et chemise (avec) [informal and
mes copains ont le droit de sortir le soir. All my pals are pejorative] to work in cahoots (with)
allowed to go out in the evening.
copine nf [informal. Female] (girl)friend
camarade n [in school, in the army, among people who
work together] friend, mate, pal
45.12 Salutations Greetings
rapports nm pi relationship rapports d'amitie friendly saluer {6} vt [obj: person] to greet // m'a salue d'un signe
relationship rapports de voisinage neighbourly de tete. He greeted me with a nod.
relationship entretenir de bons rapports avec qqn to be salutation nM[formal and conventional gestures and
friendly with sb words] greeting Apres les salutations d'usage, chacun a
connaissance nf acquaintance Une de mes connaissances pris place et s'est tu pour ecouter I'orateur. After the usual
m'a dit qu'il avait travaille avec vous. One of my greetings, everyone sat down and prepared to listen to
acquaintances told me he'd worked with you. the speaker in silence. 2 [at the start of a friendly letter or
proche n, also intime n close friend // compte la fille du postcard] opening formula 3 [at the end of a friendly
President parmi ses proches. The President's daughter is a letter or postcard] closing formula
close friend of his. serrer main de qqn to shake sb's
{6} vt to grip serrer la
hand Je ne vous sers pas la main, je fais un gateau etj'ai
de la farine partout! Sorry, can't shake hands with you,
I
I'm making a cake and I'm covered in flour!
.
100 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
se serrer la main to shake hands Locutions Idioms
poignee nf de main handshake Qa m'est egal. don't I care.
faire un signe de tete a qqn to nod to sb C,a m'indiffere, also ?a me laisse indifferent. have no I
faire un signe de la main a qqn to wave to sb particular opinion (about it) one way or the other.
embrasser {6} vt 1 [with one's mouth] to kiss Embrasse ton II n'est pas chaud/Elle n'est pas chaude pour faire . . .
cousin. Give your cousin a kiss. 2 [formal, e.g. when a [informal] He's/She's not too keen on doing . . .
welcomes an official visitor in front of television
politician faire la sourde oreille (a qqch) to remain unmoved (by
cameras] to embrace sthg)
baiser nm kiss baiser sur la joue lies levres kiss on the Laisse tomber! [informal] Forget it!
cheek/lips
bise nf [informal. Used with children, or with adult
relatives and close friends] kiss faire la bise a qqn to give 45.15 Applaudir et louer To applaud and
sb a kiss (on the cheek)
bisou nm [baby language, used among older children and to praise
adults in family contexts]kiss Viens me donner un (gros)
135 (Gambits)
see also
bisou! Come and give me a (big) kiss!
applaudissements nm pi applause
donner I'accolade a [formal hug] to embrace Le president applaudir gens applaudissaient a tout
{19} vi to clap Les
a embrasse son homologue russe. The president embraced rompre. People were clapping for all they were worth.
his Russian opposite number.
ovationner {6} vtto give an ovation to
presenter {6} vt (often + a) to introduce presenter son louer {6} vt to praise
futur mari a sa famille to introduce one's future husband
louanges nf pi [literary] praise adresser des louanges a qqn
to one's family Se vous presente Roger Fermault. Let me
to direct praise at sb
introduce Roger Fermault.
f latteur, -tteuse adj complimentary J'ai lu une critique
presentations nf pi introduction Je fais les presentations: flatteuse de ta piece. read a very complimentary review
I
Lionel, Aline. Let me make the introductions: Lionel, this is
of your play.
Aline, Aline, this is Lionel.
digne adj d'eloges [describes: e.g. person, attitude,
accueillir {28} vt to welcome lis nous ont accueillis avec
behaviour] praiseworthy
beaucoup de chaleur. They gave us a very warm welcome. louable adj [can be used slightly patronizingly, unlike the
lis nous ont tres mal accueillis. They gave us a very poor two entries above and below. Describes: e.g. effort,
welcome. attitude, behaviour] praiseworthy
accueil nm welcome faire bon accueil a qqn to welcome sb
meritoire adj commendable
fairemauvais accueil a qqn to give sb a poor welcome Je feliciter {6} vtto congratulate Je vous felicite d'avoir pense
vous conseille I'auberge du village, I'accueil y est a tout. congratulate you for having thought of
I
formidable. recommend the village inn, they really know
I
everything.
how to make you welcome there. felicitations nf pi congratulations Vous etes recu avec les
felicitations du jury. You have passed with distinction.
compliment nm 1 [true or untrue statement of praise]
45.13 Enthousiasme Enthusiasm compliment faire un compliment a qqn to compliment sb
2 [in honour of sb, for a particular occasion] short speech
enthousiasme nm keenness avec enthousiasme L'institutrice leur a appris un petit compliment a reciter
enthusiastically
pour la fete des Meres. The teacher taught them a short
enthousiaste adj keen
speech to recite on Mother's Day.
enthousiaste n keen amateur un enthousiaste de la
randonnee pedestre a keen hiker
Locutions Idioms
passionne, e adj [stronger than enthousiaste] (very) keen
Je ne te/vous fais pas mes compliments. I can't say I'm
Elle est passionnee de photo. She's very keen on
impressed with what you've done.
photography.
chanter les louanges de qqn [unlike louanges by itself,
passionne, e n fan un passionne de blues a blues fan une
this is an everyday phrase] to sing the praises of sb
passionnee d'opera an opera fan
Locutions Idioms
sauter sur I'occasion (de faire) to jump at the chance (to
45.16 Admiration Admiration
do) admiration nf [feeling of wonder] admiration Je suis plein
ll/Elle en veut. [informal] He's/She's really keen.
d'admiration devant cette prouesse. am lost in I
Il/Elle est fou/folle de . . . He's/She's mad about . .
admiration of this feat.
admirable adj remarkable Vous avez eu un courage
admirable. You showed remarkable bravery.
45.14 Manque d'enthousiasme admirer {6} vt to admire Les passants admiraient la vitrine
richement decoree pour Noel. Passers-by were admiring
Indifference
the shop window which had been luxuriously decorated
manque nm d'enthousiasme also d'interet indifference for Christmas. Quatre enfants et une carriere de medecin,
lis ont accueilli ce projet avec leur manque d'enthousiasme je t'admire! Four children and a career as a doctor, I
habituel. The greeted the project with their usual lack of admire you. Admirez le travail! [can be ironic] Just look at
enthusiasm. this, isn't it wonderful?
indifference nf indifference respect nm [feeling of wonder and recognition of
indifferent, e adj indifferent someone's moral worth] respect avoir du respect pour qqn
tiede adj lukewarm to have respect for sb
respecter {6} vt to have respect for // faut respecter les
convictions de chacun. We must respect each other's
beliefs. Si tu ne me respectes pas, respecte au moins mon
45 Positive and negative feelings
101
travail. If you can't respect me, at least show some respect Citation Quotation
for my work. Va, je ne te hais point. [In Corneille's El Cid, the heroine
estime nf estimation baisser/monter dans I'estime de qqn Chimene, thus reveals her love for Rodrigue. Often quoted
to go down/up in sb's estimation Ah, tu remontes dans as a perfect example of understatement, or litotes] Go, do I
mon estime! Ah, you're going up in my estimation again! not hate you.
avoir beaucoup d'estime pour qqn to hold sb in high
esteem
45.20 Horreur et effroi Horror and fright
45.17 Cruaute Cruelty horreur nf horror Tbute I'horreur de son acte criminel lui
apparut enfin. At last he understood the whole horror of
see also 48.5 Brutal and 45.20 Horreur et effroi his crime.
cruel, cruelle adj cruel
cruaute nf cruelty usage
barbare adj barbaric
barbarie nf barbarity Adjectives expressing tnghttulness
sadique adj sadistic The six adjectives below each have an emphatic
sadisme nm sadism meaning, implying great evil, and a much milder one,
atrocite nf atrocity les atrocites commises pendant la implying unpleasantness. The milder meaning is very
guerre the atrocities committed during the war common. It has been listed as sense 1 in each of the
following entries.
affreux, ff reuse adj 1 [unpleasant] awful, frightful
45.18 Personnes cruelles Cruel people Ecoute-la, c'est affreux, elle chante faux! Listen to her, it's
tortionnaire n torturer frightful, she can't sing in tune! 2 [causing great emotion
bourreau nm, pi -x 1 [Nazi criminal, psychopath] torturer and pity] ghastly lis n'ont pas supporte I' affreux spectacle
2 [historically] executioner qui les attendait derriere les portes du camp
monstre nm (de cruaute) monster d'internement. They couldn't bear the awful scenes which
they found when they went inside the gate of the
internment camp.
horrible adj 1 [unpleasant] awful, frightful II est horrible,
45.19 Haine Hatred son pull! His sweater is awful! 2 [causing horror] horrible
haine nf hatred Je n'eprouve pas de haine envers mon Un rictus horrible deformait le visage du mort. A horrible
agresseur. feel no hatred towards my attacker.
I
grimace disfigured the dead man's face.
haineux, -neuse adj [showing aversion] full of hatred Elle terrible adj 1 [unpleasant] terrible Ta mere a oublie de te
mouvements d'un regard haineux. She followed
suivait ses donner un casse-croute, mais c'est terrible, ca! Your
movements with hatred in her eyes.
his mother forgot to give you a snack, how terrible!
haineusement adv with hatred regarder qqn 2 [causing terror] terrible, awesome 'Je me vengerai!' cria-
haineusement to watch sb with hatred in one's eyes parler t-il d'une voix terrible. 'I'll have my revenge!', he yelled in
haineusement to speak with hatred in one's voice an awesome voice.
haissable adj 1 [deserving of intense dislike] hateful // epouvantable adj 1 [unpleasant] awful, atrocious // fait un
avait /'habitude haissable de laisser des megots partout. temps epouvantable. The weather's atrocious. 2 [causing
He had the detestable habit of leaving cigarette ends horror] terrible /'epouvantable accident qui vient
lying about everywhere. La guerre est haissable, ou qu'elle d'endeuiller notre ville the dreadful accident which has
se trouve. War is hateful, wherever it is. 2 [deserving of just plunged our town into mourning.
hatred] hateful I'homme haissable auquel ses parents atroce adj 1 [unpleasant] awful, appalling lis nous ontservi
I'avaient mariee the hateful man to whom her parents des petits pois avec de la confiture, atroce! They served
had married her peas with jam, how appalling! 2 [causing great emotion
hair {20} vt [feel emotional aversion towards] to hate and pity] awful Regarder ces enfants affames qui tendent
detester {6} vt [less intense than hair. Can apply to things la main, c'est atroce. It's awful to watch these hungry
or to people] to hate Je deteste le chou. hate cabbage. I
children holding out their hands. 3 [very strong] dreadful
Elle deteste son pere. She hates her father. le spectacle atroce des villageois massacres the dreadful
detestable adj [less intense than haissable] awful Je sight of the slaughtered villagers.
trouve sa facon de toujours se mettre en avant detestable. effroyable adj 1 [causing disapproval] awful C'est
Ifind it awful the way he always tries to hog the limelight. effroyable quantite de viande que je suis oblige
la
d'acheter chaque semaine pour nourrir toute cette
Locutions Idioms famille. have to buy an awful lot of meat each week to
I
prendre qqn en grippe [sudden or gradual feeling. Not feed this family. 2 [causing horror] terrible Je suis arrive
juste apres /'accident, il y avait du sang partout, c'etait
used to refer to really deep feelings such as one has for
close relatives] to dislike Peu a peu, j'ai pris mon voisin en effroyable. I arrived immediately after the accident, there
grippe. I've gradually got to really dislike neighbour. my was blood everywhere, it was terrible.
Il/Elle ne peut pas sentir, also souffrir He/She can't . . .
stand [applies to people or things] Je n'ai jamais pu
. . .
sentir les maths/mon frere. never could standI 45.21 Horreur et degout Horror and
mathematics/my brother.
disgust
avoir une dent contre qqn to have a grudge against sb
s'entendre comme chien et chat to fight like cat and repoussant, e adj [physically] repulsive // est d'une salete
dog repoussante. He's repulsively dirty.
etre a couteaux tires avec qqn to be sworn enemies repugnant, e adj [usu physically] disgusting Les toilettes
with sb Ces deux-la sont a couteaux tires. Those two are ont deborde, c'est repugnant. The toilet's overflowed, it's
sworn enemies. disgusting. Dans ce conflit, les nations soi-disant civilisees
etre la bete noire de qqn to be sb's pet hate
102 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
ont commis des actes repugnants. In this war so-called 45.23 Fortes peurs Strong fears
civilized nations have committed revolting acts.
repulsion nf [usu physical] repulsion eff roi nm [strong fear] fright Elle fixait avec effroi
degoutant, e adj [usu physical. Can refer to intense I'homme qui brandissait le couteau. She stared aghast at
feelings or be more light-hearted disgusting Va te laver ] the man with the knife.
les mains, elles sont degoutantes. Go and wash your epouvante nf [caused by, for example, uncontrollable or
hands, they're disgusting, lis ne lui ont meme pas fait de supernatural things] horror, terror saisi d'epouvante en
cadeau d'adieu, c'est vraiment degoutant! They didn't entendant venir les vagues de bombardiers filled with
even give her a leaving present, how disgusting! terror at the sound of the approaching bombers film
degout nm [usu physical] disgust d'epouvante horror film
degouter {6} vt 1 [distasteful, morally or physically] to epouvanter {6} vtto terrify
disgust. Tu me
degoutes avec ton impermeable graisseux. hantise nf [obsessive fear of something that might
You disgust me, wearing that greasy raincoat. La vie me happen] fear Elle a la hantise de mourir avant lui. She is
degoute. Life makes me sick. 2 [in food contexts] Je ne obsessed by the fear that she might die before him.
mange jamais de cervelle, ca me degoute. never eat I
panique nf panic pris de panique panic-stricken Pas de
brain, I find it disgusting. Ma mere me forqait a boire du panique! Calm down!
lait, ca m'a degoute des laitages pour toujours. My mother paniquer {6} vi to panic
used to force me to drink milk; it put me off dairy terreur nf terror une terreur folle blind terror
products for life. terrif ier {1 5} vt to terrify
ecceurant, e adj 1 [morally or physically repulsive]
nauseating 2 [mildly nauseating] cloying Avec toute cette
creme, je trouve leurs gateaux un peu eccsurants. There's 45.24 Peurs moins fortes Lesser fears
too much cream on their cakes; find them rather cloying. I
ecceurement nm 1 [moral or physical repulsion] disgust, craindre {59} vt 1 [general term, slightly more formal than
abhorrence L'ecceurement nous saisit lorsque nous avoir peur. Applies to physical or mental fears] to fear Ne
regardons ces photos des camps de concentration. A crains rien! Don't you worry! Je crains qu'il (ne) pleuve.
feeling of abhorrence takes over when we see those I'm afraid it might rain. 2 [expresses nervousness or
photos of concentration camps. 2 [when eating] nausea. reluctance] to be afraid of Elle craignait qu'on (ne)
Elle mange des chocolats jusqu'a l'ecceurement. She eats s'apercoive de ce qu'elle avait fait. She was afraid that
chocolates she feels nauseous.
till someone would realize what she had done. // ne faut pas
ecoeurer {6} vt 1 [be strongly repellent morally or craindre de les arroser. Water them generously. Je crains
physically] to sicken Quand on voit les agissements des les chatouilles. hate being tickled.
I
hommes politiques, il y a de quoi vous ecoeurer. When you crainte nf fear Sois sans crainte. Never fear, lis ont ferme
see what the politicians are up to it's enough to make les frontieres par crainte d'un exode de la population.
you sick. 2 [be nauseating. In food contexts] to make Fearing a mass exodus of the population, they closed the
nauseous. Le cafe froid, qa m'ecceure. Cold coffee makes borders.
me nauseous. eff aroucher {6} vt [cause to hide or flee in fear. Obj: e.g.
nausee nf nausea avoir la nausee to feel nauseous child, deer] to frighten away
haut-le-coeur nm inv wave of nausea avoir un haut-le- alarmer [worry someone about a possible danger] to
{6} vt
cceur to feel a sudden wave of nausea worry Je ne voudrais pas vous alarmer mais on a vu
degueulasse adj [informal and very common way of quelqu'un qui rodait autour de chez vous. don't want to I
expressing physical or moral disapproval] disgusting II est worry you but someone was seen loitering near your
degueulasse, ton cafe. Your coffee's foul, lis ont refuse house.
d'accorder 2% aux infirmieres, c'est degueulasse. They've alerter {6} vt [warn of something worrying or untoward] to
refused to give the nurses a two per cent pay rise, how alert La police a ete alertee. The police were alerted.
disgusting! apprehender {6} vt [have an uneasy feeling prior to doing
something] to fear, to dread apprehender d'aller chez le
Locutions Idioms dentiste to dread going to the dentist
J'etais/ll etait glace d'horreur My/His blood ran cold. apprehension nf [unease prior to an event] fear, dread
Ca fait froid dans le dos. [refers to physical or moral redouter {6} vt [slightly stronger than apprehender] to
causes for feeling of horror] It gives you the shivers. dread. Nous redoutions tous les visites de la tante Roberta.
Qa le/la rend malade. [implies great moral distress] It We all used to dread Aunt Roberta's visits.
makes him/her ill.
Voir des enfants dans cet etat-la, ca me rend malade.
When see children in that state, it makes me (feel)
I ill.
45.25 Manifestations de la peur
Describing fear
45.22 Peur Fear etre blanc, blanche, also bleme to be white with fear
etre mort, e de peur to be scared to death
peur nf fear avoir peur de qqn/qqch to be afraid of sb/sthg etre cloue, e au sol (de peur) to be transfixed with fear
faire peur a qqn to frighten sb glacer les sangs a qqn to make sb's blood run cold
peureux, -reuse adj [habitual trait] fearful avoir des sueurs froides to break out in a cold sweat
apeure, e adj [slightly formal. Temporary state, caused by trembler comme une feuille to shake like a leaf
a particular sight, thought, etc] frightened
eff rayer {16} vt to frighten
frayeur nf fright faire une grosse frayeur a qqn to give sb a
big fright
lache adj cowardly lache n coward
poltron, -ronne n [literary synonym for lache] coward
46 Help and encouragement 103
jeunes. Unemployment is a contributory factor in the
46 Help and alienation of some young people.
favoriser negative factor in] to help
{6} vt [be a positive or
encouragement Le lait croissance des enfants. Milk helps a
favorise la
child's growth. La chaleur favorise la multiplication des
bacteries. Heat helps bacteria to multiply.
46.1 Aide Help depanner [when a vehicle or machine has broken
{6} vt 1
down] to repair 2 [general term] to help out (temporarily)
serviable adj [ready to offer assistance] helpful Je n'avais plus de farine, mon voisin m'a depanne. ran I
obligeant, e adj [same meaning as serviable, but implies out of flour, my neighbour helped me out.
more generosity] obliging
obligeance nf helpfulness avec obligeance helpfully
assistant, e n assistant
auxiliaire n [temporary helper] assistant
46.4 Appeler a I'aide To call for help
adjoint, e n [in a post] assistant appel nm de detresse distress call
allie, e n [in a war, in negotiations] ally signal nm de detresse distress signal
s'allieravec {6} v refl to ally oneself with appeler au secours to shout for help
aide nf^ [general term] help avec I'aide de qqn with sb's au secours! also a I'aide! help!
help a I'aide d'un marteau by using a hammer venir en
aide a qqn to come to sb's help 2 [humanitarian] aid S.0.5
S.O.S. the abbreviation used as cry for help, e.g.: S.O.S!
is
Mayday! In addition, this acronym is often used in the
46.2 Sortes d'aides Kinds of help names of various help or aid organizations, notably in
the anti-racist movement 'S.O.S. Racisme', and the
assistance nf [implies that the helper is skilled and that medical aid organization 'S.O.S. Medecins'.
the process lasts a while] assistance // a fallu /'assistance de
plusieurs corps de pompiers pour maitriser I'incendie. The
assistance of several firefighting units was needed in order Locutions Idioms
to deal with the blaze. Qu'est-ce que je peux faire pour vous? How can help I
porter, also preter assistance a qqn to come to sb's you?
assistance Aide-toi et le ciel t'aidera. [proverb] God helps those
collaboration nf [at work, or when participating in a who help themselves.
project] collaboration donner un coup de main a qqn [informal] to give sb a
concours nm [term used language. May imply
in official hand
sponsoring] help Le festival a ere organise avec le preter main-forte a qqn [slightly formal] to lend sb a
concours de la commune. The festival was organized with (helping) hand
the help of the district council, fournir son concours a qqn C'est le bras droit de [implies that a lot of help is
. . .
to assist sb given often unobtrusively] Lumet, c'est le bras droit du
secours nm [urgently needed, usu financial or medical] patron. Lumet is the boss's right-hand man.
help secours catholique Catholic aid organization
2 [medical] help alter chercher du secours to go and get
help les {premiers) secours first aid
46.5 Encouragement Encouragement
service nm [usu involves personal help, in kind rather than
in terms of money] favour rendre un service a qqn to do encouragement nm 1 [urging on] encouragement La
sb a favour rendre service a qqn to be of service to sb foule poussait des d'encouragement. The crowd was
cris
entr'aide nf 1 between two individuals or groups of
[ shouting encouragement.
equal status] mutual help 2 [dispensed to a group in need] encourageant, e adj encouraging // fait des progres
aid Une association d'entr'aide distribue des tickets-repas encourageants. He's making encouraging progress.
gratuits aux enfants les plus defavorises. A charitable
organization hands out free meal tokens to the poorest
children.
46.6 Venbes exprimant /'encouragement
depannage nm [when a vehicle or machine has broken
1
down] (breakdown) repair 2 [in general] temporary help Verbs expressing encouragement
Tu peux me preter 1.000 francs, juste pour un depannage?
encourager {8} vt to encourage Ce sonf eux qui I'ont
Could you lend me 1,000 francs just to tide me over?
encouragee a composer sa premiere oeuvre. They
encouraged her to compose her first piece.
pousser {6} vt [help by coercing] to push Elle ne
46.3 heroes exprimant I'aide Verbs for s'interessera jamais a la musique si tu ne la pousses pas.
She'll never develop an interest in music unless you push
helping
her. pousser qqn a faire qqch to encourage sb to do sthg
aider {6} vt and vi [general term] to help entratner {6} vt 1 [help by providing an example, for good
secourir {33} vt 1 [general term. Implies emergency] to or ill] to encourage C'est lui qui les entraine a secher les
help 2 [subj: e.g. fire service, motorway patrol, mountain cours. He's the one who's leading them into truancy. 2 [in
rescue team] to rescue sport] to coach
s'entr'aider {6} v refl to help one another s'entrainer v refl 1 [in music, at a hobby] to practise 2 [in
contribuer {6} vi [be part of a positive or negative process] sport] to train
(8) vt [help by persuading] engager qqn a
faire to
to contribute contribuer a qqch to contribute to sthg un engager
systeme d'amortisseurs qui contribue a la stabilite du encourage sb to do Nous avons engage nos collegues a
vehicule a shock-absorber system which contributes to the publier les resultats de leurs travaux. We encouraged our
stability of the vehicle contribuer a fake qqch to help (to) colleagues to publish the results of their work.
do sthg Le chomage contribue a marginaliser certains
104 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
inviter {6} vt [same meaning as engager, but stresses sensations nf pi fortes 1 [triggered by dramatic events]
courtesy] to invite inviter qqn a faire to invite sb to do (high) excitement 2 [triggered by e.g. fairground rides]
Ensuite le president I'invitera a temoigner. Then the thrills
chairperson will invite her to testify. effervescence nf [collective feeling] atmosphere of
soutenir {23} vt [obj: e.g. ally, friend, partner] to support excitement Toute la rue etait en effervescence. Everyone
Mon man me soutient dans mes projets. My husband in the street was highly excited.
supports me in my plans. exaltation nf [noble excitement] elation
enerve, e adj [pejorative. Describes: children] (over)excited
chauff e, e au rouge/a blanc beside oneself with
excitement
47 Alertness and degrees dechaine, e adj out of control (with excitement)
excite, e adj [slightly pejorative] (over)excited
of contentment hysterique adj [strongly pejorative. Implies screaming, etc.
Describes women] hysterical
survolte, e adj [describes: e.g. crowd, audience] at fever
47.1 Tension Tenseness pitch
tension nf [state of nerves ] tension tension nerveuse
tenseness Je suis continuellement sous tension. I'm under
47.3 Serenite Serenity
pressure all the time.
nervosite nf jumpiness tranquille adj 1 [undisturbed. Describes: e.g. village,
tendu, e adj [describes: e.g. person, situation, holiday] peaceful 2 [person] quiet avoir I'esprit tranquille
conversation] tense to have peace of mind avoir la conscience tranquille to
nerveux, -veuse adj 1 [permanently] nervous have a clear conscience
2 [temporarily] jumpy tranquillite nf peace (and quiet)
crispe, e adj [describes: e.g. smile, hand, reply] tense tranquillement adv 1 [in silence] quietly 2 [without worry]
se crisper v refl to become tense
{6} calmly, evenly // a replie son journal, puis il est
crispant, e adj annoying tranquillement sorti du bar. He folded his paper, then
walked calmly out of the bar.
Locutions Idioms paisible adj [describes: e.g. person] quiet paisiblement
C'est un paquet de nerfs. also ll/Elle a les nerfs en adv peacefully Elle dort paisiblement. She's sleeping
pelote. He's/She's a bundle of nerves. peacefully.
etre sur les nerfs to be extremely tense etre constamment paix nf 1 [absence of worry] peace paix interieure inner
sur les nerfs to live on one's nerves peace 2 [absence of war] peace
ll/Elle ne tient plus en place. [stresses uncontrollable serein, e adj [literary] serene
movement e.g. up and down a room, to the window and serenite nf [literary] serenity
back, etc] He/She can't sit still. nirvana nm nirvana atteindre le nirvana to reach a state of
nirvana
47.2 Exaltation Excitement Locutions Idioms
a tete reposee when one's mind is fresh C'est complique,
Translating 'exciting' attendons demain pour voir qa a tete reposee. It's a bit
The adjective excitant, e often has a pejorative
complicated, let's wait until tomorrow and deal with it
connotation, because of associations with stimulants or when our minds are fresh.
sex, which makes it difficult to use as a translation of
Fiche-moi/Fiche-lui la paix. Leave me/him in peace.
'exciting' inmost cases. Depending on context, the
English word is rendered as follows. When it implies an
intense feeling, it can be translated as exaltant or 47.4 Curiosite Curiosity
passionnant: e.g. Mon metier est passionnant. have a I
really exciting job. Comme c'est exaltant, d'arriver au
curieux, -rieuse adj 1 [pejorative. Wanting to know things
sommet et d'embrasser toute d'un regard! How
la vallee
which others want to keep secret] nosy 2 [wanting to
exciting to reach the summit and survey the whole of the
know. No idea of secrecy] (always + de + infinitive.)
interested Je serais curieux de savoir comment tu vas t'y
valley below! The word emotion can also be used, e.g. lis
prendre. I'd be interested to see how you tackle it.
ont vu leur fille gagner la finale, quelle emotion! They
watched their daughter winning the final, how exciting! 3 [ready to broaden one's knowledge] (sometimes + de)
When it is used routinely to imply enthusiasm or merely keen to learn Des son plus jeune age il s'est montre
curieux de tout. From his earliest childhood he was keen
interest in something, 'exciting' can be translated as
to learn about everything.
drolement bien (neutral), tres chouette (informal), super
curiosite nf 1 [pejorative. Interference in other people's
(informal), etc: On est alles faire du patin a glace cet
business] nosiness 2 [healthy interest in the world]
apres-midi. - Ca devait etre drolement bien! We went
skating this afternoon. - How exciting!
enquiring turn of mind
indiscret, -rete adj 1 [failing to respect other people's
privacy] nosy 2 [repeating things which have been told to
excitant, e adj 1 [pejorative. Describes the action of
coffee, stimulants] overexciting 2 [sexually] arousing
one in confidence] indiscreet
excitation nf [slightly pejorative. Nervous agitation]
fouiner {6} vi [look in other people's cupboards, papers,
etc. Pejorative] to poke around Tu es encore venu fouiner
excitement Pas d'excitation, les enfants, il va bientot etre
I'heure d'allerau lit. No excitement, children, please, it'll
dans ma chambre! You've been poking around in my
be bedtime soon.
bedroom again!
surexcitation nf [pejorative] overexcitement
47 Alertness and degrees of contentment 105
Locutions Idioms a stupefaction generate to everybody's amazement
la
II est curieux/Elle est curieuse comme une fouine BrE une fois I'effet de surprise passe, je once I'd . . .
He's/She's a real nosy parker. AmE He's/She's too nosy for recovered from my surprise, I . . .
his/her own good,
mettre, a. so fourrer [informal] son nez dans to poke
one's nose into 47.8 Heureux Happiness
Mele-toi de ce qui te regarde! Melez-vous de ce qui
vous regarde! Mind your own business! heureux, -reuse ady [experiencing happiness] happy Je me
De quoi je me mele? [informal. Only used with ye What ] sens heureux. rendre son mari heureux/sa
I feel happy,
business is it of yours! femme heureuse to make one's husband/wife happy
La curiosite est un vilain defaut. [expression used to bonheur nm 1 [lasting state] happiness Enfin, a I'age de
rebuke childen for being nosy] Curiosity killed the cat cinquante ans, je connais le bonheur. At fifty, now know I
Les murs ont des oreilles. Walls have ears. what happiness is. 2 [something good that happens]
happy event Son retour a ere pour moi un grand bonheur.
was so happy when she came back.
I
content, e adj [experiencing satisfaction] (really) pleased
47.5 Surprise Surprise
mon samedi libre. I'm
Je suis content, cette annee j'ai
surprise nf [reaction; also thing or event causing the have Saturday off this year. Le client a
really pleased that I
reaction] surprise faire une surprise a qqn to surprise sb rapporte la tondeuse hier, il n'avait pas I'air tres content.
surprendre {54} Wto take by surprise The customer returned the lawnmower yesterday, he
surprenant, e adj surprising didn't look too pleased.
etonnant, e adj [slightly stronger than surprenant] joyeux, -yeuse adj [in extremely good humour] happy
astonishing Vous etes tous tres joyeux aujourd'hui, c'est I'anniversaire
saisissant, e adj [causing one to stop still with surprise] de quelqu'un? You all look pretty happy today, is it
amazing someone's birthday?
ahurissant, e adj [surprising and unbelievable] staggering joie nf [intense and short-lived state, sometimes caused by
inattendu, e adj [not part of predictable events] aesthetic or mystical experiences] joy Devant la mer enfin
unexpected retrouvee, la joie lui emplit le coeur. When at last she
insolite adj [literary. Surprising because never met before] found herself looking at the sea again, her heart was
unusual filled with joy.
coup nm de theatre [unexpected] dramatic turn of events gai, e adj [similar toy'oyeux, but can also be a permanent
trait of character] C'est quelqu'un qui est toujours gai. He
is a happy person.
47.6 Surprise desagreable Unpleasant gaiete nf 1 [permanent] happiness II apportait a notre
petit groupe une gaiete contagieuse. He made everyone
surprise in our little group feel happy. 2 [temporary] cheeriness
Allons, un peu plus de gaiete! Come on, don't be so glum!
prendre qqn sur le fait to catch sb in the act
enjoue, e adj [temporary state, expressed in cheery words
prendre qqn la main dans le sac to catch sb with their
or tone of voice] good-humoured
fingers in the till
en flagrant delit 1 [legal] in flagrante (delicto)
bonne humeur nf good mood Les preparatifs se faisaient
dans la bonne humeur generate. The preparations were
2 [figurative] in the act Je I'ai pris en flagrant delit de
mensonge. caught him telling a bare-faced lie.
I
made in an atmosphere of general good humour, etre de
bonne humeur to be in a good mood
faire un choc a qqn to give sb a shock
ravi, e adj delighted // a ere recu a son audition, il est ravi.
Elle a fait une remarque qui est arrivee also venue
He got the part, he's delighted.
comme un cheveu sur la soupe [unexpected and
unwanted] She made a remark which was totally out of
Locutions Idioms
place.
etre au septieme ciel to be in (the) seventh heaven
un coup de tonnerre dans un ciel serein a bolt out of
etre aux anges BrE to be over the moon AmE to be
the blue
thrilled to death
47.7 Reactions de surprise Surprised
47.9 Rire Laughter
reactions
rire nm laughter un petit rire a chuckle un gros rire a
etonne, e adj [slight reaction] surprised guffaw le rire clair des enfants the tinkling laughter of
stupefait, e.adj [strong reaction] astounded children J'entendais des hurlements de rire venant de
little
deconcerte, e adj [unsure what to do] disconcerted tout lapiece a cote. could hear gales of laughter coming from
I
deconcerte par ce bruit au milieu de son discours put off next door, te public hurlait de rire. The audience was
his stride by this noise in the middle of his speech howling with laughter. Quandje lui ai dit ca, elle a eclate
ebahi, e ady, also ahuri, e ady [suggests open-mouthed de rire. When told her this, she burst out laughing.
I
astonishment] dumbfounded fou rire of the giggles Pris d'un fou rire au micro, il
nm fit
saisi, e ady [as if petrified] amazed a ere oblige de passer de la musique. He got a fit of the
bouche bee open-mouthed En entendant ca, il est reste giggles at the microphone and had to put some music on.
bouche bee. When he heard this, his jaw dropped. rire {79} vi to laugh rire sous cape to laugh up one's sleeve
en etre comme deux ronds de flan [informal] to be rire jaune to force a laugh rire aux larmes to laugh until
flabbergasted one cries rire a gorge deployee to howl with laughter rire
IIn'en revient pas. He can't get over it. au nez de qqn to laugh in sb's face pour rire (just) for a
Les bras lui en sont tombes. [phrase with comic effect] joke
His jaw dropped. eclat nm de rire hoot of laughter
106 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
rigoler {6} vi 1 [common informal synonym for rire] to 47.13 Choses amusantes Amusing things
laugh Je ne pouvais plus m'arreter de rigoler. couldn't I
stop laughing. On a bien rigole I'autre soir. We had great plaisanterie nf joke
fun the other night. 2 [informal. In phrases expressing blague nf [informal synonym for plaisanterie] joke
incredulity] Tu rigoles? You must be kidding! 900 francs la gag nm [in show business, on television] gag
nuit? lis veulent rigoler ou quoi? 900 francs for the night? farce nf practical joke
They can't be serious! mot nm d'esprit witticism
ricaner {6} vi [stupidly or nastily] to sneer bon mot nm witty remark
hilare adj [with expression of intense hilarity on face, calembour nm pun
broad grin, etc] beaming canular nm hoax canular telephonique telephone hoax
47.10 Expressions decrivants les effets du 47.14 Moquerie Mockery
rire Describing laughter moquerie nf [remark, usu hurtful] remark designed to
poke fun (at someone)
plie,e en deux (de rire) doubled up (with laughter)
se moquer de {6} v refl 1 [have fun at someone's expense]
etre mort, e de rire also se tordre de rire to laugh fit to
to make fun Ne vous moquez pas de ceux qui sont
of
burst
moins privilegies que vous. Do not make fun of those less
ll/Elle se tenait les cotes (de rire). He/She was in stitches
fortunate than yourselves. 2 [defy] to ignore La pluie? je
(with laughter).
m'en moque! don't care if it's raining!
I
J' eta is ecroule, e (de rire). I was rolling about (with
taquinerie nf 1 [words] teasing remark 2 [deed]
laughter).
something done to tease Je n'aime pas les taquineries. I
Je n'en pouvais plus (de rire). I was killing myself
don't like to be teased.
laughing.
taquiner {6} vt to tease
derision nf [strong, implies contempt] derision tourner
Locution Idiom
qqch en derision to deride sthg
Rira bien qui rira le dernier, [proverb] He who laughs
sarcasme nm sarcastic remark
last laughs longest.
ironie nf irony
Locutions Idioms
47.11 Sourire Smile faire des gorges chaudes de qqch to make a huge joke
out of sthg
sourire nmsmile Fais-moi un sourire. Give me a smile, un
se payer la tete de qqn [informal] to poke fun at sb
sourire entendu also en coin a knowing smile un joli
se payer la gueule de qqn [very informal] BrE to take the
sourire a lovely smile Elle a son sourire commercial. She's
mickey out of sb AmE to put someone on
wearing her professional smile. Elle supporte tout avec le
se foutre de la gueule de qqn [very strong phrase, which
sourire. She puts up with a lot but still keeps smiling.
may offend] BrE to take the piss out of sb AmE to put
sourire {79} vi to smile Je prends la photo! Souriez! I'm
someone on
ready to take the shot! Say cheese! sourire de toutes ses
dents to give a toothy grin
47.15 Plaisir Pleasure
47.12 Amusant Funny plaisir nm [temporary satisfaction brought about by an
event, a meal, an aesthetic or sexual experience] pleasure
amusant, e adj [mildly entertaining] funny Tiens, on a le
faire plaisir a qqn to please sb
meme nom, c'est amusant. Hey, we've got identical
names, that's funny.
amuser amuse Pendant la conference il y aura une
to
How to express enjoyment of something
{6} vt
The French verb plaire is the most useful one for saying
garderie avec desjeux pour amuser les enfants. During the
how you enjoyed something, but it is an impersonal verb
conference there will be a creche with games to keep the
constructed as follows:
children amused.
s'amuser v refl 1 [enjoy oneself] to have fun Laisse-les
auront le temps de travailler quand its seront Ca me plait. enjoy it I
s'amuser, ils
Ca t'a plu? Did you enjoy it?
grands. Let them have (their) fun, there'll plenty of time
Ca vous a plu, Messieurs-Dames? [waiter to diners)
for them to work when they're grown up. 2 [subj: e.g.
Did you enjoy your meal?
child] to play Ou est la petite? - Elle s'amuse dehors.
Moi, j'ai bien aime le film, mais il n'a pas plu a
Where's the little girl? - She's outside, playing.
drole adj [stronger than amusant] funny Tu as entendu
mon mari. rather liked the
I film, but my husband
didn't enjoy it.
Devos? II est tres drole. Have you heard Devos? He's very
funny. // etait enferme dehors en pyjama, et il ne trouvait
Enjoyment can also be expressed using aimer, e.g.:
pas ca drole du tout! He was locked out in his pyjamas and
J'aime beaucoup le ski. really enjoy skiing. Tu aimes
I le
he didn't think it was at all funny!
jazz? Do you enjoy jazz?
humour nm humour I'humour anglais English humour
humoristique adj humorous
apprecier (15) vt (like, in a refined way, intellectually or
hilarant, e adj hilarious
aesthetically] to enjoy J'ai beaucoup apprecie votre
conference. I enjoyed your talk a lot.
47 Alertness and degrees of contentment 107
47.16 Satisfaction Satisfaction contrarie, e adj annoyed J'ai ete tres contrarie quand il
m'a annonce qu'il ne viendrait pas. I was rather annoyed
see also 47.8 Heureux when he said he wouldn't come.
satisfaire {62} vt 1 [provide the right amount of enjoyment serrement nm de coeur pang of sadness
for] to satisfy Nous avons prevu toutes sortes de jeux, de
quoi satisfaire le public le plus exigeant. We've got all
games planned, enough to
sorts of satisfy the most
47.19 Grande tristesse Extreme sadness
demanding audience. J'espere que tu es satisfait! I hope
you're satisfied! 2 [respond to] to fulfil Notre magasin ne desespoir nm despair etre au desespoir to be in despair
peut satisfaire la demande de produits biologiques. Our desespere, e adj despairing desespere, e n [someone
shop can't satisfy the demand for organic produce. about to commit suicide or some other desperate art]
satisfaction nM
[feeling of being pleased] satisfaction Le desperate person
travail etant pret a temps, sa satisfaction etait evidente. desesperer {10} 1 vi (sometimes + de) to despair Ne
He was obviously pleased with the fart that the work was desesperons pas. Let us not despair. Je desesperais de la
ready on time. 2 [reason for being pleased] satisfaction revoir jamais lorsqu'un jour elle frappa a ma porte. I
Voire creme a epiler vous donnera toute satisfaction despaired of ever seeing her again when one day she
pourvu que vous observiez les precautions d'emploi. You came knocking at my door. 2 vt to drive to despair Ses
will be completely satisfied with your depilatory cream infidelites me desesperaient. His infidelities drove me
providing you follow the instructions for use. Elle donne despair.
beaucoup de satisfactions a ses professeurs. She gives her se desesperer v refl to despair
teachersmuch cause for satisfaction. Demissionner pour detresse nf [very grave emotional state] distress Depuis la
que vous preniez ma place? Je ne vous donnerai pas cette mort de sa femme, il est dans une grande detresse. He's
satisfaction! Resign so you can take my place? I wouldn't been in a very distressed state since his wife died.
give you the satisfaction! abattement nm prostration
combler {6} vt [provide maximum pleasure or joy] to abattu, e adj prostrate
gratify combler qqn to make sb delighted Mon fits est
revenu, et ma fille vient d'avoir un bebe, je suis comblee.
My son has returned and my daughter has just had a baby, 47.20 Manifestations de la tristesse
I'm delighted.
epanouissement nm [happy development of all one's Showing sadness
emotional and other potential] fulfilment pleurer and to cry pleurer a chaudes larmes to
{6} vt vi
epanoui, e adj fulfilled Maintenant qu'elle pratique un weep
metier qui lui plait, elle est enfin epanouie. She's fulfilled sangloter {6} vi to sob
at last, now that she has a job that she likes. larme nftear en larmes in tears
s'epanouir {19} v refl to develop (to) one's full potential sanglot nm sob entre deux sanglots between (two) sobs
avoir les yeux rougis to be red-eyed
Locution Idiom
Satisfait ou rembourse [sign in shops, or on adverts]
Locutions Idioms
Your money back if you're not completely satisfied with
avoir des idees noires to have a fit of the blues
our product en avoir gros sur le coeur also sur la patate [informal]
to be (very) upset
avoir le coeur gros to have a heavy heart
47.17 Tristesse Sadness avoir le coeur serre [temporary feeling of poignancy] to
feel a pang (of sadness)
tristesse nf sadness C'est avec tristesse que je vous quitte,
avoir le coeur brise to be broken-hearted
mes amis. am sad at leaving you, my friends.
I
pleurer toutes les larmes de son corps to cry one's eyes
triste adj [describes: e.g. person, situation, landscape] sad
out
Ca me rend triste. It makes me sad.
pleurer comme une Madeleine [indicates floods of tears,
attrister {6} vt to sadden
and sometimes also the speaker's scepticism about the
s'attrister v refl to become sad sincerity of the crying] to cry like a baby
malheureux, -reuse adj [longer-lasting than triste. des larmes de crocodile crocodile tears
Describes: e.g. person, life, marriage] unhappy Toute sa
Ne fais/faites pas cette tete-la! [informal] Don't look so
vie, elle a ete malheureuse. She was unhappy during her
unhappy!
whole life, rendre qqn malheureux to make sb unhappy
47.21 Deception Disappointment
47.18 Degres de tristesse Degrees of
deception nf disappointment
sadness
decevoir {38} vt to disappoint etre decu to be
chagrin nm 1 [great] sorrow Le chagrin la submergeait. disappointed. Je ne veux pas decevoir mes parents. I don't
She was overcome by sorrow. 2 [small] disappointment un want to disappoint my parents.
chagrin d'enfant a child's disappointment desabuser {6} vt to take away the ton marl te
illusions of Si
chagrine, e adj [small sorrow only] disappointed J'ai ete croit heureuse, le temps desabuser. If your
est venu de le
chagrine de ne plus trouver chez I'antiquaire les husband thinks you're happy, the time has come to
'Memoires de guerre', qui pourtant y etaient encore la disabuse him.
semaine derniere. was disappointed not to find the War
I
Memoirs at the antiquarian bookshop, because they were Locutions Idioms
still there last week. Qa a ete une douche pour lui/elle. [informal. Implies
contrariete nf annoyance les petites contrarietes de la vie sudden disappointment with a calming effect] It came as a
life's little annoyances great shock to him/her.
108 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
II ne va pas etre decu! [ironic and informal. The subject is decolerer {10} vi [always negative, often with duration
unaware of the importance of what is to be revealed] specified, implies a cause for the anger] // ne decolere pas
Have we got news for him! depuis hier. He's been in a rage since yesterday, lis I'ont
remplacee, et elle ne decolere plus. They replaced her and
she's been livid (about it) ever since.
47.22 Colere Anger fulminer (6) vi [literary or humorous. Anger expressed
verbally against a person or thing which may be present
colere nf anger etre en colere (contre qqn) to be angry or absent] to rant (and rave), to bluster Elle fulminait
(with sb) se mettre en colere (contre qqn) to get angry contre nous. She was cursing us.
(with sb) passer sa colere sur qqn to take out one's anger
on sb faire une colere to have a tantrum Locutions Idioms
colereux, -euse also colerique adj bad-tempered. (sentir que) la moutarde vous monte au nez (to feel
fureur nf fury entrer en fureur to get into a rage that) one is about to lose one's temper La moutarde
furieux, -euse adj furious furieux (de ce) que je I'aie commenqait a me monter au nez. was beginning to lose
I
critique furious that criticized him furieux contre qqn
I
my temper.
furious with sb La colere est mauvaise conseillere. Anger is a bad
f urie nf 1 [rage] fury en furie enraged 2 [woman] fury, counsellor.
harpy entrerlsortir comme une furie to storm in/out (in a etre soupe au lait [humorous, slightly patronising] to be
rage) permanently on a short fuse
rage nf rage des manifestants en rage enraged voir rouge to see red
demonstrators sortir de ses gonds [sudden indignation, causing the
enrager {8} vi to be infuriated [but faire enrager qqn to person to behave untypically] // estsorti de ses gonds. He
tease sb mercilessly] blew his top.
irritation nf irritation, annoyance echauffer les oreilles a qqn [informal. Often with
exasperation nf exasperation exaspere, e adj commencer] Tu commences a m'echauffer les oreilles!
exasperated, infuriated. You're getting on my nerves!
agacement nm [due to minor causes] (slight) annoyance
agace, e adj (slightly) annoyed, irritated
courroux nm [literary. Often in religious contexts] ire,
wrath
courrouce, e adj [less formal] irate, wrathful
48 Strength and
facher (6) vt to make cross weakness
se facher v refl to get cross // s'est fache. He got cross.
// s'est fache tout rouge [humorous]. He got very cross
(indeed).
48.1 Robuste Strong
Ms se sont faches. 1 [plural of II s'est fache]. They got
angry. 2. [reciprocal] They had a falling out. robuste adj [having muscular strength and good health.
fache, e adj lis sont faches [reflexive] They are cross/angry. Describes: e.g. person, tree, plant] robust, strong
[reciprocal] They are not on speaking terms. fort, e adj [general term] strong // etait petit mais fort. He
was short but strong.
costaud, e adj 1 [informal synonym for robuste.
47.23 Colere breve Short-lived anger Describes: e.g. person] strong 2 [humorous and informal.
Describes: e.g. door, drink] pretty strong
s'emporter {6} v refl to fly into a temper Elle s'emporte vigoureux, -reuse adj [growing strongly or moving things
facilement. She's very short-tempered. energetically] sturdy, vigorous de beaux enfants bien
emportement nm burst of temper vigoureux fine-looking, sturdy children // a repousse
emporte. e adj short-tempered I'armoire contrele mur d'un coup d'epaule vigoureux.
acces nm de colere fit/burst of anger With a powerful heave of his shoulder he pushed the
eclat nm (de colere) angry outburst wardrobe back against the wall.
eclater, exploser {6} vi [let out repressed anger] to energique adj 1 [forceful and dynamic] energetic 2 [strong
explode // a eclate en reproches. His resentment came and fast] brisk
pouring out. solide ady [able to resist illness or psychological ordeals]
hors de soi adjectival phrase [often justifiable anger] strong
beside oneself (with anger), incensed// etait hors de puissant, e adj [muscular] powerful
lui/elle etait hors He/she was incensed. Sa reponse
d'elle. en pleine forme to be completely fit
m'a mis hors de moi. His answer infuriated me. avoir le moral to be in good spirits
47.24 Colere durable Lasting anger 48.2 Renforcer To make stronger
hargne nf [combines tenacity with vindictiveness] spite renforcer (7) vt [used literally or metaphorically] to
hargneux, -euse adj spiteful strengthen J'ai renforce I'enveloppe avec de I'adhesif. I
grogne nf [informal. A patronizing way of describing social strengthened the envelope with sticky tape. Nous avons
discontent] la grogne des enseignants grumblings among partage des epreuves qui ont renforce notre amitie. We've
the teaching profession been through ordeals which strengthened our friendship.
grognon adj [informal. Used affectionately, of males and fortifier (6) vt 1 [give someone the means to resist a
females] grumpy grogner vi to grumble psychological ordeal] to strengthen Ces critiques n'ont fait
que la fortifier dans sa resolution These criticisms merely
Citation Quotation strengthened her resolve. 2 [old-fashioned. Subj: e.g.
la hargne, la grogne et la rogne Groaning, grumbling medicine, beverage] to fortify
and moaning [De Gaulle, referring to unrest in sections of
the French population in 1968]
48 Strength and weakness 109
ragaillardir {19} vt [give new vigour to. Subj: esp breath of
48.4 Doux Gentle
bracing air, glass of whisky, pep talk] to cheer up
see also 43.15 Gentillesse et generosite
Locutions Idioms doux, douce adj [implies soft movements and calm.
C'est un tower of strength.
roc. He's/She's a Describes humans as well as animals] gentle douceur nf
fort, e comme un boeuf strong as an ox gentleness
avoir de la poigne to have enormous strength in one's doucement adv 1 [with kindness] gently 2 [with care]
hands carefully
faire un/le bras de fer avec qqn to do some arm- doucereux, -reuse adj [pejorative. Describes humans only,
wrestling with sb smooth AmE slick
their looks or remarks] BrE sugary,
du poil de bete [new vigour. Used only in the following
la tendre adj [more loving than doux. Describes: e.g. lover,
phrases] reprendre du poil de la bete to get going again look, scene] tender
Voila qui va lui redonner du poil de la bete! This'll get him tendresse nf tenderness tendrement adv tenderly
going again! caressant, -e adj [wanting to stroke or to be cuddled.
Describes: e.g. dog, child] (physically) affectionate un
enfant tres caressant a very affectionate child
48.3 Faible Weak calin, -line adj [more playful than caressant] cuddly un
enfant tres calin a child who loves cuddles calin nm
faiblesse nf [physical or mental state] weakness Par
1 cuddle
accepte tout ce qu'il a voulu. Out of
faiblesse, j'ai apprivoise, -e adj 1 [stresses the human skill. Describes
weakness, let him do anything he liked. 2 [instance]
I dangerous animals] tame montrer des lionceaux
weakness Le deuxieme chapitre a quelques faiblesses. apprivoises to show tame lion-cubs 2 [less stress on skill.
There are some weaknesses in the second chapter, la Describes unusual pets] pet (as adj) // a une pie
faiblesse de son argumentation the weakness of his apprivoisee. He has a pet magpie.
argument dresse, -e adj 1 [describes dangerous animals] tamed
affaiblir {19} vt [obj: e.g. patient, position, building] to 2 [describes: e.g. dogs, monkeys] trained
weaken A/e fais rien qui puisse affaiblir ton autorite. Do inoffensif, -sive adj [naturally unable to cause harm or
nothing that could weaken your authority. L'erosion a disabled by humans] harmless un chien inoffensif a
affaibli les fondations. The foundations were weakened harmless dog rendre une panthere inoffensive par une
by erosion. piqure to knock out a panther with an injection
s'aff aiblir v refl to become weaker Le malade s'affaiblit
d'heure en heure. The patient is getting weaker with Locution Idiom
every passing hour. doux comme un agneau also mouton [can be slightly
faible adj [lacking physical strength or moral fibre] weak pejorative] meek as a lamb
Elle est trop faible pour aller a Paris en train. She's too
weak to go to Paris on the train, faible n [someone with a
lack of moral fibre] weak person d'enormes sommes qui 48.5 Sauvage Wild
peuvent attirer les faibles enormous amounts of money
liable to attract weak-willed individuals. see also 45.17 Cruaute
pietre adj (before noun) [pejorative. Insufficient] feeble de sauvage adj 1 [living in the wild] wild des oies sauvages
pietres resultats feeble results wild geese 2 [untameable] shy Les biches sont tres
malingre adj [pejorative. Small and weak] puny Etant sauvages. Deer are very shy animals. 3 [describes humans
enfant, il etait d'apparence malingre. He looked puny as a who avoid company] timid 4 [pejorative. Behaving like a
child. wild animal] savage sauvage n 1 [person who shuns
fragile adj [weakened by illness or age] frail Vers la fin, others.A judgmental but not always pejorative use] loner
grand-mere etait devenue tres fragile. Grandmother had 2 [member of a primitive society. Pejorative use, now
become very towards the end. 2 [psychologically]
frail regarded as offensive] savage
fragile C'etait un jeune homme fragile, souvent suicidaire. sauvagerie nf [of humans only] savagery sauvagement
He was a fragile young man with suicidal tendencies. adv savagely
3 [thin. Describes: e.g. paper, veil, structure] flimsy violent, -e adj [implies lack of control rather than
frele adj [looking fragile due to paleness or thinness. wilfulness] violent violence nf violence violemment adv
Describes: e.g. boat, flower, woman, shoulder] frail violently
vulnerable adj [unable to repel illness or other hazards] farouche adj [scared of humans. Describes mammals, birds
vulnerable or people] shy
impuissant, e adj [unable to achieve something] feroce adj 1 [violent by nature. Describes animals] fierce
powerless Les autorites sont impuissantes face a 2 [stronger than sauvage. Describes humans, their actions
I'epidemie. The authorities are powerless to stop the or expressions] ferocious
epidemic. ferocement adv ferociously
sans defense [unable to defend oneself] helpless Les sanguinaire adj 1 [literary or used for emphatic effect.
refugies sont sans defense face au cholera. The refugees Describes: e.g. tyrant, warrior] bloodthirsty 2 [literary.
are helpless faced with the threat of cholera. Describes carnivorous animals] savage
mauviette nf [pejorative] weakling, wimp brute nf 1 [literary. Animal considered as a lower form of
life] beast 2 [pejorative or used for comic effect. Person
Locutions Idioms showing no refinement] lout
avoir du sang de navet (dans les veines) [be without brutal, -e adj, mpl -taux brutal brutal n [who solves
energy, enthusiasm or warmth] to be lily-livered conflict by force) bully brutalement adv brutally
fauve nm big cat fauve adj [in set phrase] oefe
ll/Elle ne tient pas debout. He's/She's too weak to stand. [lion, tiger]
Il/Elle n'a pas le moral. He's/She's feeling down. fauve big cat
agressif, -ssive adj 1 [attempting to dominate. Describes
social animals including humans] threatening le
comportement agressif du chef de meute the threatening
110 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
behaviour of the pack leader 2 [ready to quarrel. orner {6} vt 1 [subj: person] to decorate La mode etait
Describes humans] aggressive agressivite nf d'orner lesjardins de statues. It was fashionable to
aggressiveness decorate gardens with statues. 2 [literary. Be a beautiful
feature of] to embellish Un blason ornait la grande
Locutions Idioms cheminee. The great fireplace was embellished with a coat
II est pret a mordre. [enraged to the point of losing of arms.
control] He's just about to blow his top. parer {6} vt [literary. To dress with finery] to adorn Ses
On n'est pas des sauvages! [phrase used e.g. to reassure sen/antes mettaient longtemps a la parer. Her maids took
someone that unacceptable behaviour will not be a long time dressing her in all her finery, parer qqn pour
indulgedin] We do know how to behave (in public)! une ceremonie to help sb put on ceremonial dress
un enfant sauvage [who has grown up without humans)
a wild child Locutions Idioms
le mythe du bon sauvage [belief in the natural goodness beau (belle) comme un astre a. so comme le jour [of
of non-civilized people, most often associated with the persons only] stunningly beautiful
18th-century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau] the beau comme un dieu (grec) [of men only] incredibly
myth of the noble savage handsome
joli of women and children only] comme un ange also
[
coeur as pretty as a picture
agreable a regarder [of persons. Euphemism] easy on the
49 Aesthetic feelings eye
49.1 Beaute Beauty 49.3 Laideur Ugliness
beau, belle ady, mp/ beaux, fp/ belles 1 [aesthetically laid,e ady ugly
pleasing. Describes: e.g. work of art, landscape] beautiful laideur nf ugliness
2 [good-looking. Describes esp persons] attractive enlaidir {19} vtto make uglier
3 [morally pleasing] handsome beau geste noble gesture laideron nm ugly girl
beaute nf 1 [quality] beauty 2 [woman] beauty Sa soeur est affreux, -reuse ady [informal, commonly used for any
une beaute. His sisteris a beauty. 3 [place] beauty spot les unpleasing sight or sound] horrible
beautes de la Corse the beauty spots of Corsica horrible ady [stronger than affreux but can be used
informally, in exaggeration] hideous les horribles images
usage de guerre que nous voyons a la television the hideous
images of war which we see on television // est horrible,
beau son pull! His jumper is hideous.
When beau comes before a noun starting with a vowel moche ady [informal. Describes people or things] ugly
or a silent h, it changes to bel: e.g. un bel homme a
handsome man un bel ornement a beautiful ornament Locutions Idioms
etre laid also moche comme un pou [people only] BrE
e adj [suggests grace and charm, with a lighter impact
joli, to have a face like the back of a bus AmE to have a face
on the viewer than beau. Not used of men, unless a slur is that would stop a clock
intended] pretty dejolis enfants pretty children epouvantail a moineaux [man or woman] hideous
esthetique adj [everyday use] beautiful Enleve cette vieille person
nappe, ell n'est pas tres esthetique. Take that old ll/elle est a faire peur [temporary state] He/she looks a
tablecloth off the table; it isn't very beautiful. fright.
gracieux, -cieuse adj [describes: e.g. woman, child]
graceful
grace nf gracefulness
elegant, e adj [noble and graceful in looks, or dress style]
elegant // etait toujours elegant. He was always elegantly
dressed, elegance nf elegance
magnif ique adj [beautiful in an impressive way. Describes:
e.g.costume, landscape, person's body]
magnificent
mignon, -gnonne adj [describes esp small things or
children] cute
49.2 Rendre plus beau To make more
beautiful
embellir {19} 1 vt [obj: e.g. room, city] to make more
beautiful Des jardinieres de geraniums embellissent les
maisons. Window boxes full of geraniums make the
houses look more beautiful. 2 vi [subj: woman] to look
more beautiful Elle a embelli depuis le debut de sa
maternite. She has grown more attractive since the
beginning of her pregnancy.
decorer {6} vt [add decorations to] to decorate decorer une
mousse de saumon avec de fines tranches de concombre
to decorate a salmon mousse with thin slices of cucumber
Wanting
50.2 Seduction Seductiveness
50 Wanting to have,
seduisant, e adj 1 [describes: e.g. person, dress style,
seeking and finding perfume] attractive 2 [describes: e.g. idea, philosophy]
seductive 3 [describes: e.g. plan, course of action]
tempting
50.1 Desir et passion Desire and passion seduction nf seductiveness
seduire {82} vt 1 [charm, in a general way] to attract La
see also 45.3 Affection nouvelle attachee de presse a seduit tout le monde.
desir nm 1 [longing for a specified thing] longing mon Everyone found the new press attache absolutely
desir de verdure/paix my desire for greenery/peace 2 [used charming. C'esf d'abord I'affiche du film qui m'a seduit. I
on its own, refers to carnal longing] desire was first attracted by the poster for the film. 2 [persuade
desirer {6} vt 1 [want carnal relations with. Obj: e.g. man, into a sexual relationship] to seduce Je I'ai poursuivi de
woman] to desire 2 [in shops, restaurants, etc] would like mes assiduites pendant trois mois avant de parvenir a le
Je desire une biere, s'il vous plait. would like a beer,
I
seduire. laid siege to him for three months before
I I
please. managed to seduce him.
passion nf [great love of anything, from food to persons] charmant, e adj [light and pleasing, as well as possibly
passion avoir une passion pour qqch to have a passion for amusing. Describes: e.g. scene, person, book, reply]
sthg Elle a une passion pour I'electronique. She's mad delightful
about electronics. Elle a une passion pour le copain de son charme nm attraction etre sous le charme (de) to be
frere. She'sbesotted with her brother's friend. bewitched (by)
se passionner {6} v refl [obj: e.g. hobby, art, writings] to
feel passionately about things se passionner pour qqch to
be passionately interested in sthg
50.3 Les seducteurs Seductive people
passionner {6} vt [interest, usually associated with a desire
to deepen one's knowledge of a subject or activity] to seducteur nm 1 [with positive connotation] Lothario 2 [in
fascinate La politique le passionne. He's fascinated by 19th-century novels. A man who seduces a defenceless
politics. Elle est passionnee de footlde culture chinoise. young woman] seducer
She's totallywrapped up in football/Chinese culture. idole nm [star, usu of the cinema] heart-throb
se passionner v refl (often + pour) [be intensely interested femme nf fatale femme fatale
in, and want to learn more about] to become involved Les homme nm a femmes womanizer
enfants se passionnent pour les jeux video. Children get Prince nm Charmant Prince Charming
very involved in video games.
envie nf [sudden need for something, often physical]
longing une envie de femme enceinte a pregnant
50.4 Envie Envy
woman's craving
avoir envie de 1 [feel a temporary but intense need for] envie nf [wanting the same as someone else] envy
to want J'ai envie d'un manteau en cuir. I want a leather envier [1 5} vt to envy Je t'envie! envy you. envier qqch a
I
eu envie de tout casser. felt like smashing every-
coat. J'ai I qqn to envy sb sthg Elle m'envie ma liberie. She's envious
thing up. 2 [want carnal relations, possibly fleeting, with. of my freedom.
Obj: man, woman] to want J'ai envie de toi. want you. I envieux, -vieuse adj envious envieux, -vieuse n envious
caprice nm [short-lived longing, considered as frivolous] person
whim passer un caprice a qqn to give into sb's whim jaloux, -louse adj 1 [sexually] jealous 2 [wanting what
someone else has] envious
usage jaloux, -louse n 1 [sexually] jealous man, jealous woman
2 [wanting what someone else has] envious person Ta
manquer a nouvelle maison va faire des jaloux. People will envy you
This expresses the idea of missing somebody or your new house.
something, and the phrase is created by putting the jalousie nf 1 [sexual] jealousy 2 [desire for what someone
longed-for person or thing first (as the subject of else has] envy
manquer), followed by the indirect object pronoun that jalouser {6} vt [not sexual] to be envious of
shows who does the longing: e.g. // me manque. miss I convoiter {6} vt [want to take away from someone] to
him. La mer lui manque. He misses the sea. covet
convoitise nf covetousness
cupide adj [literary. Wanting money] acquisitive
Locutions Idioms cupidite nf [literary. Desire for money] greed
Le roi dit 'nous voulons'. [phrase used to remind children
not to ask too rudely for something e.g. by saying 'je veux
.
'] Only the king can say
. want'. 'I
50.5 Chercher To search
.
Vos desirs sont des ordres. [used in humorous courtesy
or ironically] Your wish is my command. chercher and vi [physically or mentally] to look forJe
{6} vt
cherche mes lunettes. I'm looking for my glasses, chercher
une solution to look for a solution
recherche nf 1 [in science, to advance knowledge] research
de I'argent pour la recherche contre le cancer money for
112 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
cancer research 2 [in medicine, to help diagnosis] test faire 50.8 Inventer To invent
une recherche en reconnaissance de paternite to do a
paternity test 3 [in plural. Police investigation] recherches inventer {6} vt [create something which didn't
exist] to
search Les recherches continueront demain. The search invent Alfred Nobel a invente dynamite. Alfred Nobel
la
will start again tomorrow. invented dynamite. Tu n'as qu'a inventer une excuse. Just
rechercher {6} vt [obj: criminal, missing person] to look for invent some excuse.
avis nm de recherche 1 [on police poster] wanted notice invention nf 1 [creating] inventiveness L'invention n'est
2 [in radio bulletin] missing persons announcement pas mon fort. Inventiveness is not my strong point.
fouiller {6} vt 1 [looking for something lost or deliberately 2 [gadget or scheme] invention faire breveter une
hidden. Obj: e.g. wardrobe, area] to search La police a invention to patent an invention 3 [pejorative. Lie]
fouille la maison. The police searched the house. 2 (+ fabrication Son rendez-vous chez le dentiste, c'est une
dans) [pejorative. Search messily or nosily] to rummage invention. His appointment at the dentist's is a pure
around in fabrication.
fouille nf'1 [patting clothes and going through pockets] inventeur, -teuse n inventor
search 2 [checking body orifices] body search 3 [in plural. concocter {6} vt [pejorative. Invent unconvincingly ] to
At archaeological site] fouilles excavations Les fouilles ont make up Us ont du concocter cette histoire ensemble. They
commence en 1903. The site was first excavated in 1903. must have made up this cock-and-bull story together.
fureter {12} vi Look around trying not to be
[pejorative.
seen] to snoop (around) Je le vois souvent fureter dans les
bureaux etje n'aime pas ca. often see him snooping
I
50.9 Perdre To lose
around in the offices and don't like it.I
perquisition nf [with warrant] search perdre {53} vt [temporary or permanent. Obj: e.g. key,
perquisitionner {6} vi [subj: police] to search lis ont document, dog] to lose E He perd toutes ses affaires. She
perquisitionne chez ellela son bureau. They searched her always loses her things.
house/office. perte nf loss la perte de cheveux chez les hommes de plus
de vingt ans hair loss among men over twenty
semer {9} vt 1 [informal. Lose things habitually] to mislay //
seme tout le temps ses des. He's always losing his keys
50.6 Espionnage Spying
everywhere 2 [in a chase on foot or in a car] to shake off
espion, -pionne n spy $a y est, on les a semes! There, we've shaken them off!
espionnage nm spying roman d'espionnage spy thriller
avion-espion nm, pi avions-espions spy plane Locutions Idioms
espionner {6} vt to spy on Un(e) de perdu, dix de retrouve(e)s. [informal. To
console someone who has lost a boyfriend, a girlfriend,
Locutions Idioms etc]There are lots more fish in the sea.
passer au peigne fin to search with a fine tooth comb Ce n'est pas une grosse perte! [similar to Un de
Quand on cherche, on trouve! If you look proprely, perdu .... used of people] It's no great loss!
you'll find it! des pas perdus [in large railway stations, area
la salle
C'est comme si on cherchait une aiguille dans un tas where one can find oneself walking round and round as if
de also une botte de foin. It's like looking for a needle lost] station concourse
in a haystack.
50.7 Trouver To find 51 Wanting to happen,
trouver {6} vt [obj: e.g. key, solution] to find Je ne trouve effort and difficulty
pas son adresse dans mon carnet. can't find her address
I
in my notebook. On a trouve un tres bon restaurant pas
loin de chez nous. We've found a very good restaurant 51.1 Vouloir To want
near where we live.
trouvaille nf [something unexpected which is just what vouloir {48} vt 1 [have as one's aim] to want Elle veut
was wanted] find J'ai fait une trouvaille aux Puces, la reussir. She wants to succeed. Je ne voulais pas la vexer. I
theiere qui manquait a mon service Meissen. made a I
didn't mean to hurt her feelings. 2 [have as a hope] to
great find at the flea market, the teapot to complete my want Ma femme voulait un garcon. My wife wanted a
Meissen set. boy. 3 [expresses an order] to want Je veux un recu. want I
decouvrir {27} vt 1 [find what was hidden or not known] a receipt.
to discover // a decouvert I'Amerique. He discovered compter {6} vi (+ infinitive) 1 [implies definite plan] to
America, tant que les scientifiques n'auront pas decouvert intend to Nous comptons rentrer en passant par Dijon.
un vaccin as long as scientists haven't discovered a vaccine We're intending to go through Dijon on our way back.
tomber sur [informal. Implies surprise or accidental find] 2 [implies hope] to hope to Tu comptes pouvoir me le dire
to stumble across, to happen to find Dans une vente aux quand? When do you hope to be in a position to tell me?
encheres, je suis tombe sur une gravure originate de avoir I'intention de [implies definite plan] to intend to
Daumier. In an auction, I came across an original J'ai I'intention de lui telephoner des que possible intend I
engraving by Daumier. to ring her as soon as possible.
se proposer de (+ infinitive) [more formal and more
definite than avoir I'intention de] to propose to
51 Wanting to happen, effort and difficulty 113
51.2 Ce qui est voulu Things intended tatonne encore pour trouver un remede. They're looking
for a remedy but it's still trial and error.
volonte nf [determinate idea] wish Les evenements de la experience nf (scientific] experiment faire une experience
soiree ont ere organises selon leur volonte. The evening's to carry out an experiment faire des experiences to
events were arranged according to their wishes, ses experiment
dernieres volontes his last wishes experimenter {6} vt [use in a test or tests) to test (out) On
intention nf [often implicit] intention Moi aussi, j'ai a experiments le nouveau systeme de freinage, qui donne
apporte un gateau, je ne pouvais pas deviner tes de bons resultats. The new breaking system was tried out,
intentions. brought a cake, too. couldn't guess what
I I
and found to produce satisfactory results.
you were intending to do. avoir /'intention de to propose
to Nous nous proposions d'inviter les Brunaut, qu'en
pensez-vous? We were proposing to invite the Brunauts,
51.5 Difficile Difficult
what do you think about it?
plan nm 1 [in stories, cunning idea thought out in some difficile adj difficult difficulty nf difficulty
detail] scheme Heureusement, notre heroine avait complique, e adj complicated
son plan. Fortunately, our heroine had a plan. delicat, e adj [requiring tact] tricky Je n'ose pas le lui dire
2 [administrative term] plan plan quinquennal five-year que je ne veux pas d'elle dans mon equipe, c'est delicat. I
plan daren't tell her that I don't want her on my team, it's
projet nm [often involving a team] project II y a un projet tricky.
d'assainissement des berges du lac. A project has been set penible adj [disagreeable and difficult. The translation of
up to drain the land around the lake. this depends on context] unpleasant Marcher, c'est
dessein nm Often ambitious and long-term]
[literary. penible par cette chaleur. Walking in this heat is really
intention lis dessein de reviser la constitution.
avaient le unpleasant. // faut repasser par chez eux, que c'est
Their intention was to revise the constitution. penible! We have to go back via their place, what a drag!
velleite nf [pejorative. Thing wanted by someone who will Les enfants ont ere penibles, cet apres-midi. The children
not apply themselves seriously to bringing it about] whim were hard work this afternoon.
51.3 Adjectifs decrivant la volonte 51.6 Situations diffidles Difficult
Determination situations
decide, e adj [showing determination on a specific probleme nm [general term] problem
occasion] determined Cette fois-ci, il est decide, il ira ennui nm
[something which affects you] problem J'ai un
jusqu'au proces s'il le faut. This time, he's determined, groslpetit ennui. have a big/small problem.
I
go to court if necessary.
he'll imbroglio nm, also micmac nm [informal. Situation with
volontaire adj [permanent character trait] determined Elle many confusing aspects] mix-up
a toujcurs ere fres volontaire. She's always been a very casse-tete nm inv chinois [problem which you cannot
determined person. think your way through] (complete) conundrum
volontariste adj [showing active involvement. Describes dedale nm [bureaucratic complications] maze dans le
policies, government plans] enterprising dedale de la procedure judiciaire in the legal maze
tetu, e adj [pejorative] stubborn dilemme nm dilemma se trouver devant un dilemme to be
velleitaire adj [pejorative] impulsive in a dilemma
petrin nm
[informal. Literally baker's kneading trough]
terriblemess N'attends pas que je te sorte de ce petrin.
51.4 Essayer To try Don't expect me to get you out of this mess. On s'est
retrouves dans le petrin. We found ourselves between a
essayer {16} vt 1 [attempt an action] to try Ca ne repond rock and a hard place.
pas, a son bureau, essaie chez elle. There's no answer at
her office number, try her house. 2 [obj: e.g. food, dish, Locutions Idioms
wine] to sample 3 [obj: e.g. shoe, garment, model] to try II serait plus facile de passer par le trou d'une
on 4 [obj: e.g. new car, new plane, new weapon] to try aiguille. It's as difficult as going through the eye of a
out needle.
s'essayer a v refl [try for the first time] to have a go at Cet On est dans de beaux draps! Now what do we do?
ere, je vais m'essayer au tricot. This summer, I'll have a go
at knitting.
tacher {6} vt [suggests more effort than essayer] to
51.7 Effort Effort
endeavour tacher de faire to try and do Tache de finir
avant le dejeuner. Try to finish before lunch. effort nm effort un gros effort a big effort Encore un petit
essai nm [test] trial a titre d'essai on a trial basis vol d'essai effort! Just one more go! faire un effort also des efforts
test flight a /'essa/ on trial mettre une machine a I'essai to to make an effort sans effort effortlessly
try out a machine prendre qqn a I'essai to take sb on on ardu, e adj [demanding. Describes: e.g. theory, book, film]
trial abstruse
tenter {6} vt [used when the undertaking is risky] to malaise, e adj [presenting complications. Describes: e.g.
attempt lis vont tenter de descendre les rapides. They'll negotiations, conversation] awkward
attempt the rapids.
tentative nf [used when the undertaking is risky] attempt
lis ont fait une tentative de reorganisation des horaires de Verbs of
51.8 Verbes signifiant I'effort
travail, qui a echoue. They made an attempt at
reorganizing work schedules which failed. effort
tatonner {6} vi [implies that success has not yet been s'efforcer de {7} v refl (+ infinitive) to try one's best to
achieved] to go through a trial and error process On s'evertuer a {6} v refl (+ infinitive) [implies that one
encounters a lot of difficulty] to do one's utmost to
114 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
s'escrimer a {6} v refl (+ infinitive) [implies a harder task se casser le nez [informal] to come a cropper Leur
than s'evertuer a] to struggle to entreprise avait bien demarre mais il y a eu une crise et its
se demener {9} v refl [stresses energy expended] to put se sont casse le nez. Their business had got off to a good
oneself out Je me suis demene pour lui obtenir un visa. I start but there was a recession and they came a cropper.
had to go to great lengths to get him a visa. // a fallu
qu'elle se demene pour nous obtenir I'appartement. She
really had to put herself out to get us the flat.
51.11 Franchir I'obstacle To overcome an
Locutions Idioms obstacle
a la sueur de son front by the sweat of his/her brow franchir I'obstacle, also passer le cap to overcome the
faire des pieds et des mains pour que ... to move obstacle
heaven and earth in order to . . .
contourner I'obstacle to get round the problem
palir sur qqch palir sur un probleme de mathslun livre to passer outre to forge ahead
make oneself ill trying to solve a maths problem/to get the
hang of a book
se casser la tete (sur qqch) [often used in the negative]
to make an effort (to try to do sthg) C'esf tout ce que tu a
51.12 Bloquer To block
mis sur ta carte postale? Tu ne t'es pas casse la tete! Is that empecher [general term] to stop La mairie a essaye
{6} vt
all you wrote on your postcard? You didn't make much of
d'empecher les manifestations. The local authorities tried
an effort, did you? to stop the demonstrations. Tu m'empeches de m'amuser.
suer sang et eau pour [slightly informal] to sweat
. . .
You're stopping me having fun. // faut empecher que le
blood in order to ... On a sue sang et eau pour obtenir scandale n'eclabousse des innocents. We have to stop
cette subvention. We sweated blood to get this subsidy. innocent people being implicated in the scandal.
un coup de collier [slightly informal] a big effort // va
bloquer {6} vt [immobilize] bloquer un ballon to block a
donner un coup de collier si tu veux reussir a ton
falloir
ball La direction etait prete a ceder mais c'est le
examen. You're going to have to make an effort if you gouvernement qui bloque. The management was ready to
want to pass your exam. give way but the government blocked the negotiations.
mettre les bouchees doubles to redouble one's efforts blocus nm [by army, fishing fleet, etc] blockade faire le
blocus autour d'une ville to blockade a city
blocage nm [on rents, prices, wages] freeze C'est le
51.9 Obstacles Obstacles deuxieme blocage des salaires depuis 1990. It's the second
wage freeze since 1990.
obstacle nm 1 [object in the way] obstacle J'ai bute sur un
obstacle dans le noir. I walked into an obstacle in the
Locutions Idioms
dark. 2 [thing preventing success] hurdle, barrrier //
faire opposition a to oppose faire opposition a un cheque
abandonne toujours au premier obstacle. He tends to give
[subj: account holder] to stop a cheque
up at the first hurdle. Si seulement il n'y avait pas soulever des diff icultes pour faire qqch to kick up a
/'obstacle des langues. If only the language barrier didn't
fuss about doing sthg
exist.
mettre un frein a qqch to slow sthg down Je voudrais
barriere nf 1 [around land] fence 2 [which opens] gate
bien mettre un frein a sa consommation d'alcool. I'd really
3 [obstacle] barrier II y a encore bien des barrieres entre
like to slow his drinking down.
nos communautes. There are still many barriers to
mettre, also opposer son veto a qqch to veto sthg
understanding between our communities. 4 [sign
y mettre le hola to put a stop to it II y a trop
indicating dangerous road during a period of thaw]
d'absenteisme en ce moment, mettez-y le hola. There's
barriere de degel road closed
too much absenteeism at the moment. Put a stop to it.
barrage nm 1 [in geography] dam 2 [on road] roadblock
chicane nf 1 [in car racing] chicane 2 [in motorcycle racing]
zigzag
pierre nf d'achoppement stumbling block Nous avons un 51.13 Facile Easy
produit de qualite mais la pierre d'achoppement c'est facile adj [general term] easy lecture facile easy reading
notre retard en matiere de structures commerciales. We
Critiquer les autres, c'est trop facile. It's too easy just to
have a quality product but our weakness in terms of criticize. C'est quelqu'un d'assez facile. She's fairly easy-
marketing is the stumbling block. going.
hie nm [informal] snag Seulement elle n'a pas I'age, c'est le facilite nf ease faire qqch avec beaucoup de facilite to do
hie! But she's not old enough: that's the snag!
sthg with the greatest of ease la solution de facilite the
ecueil nm 1 [in sea] reef 2 [dangerous obstacle] pitfall
easy way out
Quand on monte son entreprise, on rencontre les plus aise, e adj [literary] easy // a un style aise. He has an
grands ecueils au cours des deux premieres annees. When effortless style.
you set up in business, you're exposed to the worst pitfalls
in the first two years.
Locutions Idioms
obstruction nf [on road, in artery, in sewer] blockage C'est la simplicity meme. a. so C'est simple comme
bonjour it's a piece of cake
C'est un jeu d'enfant. It's child's play. Ce serait un jeu
51.10 Echouer devant /'obstacle To fall d'enfant de crocheter cette serrure. A child could pick that
lock.
before an obstacle
C'est a la portee de tout le monde. Anybody could do
achopper formal] to be halted in one's
{6} vi [slightly it.
progress J'avais bien maitrise la prononciation de I'arabe Je fais ca also Je pourrais faire ca les doigts dans le
mais j'ai achoppe devant I'alphabet. was getting on well I nez. [informal] could do that with my hands tied behind
I
with spoken Arabic, but the alphabet proved a real my back.
stumbling block.
52 Wanting to achieve, success and failure 115
Ca ne va pas te tomber tout cuit (dans le bee). 52.3 Inconnu Unknown
[informal] It won't just land in your lap, you know.
gagner dans un fauteuil [usu in sports contexts] to win inconnu, e adj 1 [not part of one's knowledge] not known
hands down Cette coutume est inconnue de tous les gens que j'ai
consultes. None of the people consulted knew of this I
cus-
tom. 2 [not famous] obscure Le concours a ete remporte
par un chanteur inconnu. The competition was won by an
52 Wanting to achieve, unknown singer.
obscur, e adj [before the noun. More pejorative than
success and failure inconnu 2] unknown Celui qui a remporte la descente est
un obscur employe de banque norvegien. The man who
won the downhill is a completely unknown Norwegian
52.1 Reputation Fame bank clerk.
ignorer {6} vt 1 [have no knowledge about] not to know
reputation nf [way which a person or thing is known,
in J'ignore ce qu'elle a pu
mais maintenant il est
lui dire,
good or bad] reputation Wous avons acquis une monte contre moi. don't know what she told him but
I
reputation internationale dans le domaine des he's dead set against me now. 2 [refuse to notice. Obj: e.g.
microprocesseurs. We have built up an international criticism, frown, interruption, visitor] to ignore 3 [have
reputation in the field of microprocessors. La clinique a been spared the experience ofl une societe qui ignore le
bonne reputation. The clinic has a good reputation. Je divorce a society where divorce is unknown
n'enverrai pas mes enfants dans un college qui a mauvaise jamais entendu parler de never heard of A dix-huit ans,
reputation. will not send my children to a school with a
I
je n'avais jamais entendu parler de preservatifs. At
bad reputation. Vous avez du courage de les inviter a eighteen, I'd never heard of condoms. Mais si, tu te
dejeuner, ils ont une reputation de fins gastronomes. It's rappelles, Michaud ? Jamais entendu parler! - Yes,
. . .
brave of you to invite them to lunch; they have a Michaud, you remember ? Never heard of him! . . .
reputation for being very discriminating when it comes to
food.
repute, e adj [famous for some exclusive quality. Describes:
52.4 Occupe Busy
e.g. cheese, wine, surgeon, furniture-maker] of repute
occupe, e adj 1 (often + a followed by infinitive)
usage [describes: e.g. person] busy Elle est occupee a reparer sa
voiture. She's busy fixing her car. 2 [on toilet door]
Notoriete nf" and notoire adj occupied 3 [on the telephone] busy La ligne est occupee.
Notoriete means fame, and notoire means famous. Monsieur, vous patientez? The line's busy, will you hold?
These words do not necessarily have negative Ca sonne occupe, je rappellerai. BrE I'm getting the
connotations in French, but derive their sense from the engaged tone, I'll call again. AmE I'm getting the busy
context: e.g. II yavait au village une dentelliere dont la signal, I'll call again.
notoriete s'etendait a des kilometres a la ronde. In the pris,e adj [unable to commit oneself to an appointment]
village therewas a lacemaker who was famous for miles busy Malheureusement je suis pris lundi matin.
around, un ivrogne notoire a notorious drunkard un Unfortunately I'm busy Monday morning.
botaniste notoire a noted botanist charge, e adj [describes: e.g. day, week, timetable] busy
actif, -tive adj [enjoying being busy] active, busy Ma
celebre adj [known to many, possibly world-wide] famous grand-mere, e'est quelqu'un de tres actif. My
connu, e adj [known to many. Could be local fame, or grandmother has always been a very active person.
much wider] well-known
fameux, -meuse adj [old-fashioned synonym for connu]
well-known 52.5 Agir To take action
iilustre adj [literary. Describes: e.g. author, soldier,
ancestor] illustrious arte nm term act Son premier acte en tant
act [general ]
les gens celebres also connus celebrities que president de decreter une amnistie generate. His
a ete
first act as president was to declare a general amnesty.
action n/1 [similar to arte. Initiative] act une action
52.2 Glorieux Glorious humanitaire a humanitarian act 2 [events] faction activity
// ne se plait que dans faction. He thrives on activity, au
gloire nf [great reputation, esp one acquired on the battle- coeur de faction where the action is
field] glory artivite nf [undertaking] activity avoir de nombreuses
glorieux, -rieuse adj [describes: e.g. king, reign, battle] activites to do a lot
glorious actif, -tive adj 1 [doing a lot] active Elle est tres active dans
grandeur nf [used mainly of historical characters and their les associations de consommateurs. She's very active in the
palaces, theatres, etc] greatness avoir la folie des field of consumer associations. 2 [taking initiatives]
grandeurs to suffer from delusions of grandeur proactive
gloriole nf [pejorative] vainglory agir {19} vi to act // faut agir avec energie contre
I'epidemie. We
must take firm action against the
Citation Quotation epidemic. Laissez le temps au medicament d'agir. Allow
A vaincre sans peril on triomphe sans gloire. [line time for the drug to take effect.
from Pierre Corneille's play te Cid, 1636] Victories gained mesure nf measure prendre, also adopter des mesures en
without danger do not reflect glory on the victor. faveur de to act in favour of Les mesures prises pour
empecher la progression du sida s'averent insuffisantes.
Measures taken to halt the progress of the AIDS virus are
proving inadequate.
116 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
executer {6} vt [obj: e.g. decision, measure, project] to reussir {19} vt to get right J'ai reussi ma confiture de
. . .
carry out fraises. I've got my strawberry jam right.
entreprendre {54} vt [implies great energy, and sometimes reussi, e adj [which somebody has got right, according to
a pioneering spirit] to undertake // a entrepris de repaver particular standards. Can be linked to money and
lacour tout seul. He undertook to redo the paving in the conventional measures of success, but not necessarily]
yard on his own. entreprendre le recensement de la good, rewarding Je pense avoir eu une vie reussie. think I
population to take a census of the population I've had a good life, une carriere reussie a successful career
arriver {6} vi 1 (followed by a + infinitive) to manage to //
Locutions Idioms est arrive a attacher ses lacets tout seul. He managed to
mettre le pied a I'etrier [begin a demanding project] to tie his shoelaces by himself. Aide-moi a finir ma lettre, je
make a start n'y arrive pas. Help me finish my letter, I can't manage.
prendre le taureau par les comes [be energetic] to grab 2 (followed by a + noun) to reach arriver a un resultat to
the bull by the horns [face up to difficulties] BrE to grasp reach a result arriver a une reconciliation to arrive at a rec-
the nettle onciliation arriver a ses fins to get one's way
se jeter a I'eau [begin a risky undertaking] to take the victoire nf [implies that there has been a contest, literally
plunge or figuratively] victory sa victoire sur le cancer his victory
aller au charbon [take action in the face of a daunting in his fight against cancer victoire a la Pyrrhus Pyrrhic
task] to get stuck in J'ai prepare mon sujet, classe mes victory
notes, fait mon plan au brouillon: maintenant je n'ai plus victorieux, -rieuse adj victorious
qu'a aller au charbon. I've researched my topic, sorted my triomphe nm [stronger than victoire. Implies public
notes, drafted a general synopsis: all that remains now is acclaim] triumph
for me to get stuck in. triomphal, e adj, mpl -phaux triumphant
fructueux, -tueuse adj [slightly formal. Bearing fruit as a
result of hard work. Describes: e.g. negotiation,
discussion] fruitful
52.6 Inaction Doing nothing
couronne, e adj de succes [describes: e.g. attempt,
inaction nf doing nothing, failure to act initiative] successful Quand je debutais dans la carriere,
inactif, -tive adj passive On ne peut pas rester inactif mes efforts n'etaient pas toujours couronnes de succes. In
devant une telle souffrance. Faced with such suffering one the early days of my career, my efforts didn't always meet
just has to do something. with success.
non-interventionnisme nm [in economics and politics] battre {55} vt and vi [stresses aggression in competition] to
non-interventionism beat
attentisme nm [in politics] wait-and-see attitude gagner {6} 1 vt [be the winner in a contest. Obj: e.g. war,
game, prize] to win 2 vi (often followed by a) [stresses
Locutions Idioms final outcome of competition] to win On a gagne! We
se tourner les pouces [implies failure to help] to twiddle won! gagner au lotolaux courses to win at bingo/at the
one'sthumbs races
Dans le doute abstiens-toi. [proverb] When in doubt, do I'emporter (sur) [more formal than battre] to have the
nothing. upper hand (over) A un tour de I'arrivee, impossible de
n'a pas leve le petit doigt. [implies failure to help]
Il/Elle dire qui va I'emporter. One lap away from the finish, it is
He/She didn't lift a finger (to help). impossible to predict the winner. Nantes I'a emporte sur
Bordeaux par un but a zero. BrE Nantes beat Bordeaux
one-nil. AmE Nantes beat Bordeaux one to nothing.
52.7 Succes Success, achievement s'en sortir [stresses the difficult situation which preceded
the success] to manage L'examen etait difficile mais elle
succes nm 1 [refers to achieving something in general] s'en est sortie brillamment. The exam was very difficult,
success avoir du succes to be successful Son premier but she managed brilliantly.
compact a eu beaucoup de succes. His first CD was very marcher to go, to work (out) Ca a marche,
{6} vi [informal]
successful. Je vois que mes petits pates ont du succes. My ton entrevue? How did your interview go? Ca marche ton
little pies are popular, I see. avec succes successfully sans nouveau boulot? How did your new job work out? Pour
succes unsuccessfully 2 [circumstances] success Apres son conserver plus longtemps du persil coupe, mets-le dans un
succes de I'annee derniere, il est parti ecrire, seul, sur une verre d'eau avec un plastique par-dessus, tu verras, ca
He grecque. After his success last year, he went off to marche. To make cut parsley last longer, put it in a glass of
write alone on a Greek island. 3 [ in sexual relationships] water, covered with a plastic bag, you'll see, it works.
Il/Elle a du succes. He/She is popular with the opposite sex.
reussite nf 1 [successful outcome] success N'ouvrez pas la
porte du four pendant la cuisson: la reussite de votre
52.8 Les gens qui ont du succes Successful
souffle en depend. Don't open the oven door during the
cooking: the success of your souffle depends on this. 2 [in people
social, professional and financial contexts] success (in life)
champion, -pionne n [usu in sport] champion
reussir vi 1 [be a professional or financial success] to
vainqueur nm [in politics, in sports, in a battle] winner
succeed. Ce n'est pas en trainant dans les cafes que tu vas
debrouillard, e adj [informal. Succeeds by cunning and
reussir dans la vie. Hanging about in bars isn't going to
sometimes improvisation] (a) resourceful (person) // est
help you make a success of your life, les gens qui ont
debrouillard. There are no flies on him.
reussi successful people 2 reussir a [successfully bring
something about, good or bad] to manage, to succeed Tu
as reussi a I'avoir au telephone? Did you manage to get
her on the telephone? // n'a reussi qu'a faire soupconner
sa soeur. All he managed to do was get his sister
suspected.
52 Wanting to achieve, success and failure 117
decoration nf [military or civilian. Refers to the honour
Expressions used to congratulate someone on being
and to the ribbon or medal] decoration
successful
decorer {6} vt [obj: e.g. soldier, brave civilian] to award a
Bravo! well done!
decoration to
bien joue! [when success is the result of manoeuvring,
prix nm [esp for literary, artistic or scholastic achievement ]
in games, politics, etc] well done!
prize decerner un prix a qqn to award sb a prize
beau resultat! [sometimes used ironically] Oh, that's bon point nm 1 [at school] star 2 [used to mock effort at
just great!
virtuous behaviour] brownie point J'ai nettoye toutes les
vitres de la maison, qa vaut bien un bon point, non? Do I
get brownie points for having cleaned all the windows in
the house?
52.9 Echec Failure
medaille nf medal
echec nm failure quand on a eu un echec professionnel trophee nm trophy
when you've had a failure in your work Elle n'a jamais hochet nm [pejorative] bauble
connu d'echec sentimental. She's never experienced
failure in her love life.
52.10 Types d'echec Types of failure
fiasconm [failure of a scheme, often in politics] fiasco
four nm [in the performing arts] flop
bide nm [slang synonym for four] flop
coup nm dur [informal] hard knock J'ai eu des coups durs
dans ma vie. have taken a lot of hard knocks in my time.
I
deculottee nf [humiliation] thrashing lis ont pris une
deculottee contre le club de Lille. They took a beating in
the match against the Lille club.
52.11 Avoir un echec To fail
echouer {6} vi to fail echouer a un examen to fail an exam
echouer dans ses projets to fail to carry out one's plans Le
negociateur a echoue dans sa mission. The negotiator
failed in his mission.
rater to fail, to mess up We rate pas ta vie comme
{6} 1 vt
j'ai rate la mienne. Don't mess up your life as did mine. I
rater une occasion to miss an opportunity 2 vi to fail
L'attentat a rate. The assassination attempt failed.
louper {6} vt [more informal than rater] to mess up J'ai
loupe mon creneau quand j'ai passe mon permis pour la
premiere fois. messed up on backing into a parking space
I
the first time took my test.
I
Locutions Idioms
manquer son coup [informal] to mess things up lis
voulaient monter une entreprise mais Us ont manque leur
coup. They wanted to start their own company but they
messed things up.
tourner en eau de boudin [used of projects, ideas or
relationships that fail after a promising start] to come to a
sticky end
faire chou blanc [esp failure to find someone or
something] to draw a blank
faire la culbute [informal] 1 [subj: firm] to crash 2 [subj:
politician] to take a tumble
subir un revers de fortune [slightly formal] to go down
in the world
52.12 Recompenses Rewards
recompense nf [money or honorific prize, given to a child
or to an adult] reward
recompenser {6} vt [at school, after a military feat, for
productivity, etc] to reward le prix Goncourt est enfin
venu la recompenser. She finally achieved recognition
with the award of the Prix Goncourt. pour recompenser
vos efforts in order to reward you for your effort
Knowledge and thought processes
53 Ways of knowing and Finally,
when:
use savoir
finding out • the context
competence
is
something,
in
often expressed by 'be
able to' or 'can':
53.1 Savoir et connaitre To know E.g. If you can ski, you can
skate. Quand on sait skier,
usage on sait patiner.
The difference between savoir and connaitre
Idioms with savoir and connaitre
Both savoir {41} and connaitre {64} are usually translated
par cceur by heart // sait par cceur tous les verbes
by 'to know', but the table below shows when to use
irreguliers. He knows all the irregular verbs by heart.On
one in preference to the other:
connait par cceur tous tes alibis. We know all your
Choose connaitre when: Choose savoir when:
excuses by heart.
The verb 'to know' has a The verb 'to know' has a
comme sa poche [used when discussing places] //
direct object, and direct object, and
connait Marseille comme sa poche. He knows Marseilles
• the knowledge referred • the knowledge referred
like the back of his hand.
to is practical: to is school-type,
sur le bout du doigt [used when discussing academic
You probably already
E.g. memory-based
knowledge] Elle connait le cours sur le bout du doigt.
know how a CD ROM knowledge, such as lists
She knows the coursework backwards.
works. Vous connaissez of capitals,
connaitre quelqu'un comme si on I'avait fait(e)
deja surement le multiplication tables, etc.
[humorous. Used when discussing people] Je te dis qu'il
fonctionnement du E.g. I know all my lessons
sera en retard, je le connais comme si je I'avais faitl I'm
CD ROM. for tomorrow. Je sais
telling you, he won't be on time, know him so well!
I
• it is relational knowledge: toutes mes lecons pour
en savoir long sur [pejorative. Have inside knowledge
Eg Do you know my sister? demain.
about] to know quite a bit about
Tu connais ma soeur?
s'y connaftre [to be an expert in a subject, practical or
• it is experiential or
theoretical) II s'y connait en cuisine. He's an excellent
academic knowledge
cook. Je m'y connais assez bien en Egyptologie. I'm a bit
of a more complex kind
of an expert on Egyptology.
than is indicated
connaitre les f icelles du metier to know the tricks of
in the column opposite:
the trade
E.g. for those who know
connaitre la musique to know the ropes
Paris pour ceux
qui connaissent Paris
She introduced me to Plato.
Locutions Idioms
Elle m'a fait connaitre
avoir conscience de to be aware of As-tu conscience du
Platon.
mal que tu lui as fait? Are you aware of the harm you
• the verb 'to know' is
have done her?
followed by an
avoir conscience (du fait) que to be aware that J'ai
adverb or a conjunction
conscience du fait qu'il est tard et que vous souhaitez
e.g.
rentrer chez vous. I'm aware that it's late and that you
E.g. Did you know that we
want to go home.
were not insured?^^
avoir la science infuse [humorous or ironic] to know it
saviez que nous n'etions
all. Pourquoi n'as-tu pas enregistre /'emission d'hier? - II
pas assures? Do you know
aurait fallu m'expliquer comment faire, je n'ai pas la
whether she's home?Sa/s-
science infuse, moil Why didn't you record the
tu si elle est rentree?
programme yesterday? - How was supposed to know I
• there is nothing
how to do it?
following the verb 'to
un puits de science [ironic. Used of someone with wide-
know'
ranging knowledge] fount of knowledge Demande a la
E.g. No sugar for me. Yes, I
bibliothecaire, c'est un puits de science, cettefemme. Ask
know. Pas de Sucre pour
the librarian, that woman's a real fount of knowledge.
moil Oui, je sais. You can
throw that old watch
away, you know, it never
worked. Tu sais, tu peux la 53.2 Comprendre To understand
Jeter, cette vieille montre,
comprendre {54} vt [find a process, a text, a phenomenon,
elle n'a jamais marche.
a person's behaviour, etc intelligible] to understand Ca y
est j'ai tout compris! Now I understand everything! Tu
comprends I'arabe? Do you understand Arabic? Mes
parents ne comprendraient pas que je demande le
54 Thinking 119
divorce. My parents wouldn't understand my getting a When playing devinettes or other guessing games,
divorce. children will ask the person guessing: Tu donnes ta
penetrer {10} vt [more formal than comprendre langue au chat? Give up?
Understand the deep meaning of] to discover La science
nous a permis de penetrer les secrets de la matiere. hypothese nf 1 [guess supported by rational thinking]
Science has allowed us to discover the secrets of the assumption La premiere hypothese, c'est qu'il a envoye le
material world. cheque en oubliant de le signer. First, let's assume that he
se rendre compte de [understand suddenly, or sent the cheque but forgot to sign it. Ce ne sont que des
understand after having been in the dark] to realize // hypotheses! It's only guesswork. 2 [guess supported by
avait raye ma carrosserie en se garant, maisje ne m'en suis scientific evidence] hypothesis
pas rendu compte sur le moment. He'd scratched my car as these nf [like hypothese 1] theory
he parked but didn't realize it at the time. // est deja
I envisager {8} vt [explain the unexplained in a tentative
onze heures, tu te rends compte? Do you realize it's way] to contemplate Sa famille refuse d'envisager qu'elle
eleven already? se soit suicidee Her family refuses to contemplate the
realiser {6} vt 1 [more informal than se rendre compte possibility that she committed suicide.
de] to realize. Plus tard, j'ai realise qu'elle m'avait menti. estimer {6} vt [guess on the basis of a calculation] to
Later, realized that she had lied to me. 2 [informal. Be
I estimate On estime a 250.000 le nombre des patients
aware of] to realize Tu realises ce que qa va nous couter? atteintsde cette maladie chaque annee. The number of
Do you realize how much this is going to cost us? patients diagnosed as having this disease every year is
piger {8} vt 1 [slang synonym for comprendre] to get (it) estimated to be 250,000.
Je veux plus te voir tourner autour de ma soeur, t'as pige? estimation nf] [guess on the basis of a calculation]
Idon't want to see you hanging around my sister again, prediction 2 [prediction in an opinion survey] estimation
got it? 2 [slang synonym for realiser] to catch on Une fois Les estimations les plus recentes donnent 25% au candidat
que t'as pige, c'est facile. It's easy once you've caught on. de la droite. The most recent estimates give 25% to the
saisir {19} vt 1 [literary.Understand through intuition] to right-wing candidate.
beaute d'une musique to feel the beauty of a
feel saisir la
piece of music 2 [understand words in a short time] to
catch Tu as saisi I'allusion desobligeante? Did you catch 53.4 Interesser To interest
the nasty little innuendo? // parlait trop vite, j'ai a peine
saisi quelques mots. He spoke too fast, only caught a few I interesser {6} vtto interest L'entomologie I'interesse.
words. Entomology interests her. 7es problemes ne m'interessent
pas! I'm not interested in your problems!
s'interesser a v refl to be interested in L'enfant commence
tres tot a s'interesser au monde qui I'entoure. The child
53.3 Hypotheses Guesses
begins to show interest in the world around her at a very
supposer {6} vt [judge on the basis of rational thinking] to early stage.
assume Le telephone a cesse de sonner au moment ou j'ai interet nm interest avoir de I'interet pour, also porter de
decroche, je suppose que Paul a tente de me joindre. The I'interet a to show an interest in Je suis alle voir le film, il
phone stopped ringing when picked it up, so assume I I est sans interet. went to see the film but it wasn't worth
I
Paul tried to contact me. On peut supposer qu'il y a, it.
disons, 5.000 sans-abri parmi la population. Let's say there interessant, e adj interesting
are, at a guess, 5,000 homeless people among the interesse, e adj 1 [showing an interest] interested 2 [when
population. talking about money matters] (financially) involved
interested 3 [having a stake in the matter under
Introducing a supposition in conversation discussion] motivated by self-interest
Mettons (literally: 'let's put [it] ') and disons ('let's say') captivant, e adj, also passionnant, e adj [stronger than
can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a interessant. Captivant can imply obsession] fascinating
statement, e.g.: Mettons que tu fasses le travail en deux fascinant, e adj [stronger than captivant] mesmerizing
semaines, tu serais libre en fevrier pour venir en anime, e adj [full of events and people. Describes: e.g.
vacances avec nous. Let's say you do the job in two street life, entertainment, evening] lively
weeks, then you'd be free in February to come on vivant, e adj 1 [similar to anime. Describes street life]
holiday with us. J'en a i pour, disons, deux heures et lively 2 [bringing to life things which might have been
demie. It'll take me, let's say, two and a half hours. dull] alive Ses cours d'anthropoiogie sont tres vivants. Her
supposition nf speculation les suppositions les plus anthropology lectures bring the subject to life.
folles the wildest speculations mettre de I'ambiance [positive or ironic] to liven up
deviner {6} vt 1 [judge without information] to guess -4 things up.
son regard, on devine qu'il a beaucoup souffert dans sa
vie. Looking at his eyes, you can guess that he has had a
lot of suffering in his life. Devine combien j'ai depense
cette semaine? Guess how much spent this week? I
54 Thinking
2 [estimate correctly] to work out J'ai devine que tu
devais avoir besoin d'aide. worked out that you must
I
be in need of help.
54.1 Penser To think
Devinettes penser {6} vi 1 (often aware of] to think Pense aux
+ a) [be
A devinette nf is a guessing game. A very common kind pense a acheter du cafe bier,
autres. Think of others. J'ai
of devinette, also called une charade, typically goes puis j'ai oublie. thought about buying coffee yesterday,
I
Mon premier est un chiffre then forgot. // faut penser que les consequences peuvent
I
Mon second est I'oppose de la mort etre graves. You have to bear in mind that the
Mon troisieme est propre consquences may be serious. 2 [have such and such an
Mon tout est un mystere
i3113NIA3Q : *au -a\/\ - xnap :asuoday
120 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
idea, belief] to think Tu penses qu'elle a deja pris sa Citations Quotations
decision? Do you think she's already made her mind up? Je pense done je suis. [Descartes' aphorism in his Discours
pensee nf 1 [idea, particularly a caring one, or a
concern] de la Methode, 1637] think therefore am.
I I
thought Je suis pensee. My thoughts are
avec toi par la L'homme n'est qu'un roseau, le plus faible de la
with you. A la pensee d'avoir a tout recommencer, je suis nature; mais e'est un roseau pensant. [image from
decourage d'avance. At the thought of having to begin Pascal's Pensees, 1670, which contrasts the physical
everything all over again, my courage has already failed weakness of mankind, with its intellectual superiority over
me. 2 [opinion] thinking, exprimer sa pensee sur un sujet the rest of the universe] Man is only a reed, the weakest
to say what one thinks about a topic 3 [way of thinking of made by nature, but he is a thinking reed.
a group, social class, country, at a particular time] thinking Ce que Ton concoit bien s'enonce clairement
un courant de pensee a school of thought Et les mots pour le dire arrivent aisement.
penseur, -seuse n [person who has made a career or [in his Art poetique, 1674, Boileau lays down the basic
reputation out of thinking] thinker les grands penseurs du condition for a sound writing style. His words have been
XVIIIeme siecle the great 18th-century thinkers used to teach essay writing to many generations of French
tenir compte de, also prendre en compte to take into schoolchildren]
account Avez-vous tenu compte des agios ? also Avez- That which is clearly thought out can be clearly expressed
vous pris les agios en compte! Did you take the bank And the words to express it can easily be found.
charges into account?
bien-pensant, e adj [agreeing with the way of thinking of
the majority, esp as far as the Catholic religion is 54.4 Serieux Serious
concerned] conformist
mal-pensant, e adj [departing from established ways of see also 93.1 Necessite et obligation; opposite 57.11
thinking, esp as far as the Catholic religion is concerned] Negligeable
dissident important, e adj [needing to be given prime
consideration. Describes: e.g. ideas, people] important J'ai
quelque chose d'important a vous annoncer. have I
important news for you. des visiteurs importants
54.2 Reflechir To think carefully
important visitors
reflechir [explore the pros and cons] to think Je te
{1 9} vi serieux, -rieuse adj 1 [not joking] serious Ecoute ce que je
ferai part de ma decision demain, il faut queje reflechisse. te dis, e'est serieux! Listen to what have to say, I'm being
I
I'll give you my decision tomorrow, I've got to think about serious! 2 [showing professionalism] responsible Les
it. enqueteurs n'ont meme pas fouille les bureaux du journal,
raisonner {6} vi [follow a logical line of thinking] to think ce n'est pas serieux! The investigators didn't even search
logically Les nouveaux logiciels apprennent aux enfants a the offices of the newspaper, it's not a responsible way to
raisonner. The new software helps children to learn to go about things! 3 (before noun) [extreme drastic un ]
think logically. Tu raisonnes mal. You're not thinking serieux changement de politique a drastic policy change
straight. grave adj [implies potentially painful or even fatal
songer {8} vi (often + a) [literary or old-fashioned synonym consequences] serious dans un etat grave seriously hurt
for penser 1] to think // faut maintenant songer a Elle a menti au juge, e'est grave. She lied to the judge, it's
I'avenir. We must now think about the future. a serious matter, gravement adv seriously
cogiter {6} vi [usu humorous] to think // est dans son prendre en compte to take into account
bureau, laisse-le, il cogite. He's in his study, leave him donner la primeur a [journalistic phrase] to give pride of
alone, he's doing some thinking. place to
Locutions Idioms
54.3 Absorbe dans ses pensees Absorbed serieux comme un pape [not inclined to levity] solemn as
a judge
in thought C'est une question de vie ou de mort It's a matter of
life or death.
pensif, -sive adj [appearing preoccupied] pondering Elle
regardait son bloc-notes, pensive. She was pondering over
the contents of her notepad.
reveur, -veuse adj 1 [tending to daydream] un 54.5 Bonne idee Good idea
enfant/mari reveur a child/husband who's always
daydreaming 2 [as if dreaming] dreamy demain, peut-etre idee nf [thought which is likely to help solve a problem]
idea J'ai une idee! have an idea! D'un seul coup, il m'est
dit-elle d'un air reveur tomorrow, maybe
I
. . . she said . . .
with a dreamy look on her face <^a laisse reveur. It makes
venu une idee. BrE had a sudden brainwave. AmE had a
I I
sudden brainstorm. Ca, c'est une idee! Now, that's an
you think.
idea!
reveur, -veuse n daydreamer
inspiration nf [creative power and the thing created]
songeur, -geuse adj [slightly old-fashioned equivalent of
inspiration Tu cherches /'inspiration? Are you looking for
reveur adj 2 absorbed Vous avez I'air songeur, il y a
)
inspiration?
quelque chose qui vous preoccupe? You seem absorbed,
trouvaille nf [unexpected or cunning idea. Can be ironic]
do you have something on your mind?
inspiration La veste a carreaux avec le pantalon raye, ca
ruminer {6} vi [have negative and esp repetitive thoughts]
c'est ce que j'appelle une trouvaille! The check jacket
to brood
broyer du noir [stronger than ruminer] to be despondent worn with the striped trousers, that's what call a stroke
I
of inspiration!
Depuis la mort de son man, elle reste a sa fenetre et broie
du noir. Since her husband died, she's been at her Ca a fait tilt! [informal. Alludes to the noise made by a
window, despondent. slot machine] BrE The penny's dropped! AmE The fog
lifted.
55 Drfferentiatjng and identifying 121
55 Differentiating and usage
identifying une espece de
'A kind of is translated by une espece de: une espece de
pierre rose a kind of pink stone une espece d'obsession a
55.1 Objets Types of objects kind of obsession. Many French people use the phrase in
the masculine when a masculine noun follows: un
chose nf [this is the most general term] thing Cest une espece de mur en briques a kind of brick wall, un espece
chose, un animal ou une plante? Is it a thing, an animal or de micro a kind of microphone. This is not generally
a plant? accepted as correct, and the forms une espece de mur en
objet nm [refers to a manufactured thing] object On a briques, une espece de micro tend to be preferred.
retrouve des objets decoratifs dans les sarcophages. They
found decorative objects in the sarcophagi, des objets de
consommation courante everyday consumer goods
article nm [refers to things for sale] article Nous n'avons 55.3 Comparer To compare
plus cet article. We no longer sell this article.
see also 55.7 Contraster, 89.4 Copier
true nm, a. so machin nm [very common informal synonym
for chose] thingummy, whatsit
comparer {6} vt to compare comparer qqch a also avec to
dispositif nm [stresses mechanical or functional features of compare sthg to also with
the object] device comparaison nf comparison. Entre les deux, il n'y a pas de
gadget nm [describing something with term implies
this
comparaison. There's just no comparison between them.
that you think it is ingenious but of limited value] gadget
bidule nm [very common informal synonym for dispositif usage
or gadget] thingumabob
pareil, -reille adj
Pareil a is literary: Tu es pareille a la rose. Thou art as a
rose. Informal when used without a, pareil is frequent
55.2 Differencier les objets et les etres in speech: les deux freres sont pareils, Us adorent le
Describing categories sport. The two brothers are the same, they both love
sport. Tu lui as dit en face ou tu lui as laisse un mot,
genre nm 1 [sort]kind Cest quel genre de chauffage, chez parce que e'est pas pareil! Did you tell her to her face or
toi? What kind of heating do you have? 2 [scientific did you leave her a note, because it's not at all the same
usage] genus /e genre humain humankind thing! A frequently heard very informal construction is:
sorte nf [same as genre] kind Les bonbons, tu les veux de pareil que: II est pareil que moi. He's just like me.
quelle sorte? What kind of sweets would you like?
race nf [refers to humans and animals] race
variete nf [refers to plants] variety variete cultivee
cultivated variety 55.4 Egal Equal
categorie nf [used particularly when discussing ideas,
quantities, etc, rather than things] category champion egal, e adj,mpl egaux [describes esp measurable things]
toutes categories overall champion equal a superficie egale, le domaine des Lambert est plus
type nm [sort. Used in classifications] type On distingue rentable. Although equal in area, the Lamberts' land is
plusieurs types de virus. There are several types of virus to more profitable.
be distinguished. Cest quel type de voiture, berline ou egal, e n, mpl egaux,
fpl egales [refers to personal or
break? BrE What kind of car is it, saloon or estate? AmE equal Elle ne frequente pas des gens qui sont
social status]
What kind of car is it, sedan or station wagon? ses egaux. She doesn't socialize with her equals. Z.es
marque nf [commercial] brand II a quelle marque de hommes sont-ils les egaux des femmes? Are men equal to
voiture, ton pere, une Citroen ou une Peugeot? What women?
brand of car has your father got, a Citroen or a Peugeot? egalite nf equality Les deux equipes sont a egalite. The
style nm [used when discussing the aesthetic qualities of two teams are equal.
things or the way things are done] style Quel style de equivalent, e adj [equal in value] equal une somme
fauteuil cherchez-vous? Which style of armchair are you equivalente a celle que tu m'as donnee a sum of money
looking for? Cest un style d 'argumentation qui me equal to that which you gave me
deplait. I dislike this way of arguing, un style de direction pair nm peer, equal // sera soumis au jugement de ses pairs.
autoritaire an authoritarian management style He will have to submit to the judgment of his peers.
espece nf 1 [sort. Used when the speaker is not sure what identique adj identical
the object is] kind Sur I'avant-bras, j'avais une espece de
bouton. had a kind of pimple on my forearm. 2 [scientific
I
usage. Refers to animals and plants] species 3 (+ de) [as an 55.5 Etre similaire To be alike
insult] Espece d'imbecile! You idiot! Espece de voyou! you
lout! ressembler (6) vt (always + a) ressembler a qqn to look like
sb
se ressembler v refl to be alike
tenir {23} vt (always + de) [Used of likeness between an
ancestor and a descendant] tenir de qqn to look like sb
Elle tient de son pere. She looks like her father.
s'apparenter {6} vt (always + a) [Slightly formal term,
indicating general similarity of type] to be of the same
order as Son style s'apparente a celui du Caravage. Her
style resembles that of Caravaggio.
122 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
evoquer {6} vt to be reminiscent of Ce gout evoque celui distinction nf [a sharp, but not easily noticeable
de la goyave. This taste is reminiscent of guava. Chypre difference] difference faire une distinction entre to
m'evoque la Grece. Cyprus reminds me of Greece. differentiate clearly between
nuance nf [small difference. Often used ironically to refer
to a big difference] difference J'ai dit responsable, je n'ai
55.6 Gens semblables Similar people pas dit coupable, nuance! said responsible, didn't say
I I
guilty, there is a difference!
see also 33.1 Bebes
clone nm clone usage
sosie nm [originally the name of a character from the play
Amphytrion by Moliere, the term is now part of everyday differemment adv and autrement adv
language] double On dirait ton sosie. He looks just like Note the two separate constructions: II a reagi
you. differemment de moi. but // a reagi autrement que moi.
Both mean: He responded differently from the way did. I
Locutions Idioms
se ressembler comme deux gouttes d'eau to be alike
as two peas
etre le portrait crache de qqn to be the spitting image 55.9 Voir ou creer la difference
of sb
Differentiating
C'est bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet. It comes to exactly
the same thing. diff erencier {1 5} vt (often + entre) to differentiate
Les deux font la paire. [of two people with similar se diff erencier v refl (+ de) to be seen as different Le
attitudes] They're two of a kind. chameau se differencie du dromadaire par le nombre des
Qui se ressemble s'assemble. Birds of a feather flock bosses. You can tell the difference between camels and
together. dromedaries by the number of humps.
Les grands esprits se rencontrent. [often ironical] Great distinguer {6} vtto tell apart. On les distingue uniquement
minds think alike. a also par la couleur de leurs yeux. You can tell them
apart only by the colour of their eyes. Distinguons la vraie
psychose de la simple nevrose. Let's distinguish between
55.7 Contraster To contrast real psychosis and mere neurosis.
different, e adj 1 (often + de) [dissimilar] different Le frere usage
et la sceur sont tres differents I'un de I'autre. The brother
and sister are very different from each other. 2 [varied] differend nm and different adj m
various Dans un aquarium, on voyait evoluer differents Beware of the potential confusion with the noun
poissons. A variety of fish could be seen swimming in an differend, which means disagreement: Un differend les
aquarium. a opposes quand ils avaient vingt ans et depuis its ne se
contraire adj opposite Le cafe et les somniferes produisent parlent plus. They had a disagreement when they were
des effets contraires. Coffee and sleeping pills produce twenty and they haven't spoken since.
opposite results.
autre adj 1 [used before the noun. Alternative] another
Donnez-moi une autre fourchette, celle-ci est tordue. Give Locutions Idioms
me another fork, this one is bent. 2 [used after the noun. ca n'a rien a voir avec . . . it's as got nothing to do
Literary] other Quand j'etais jeune, mes ambitions etaient with . . .
autres. When was young, had other (kinds of)
I I
C'est le jour et la nuit. It's as different as chalk and
ambitions. cheese.
autre pron other (one), another (one) Demande aux autres.
Ask the others.
autrui pron [fairly formal term used in philosophical or 55.10 Specifique Specific
biblical contexts]the other person, others
autrement adv differently Reecris-le autrement. Write it see also 96.13 Expliquer
again differently. J'ai ete obligee de signer, comment faire specifique adj [slightly formal] specific specifiquement
autrement? had toI sign, what else could I do? adv specifically
particulier, -Here adj [general term] special Si I'eleve suit
Locution Idiom un regime particulier, I'etablissement doit en etre averti
Si tu n'aimes pas ca, n'en degoute pas les autres! If
par ecrit. If the child has a special diet, the school must be
you don't like it, that doesn't mean you have to put other notified in writing, particulierement adv particularly
people off it!
en particulier specifically
precision nf ^ [quality of a description] precision
2 [instance] detail // me manque quelques precisions pour
bien comprendre ce qui s'est passe. I'm not clear what
55.8 Types de differences Kinds of happened because I'm missing some of the details.
differences preciser {6} vt to make clear Je precise bien que mon client
n'avait pas connaissance des faits a I'epoque. must make I
see also 55.7 Contraster it clear that my client was unaware of the facts at the
difference ^difference C'est le meme travail, a cette time. N'oubliez pas de preciser votre profession et celle de
difference pres que vous pouvez le faire a la maison. It's
votre conjoint. Please give details of your profession and
the same work, the only difference being that you can do
that of your spouse. Precisez votre pensee. Be more
it at home, differemment adv differently
specific about what you mean.
contraste nm (in artistic contexts] contrast
-rtmg and or -
123
specifier {6} vt [more formal or technical than preciser] to 55.14 Sortes de noms Types of names
specify
nom nm name Mon nom est Frederic. My name Frederic. is
apposer son nom au bas d'un document to sign one's
55.11 Generaliser To generalize name at the bottom of a document nom de famille last
name nom dejeune fille maiden name
general, e ad)', mpl -raux 1 [not restricted] general greve prenom nm first name deuxieme prenom middle name
generate general strike medecine generate general Nous nous appelons par nos prenoms. We're on first name
medicine de I'avis general according to the general terms. Vous permettez que je vous appelle par votre
consensus 2 [in names of academic disciplines] general prenom? [e.g., to someone called Bill Jones] May call you I
linguistique generate general linguistics Bill?
generalement adv generally titre nm [name
of work, or rank of person] title Faut-il vous
en general in general donner de maire ou de president? What title
le titre
du general au particulier from the general to the should one give you, Mayor or President?
particular un nom a coucher dehors [informal, pejorative and
generaliser {6} vt [often pejorative] to generalize Tous les humorous. A name that is difficult to say] quite a
hommes ne sont pas egoistes, ne generalise pas! Not all mouthful
men are ^elfish; don't generalize! surnom nm nickname
generalisation nf [often pejorative] generalization Evitez pseudonyme nm pen-name
les generalisations dans votre dissertation. Avoid anonyme adj anonymous anonymement adv
generalizations when writing your essay. anonymously
generalites nf pi 1 [can be used neutrally or pejoratively] incognito adv incognito rester incognito to remain
general points. Je commencerai mon expose par quelques incognito
generalites. I'll begin my talk with a few general points, se sans nom [pejorative] unrecognizable lis nous ont servi
perdre dans des generalites to spout generalities une mixture sans nom. They served us some
generique adj [scientific usage] generic unrecognizable mish-mash.
commun, e adj [applicable to all] common lieux communs etat-civilnm civil status decliner son etat-civil to give one's
cliches surname, first name and middle name.
dans I'ensemble on the whole etiquette nf [always pejorative in this context] label Je
n'aime pas qu'on me colle une etiquette. don't like being I
labelled.
55.12 Designation Names and naming
L'etat<ivil
designation nf [way of referring to people or things] In France new babies must be registered at the mairie of
name En francais la designation 'chaussure' est preferee a their birthplace. Firstnames used to be strictly limited to
celle de 'Soulier'. In French we use the word 'chaussure' in saints'names, but today parents are free to choose what
preference to 'Soulier'. they like, within reason. The official registering the child
appellation nf [used for wines or foodstuffs whose may still object to what appears to be an unacceptable
exclusive right to their name is officially regulated] Cest name. Most parents give only two names, the first one of
une appellation 'Bourgogne Controlee' This Burgundy which is often a compound one. Compound first names,
wine is officially classified under the 'appellation or prenoms composes can be a juxtaposition of any two
controlee' system. Les pruneaux d'Agen ont maintenant names, although many hyphenated names of boys are
leur appellation d'origine. Agen prunes now have their formed with Jean- and of girls with Marie-.
own official trademark.
55.13 Nommer To give names to 56 Selecting and ordering
appeler {1 1} names and titles] to call
vt [refers to all
Comment dois-je vous appeler, oncle ou Franck? What
shall call you, uncle or Franck? Chez iui. on I'appelle
I 56.1 Classifier To put in order
Titou'.At home they call him 'Titou'.
see also 27.2 Separation
s'appeler v refl to be called Je m'appelle Roblet. My name
classer{6} vt 1 [group into classes. Obj: e.g. words,
is Roblet.
numbers, documents] to put in order 2 [in an office] to file
nommer {6} vt [less common
than appeler, except when it
classifier {6} vt [slot into a classification] to classify Linne a
has the special meaning 'to give as a nickname'] to call On
classifie de nombreuses especes vegetates. Linnaeus
le nommait le 'Roi-Soleil'. They called him the 'Sun-King'.
classified a great many plant species.
se nommer v refl to be called.
classification nf\ [action of grouping] classifying 2 [in
prenommer {6} vt [give as a first name] to call Son nom de
sport] ranking obtenir une bonne classification aux
famille etait Kennedy, et ils I'ont prenomme John. His last
epreuves preliminaires to get a good position in the heats
name was Kennedy and they called him John.
baptiser {6} vt [in Christian church service] to christen lis
classement nm rank ordering premier au classement
ranked first
I'ont baptise Julien. They christened him Julien.
trier {6} vt [unlike classer, this verb applies to physical
surnommer {6} vtto nickname
objects only. Obj: e.g. letters, clothes, fruit] to sort une
intituler {6} vt [obj: e.g. works of art, newspaper article] to
machine a trier le courrier a letter-sorting machine
entitle Comment vas-tu I'intituler? What title are you
going to give it?
tri nm sorting (out) J'ai fait le tri de mes vieux vetements
pour le vide-grenier. I sorted out my old clothes for the
s'intituler v refl [subj: e.g. film, book] to be called
jumble sale
124 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
ordonner {6} vt [arrange so as to obtain orderly results] to Locution Idiom
structure Votre style est bon mais vous devez apprendre a Qui veut la fin veut les moyens. also La fin justifie les
ordonner vos arguments. Your style is good, but you have moyens. [proverb] The end justifies the means.
to learn to organize your reasoning processes.
ordre nm order mettre de I'ordre dans une chambre to tidy
up a bedroom mettre de I'ordre dans ses comptes to 56.3 Selection Choosing
straighten out one's accounts
en ordre 1 [used as an adjective] in order Avant de mourir, choisir {19} vt [obj: e.g. solution, item of food, course of
je veux que mes affaires soient en ordre. Before die, I I studies] to choose
want my affairs to be put in order. 2 [used as an adverb] adopter {6} vt [select and keep as one's own] to choose
inorder mettre des fiches en ordre to put index cards in adopter un style vestimentaire to choose a way of dressing
order 3 [specified by an adjective] en ordre adopter une methode to choose a method
ascendant/descendant in ascending/descending order choix nm choice faire son choix to choose Dans le paquet,
par ordre de in order of personnages par ordre d'entree je peux vous mettre des caramels ou des truffes, au choix. I
en scene characters in order of appearance des chiffres can put toffees or truffles in the packet, whichever you
enumeres par ordre de grandeur figures listed in prefer.
numerical sequence selectionner {6} vt [implies methodical comparison
cataloguer {6} vt [in libraries] to catalogue between several alternatives] to select Les meilleures
repartir {19} vt [share out amongst several people] to pouliches ont ete selectionnees pour la course. The best
divide up Tu seras charge de repartir les taches selon les fillies were selected for the race, selection nf selection
disponibilites de chacun. You'll be in charge of dividing up aimer mieux [contrasts what has been chosen with what
the work according to each person's availability. has been rejected] to prefer Je ne regarde pas beaucoup
repartition nf sharing out Cette annee nous exigeons une la television, j'aime mieux la radio. don't watch much I
repartition plus equitable des fonds disponibles. This year television, prefer the radio.I
we're insisting on a fairer share-out of available funds. plutot adv rather L'agence propose des voyages en Chine
mais j'irais plutot au Nepal. The travel agents offer tours
Locutions Idioms of China but I'd rather go to Nepal.
affaire classee! [in law, in investigative journalism. Also plutot que rather
. . . than Nous faisons plutot du. . .
used figuratively] case closed! Pour moi, mon probleme de badminton que du tennis. We play badminton rather than
relations avec ma soeur, c'est une affaire classee. My tennis.
relationship problem with my sister is over as far as I'm soit . . . soit conj [introduces past, present or future
concerned. en Espagne, soit j'irai
alternatives] either ... or Soitj'irai
en rang d'oignon [in a neat line. Sometimes this also en France. Either I'll go to Spain, or I'll go to France.
means lined up in order of height] Toute la famille tantot tantot adv [introduces past or present
. . .
attendait en rang d'oignon devant la maison. The whole alternatives] either ... or Tantot il a trop de travail, tantot
family was lined up outside the house just waiting. il n'en a pas assez. He's either got too much work or not
enough.
56.2 Systemes Systems
56.4 Choisir au hasard Choosing at
moyen nm way y a II (un) moyen de la contacter. There's a
way to get hold of her. // n'y a pas moyen de verrouiller ce random
garage. There is no way to lock up this garage, par tous
tirer qqch au sort to draw lots for sthg Le nom du
les moyens by every available means
gagnant sera tire au sort a la fin de la kermesse. The
procede nm [technique] procedure lis ont mis au point un
winner's name will be drawn from a hat at the end of the
procede pour traiter la rouille. They developed a method
fete.
for dealing with rust.
tirer qqch a la courte paille to draw lots for something
procedure nf [series of steps to be taken in order to
achieve a result] procedure Quelle est la procedure pour
Locutions Idioms
obtenir un passeport? What's the procedure for getting a
On n'a que I'embarras du choix. BrE We're spoilt for
passport ?
choice AmE The only problem is choosing,
processus nm changes taking place on the way
[series of
comme bon vous/me semble as you/I think fit. // fera
to a result] process Le fromage prend un gout sale au
comme bon lui semblera. He'll do as he thinks fit.
cours du processus de maturation. The cheese becomes
mettre deux choses dans la balance to weigh the pros
saltier as it matures.
and cons up
facon, nf also maniere nf way Ce n'est pas la bonne also
// a mis dans la balance la liberte que cela va lui procurer et
maniere faqon de proceder. It's not the right way to go
I'argentque cela va lui couter. He had to choose between
about it. // le fait a sa faqon. He does it his way. des
the freedom it will give him against the money it will cost
pommes de terre a ma facon potatoes done (in) my special him.
way d'une faqon also maniere ou d'une autre somehow trie, e sur le volet [implies selection of only the best or
or other
the top people] hand-picked une anthologie qui ne
methode nf method comprend que des auteurs tries sur le volet an anthology
technique nf technique
comprising a selection of handpicked authors
systeme nm system le systeme D an improvised way of Comme on fait son lit on se couche. [proverb] As you
doing things Lui, c'est le champion du systeme D! He's a
have made your bed, so you must lie in it.
great one for improvising!
57 Evaluating and judging 125
temps est meilleur qu'hier. The weather's better than
57 Evaluating and yesterday. 2 (after noun) [having moral virtues] good Ton
pere etait un homme bon. Your father was a good man.
judging bien adv (compar mieux, superl le mieux) 1 [in a very
satisfactory way] well lis ont tres bien joue. They played
very well, bien habille well-dressed bien eleve well-
57.1 Mauvaise opinion que I'on a des brought-up Agissez pour le mieux. Act for the best.
2 (used as an adj) [very satisfactory] good E lie est bien, la
autres Low opinion of others
nouvelle patronne, elle a mis tout le monde en confiance.
mepris nm [considering others as morally inferior] The new boss is good, she's got everybody to trust her.
contempt 3 acceptable] respectable une famille bien a
[socially
meprisant, e adj contemptuous respectable family
mepriser {6} vtto despise
dedain nm [considering others as not worthy of one's
note] disdain 57.4 Bon mais sans plus Reasonably good
dedaigneux, -gneuse adj disdainful
pas mal not bad La maison n'est pas mal, mais il y a une
route tres passante juste devant. The house isn't bad, but
there's a very busy road right outside.
57.2 Absurdite Absurdity agreable adj pleasant L'endroit est agreable, nous y
absurde adj 1 [as a value judgment] ridiculous 2 [in the retournerons peut-etre. The place is (quite) nice, maybe
theatre, etc] absurd we'll go back there.
absurdite nf 1 [feature of story, behaviour, thought faisable adj [informal] bearable Pas trop dur, le voyage en
process] absurdity 2 [something said or done] (piece of) train jusqu'a Oran? - Non, c'etait faisable. Was it tough,
nonsense We dis pas d'absurdites. Don't talk nonsense. travelling by train to Oran? - No, it was OK.
balivernes nf pi [often used humorously] BrE tommyrot convenable adj [of no more than passable quality] decent
AmE balderdash L'hotel etait convenable. The hotel was of a decent
loufoque adj [absurd and funny] zany standard.
grotesque adj [pejorative. Offending against reason and passable adj [on the borderline between acceptable and
good taste] grotesque 500 francs de dedommagements unacceptable] so-so // est comment, ce gigot? - Passable.
pour les victimes de la pollution, c'est grotesque. 500 What's the leg of lamb like? - So-so.
francs' compensation for the pollution victims, it's
ludicrous.
ridicule adj ridiculous ridicule nm ridicule se couvrir de 57.5 Tres bon Very good
ridicule to be totally ridiculous We publie pas cette lettre,
tu vas te couvrir de ridicule. Don't publish this letter, you'll excellent, e adj [general term] excellent
be made to look totally ridiculous. Le ridicule ne tue pas remarquable adj [better than comparable things]
also n'a jamais tue personne. Being made to look silly outstanding On a bu un vin remarquable. We drank an
won't kill you. outstanding wine.
risible, also derisoire adj [ridiculous and inadequate.
Describes: e.g. efforts, ambitions, resources] laughable Words expressing great enthusiasm
etre la risee du village/du quartier to be the laughing Allthe adjectives below are used in the same way: to
stock of the village/neighbourhood express great enthusiasm for something. The only
difference is in the age-group which typically favours the
se ridiculiser {6} v refl [slightly more formal than se
couvrir de ridicule] to incur derision use of one rather than the other, although there are no
well-defined rules about this.
Locutions Idioms
Ca n'a aucun sens. It's nonsense. merveilleux, -lleuse adj marvellous
?a ne tient pas debout (cette histoire). That's a cock- fantastique adj fantastic
and-bull story. fabuleux, -leuse adj fabulous
une histoire sans queue ni tete also une histoire a formidable adj terrific
dormir debout a cock-and-bull story super adj [informal. Much used by younger people] great
ll/Elle n'a aucune suite dans les idees. He's/she's
genial, e adj, mpl -niaux [similar usage to super, but
completely illogical.
stronger] fantastic
passer du coq a I'ane, also faire un coq-a-l'ane to jump epatant, e adj [slightly old-fashioned] fabulous
to a completely unconnected topic
en faire des gorges chaudes to have a good laugh about
it Tout le bureau en a fait des gorges chaudes. It was the 57.6 Choses parfaites Perfect things
office joke.
chef d'osuvre nm masterpiece
merveille nf marvel lis viennent de sortir un appareil-
photo qui est une petite merveille. They've just brought
57.3 Perfection Perfection out an absolutely marvellous little camera.
see also Gambits 36 and 37 coup also eclair nm de genie stroke of genius
perfection nf perfection a la perfection to perfection
parf ait, e adj perfect Tout le monde ne peut pas etre
parfait. Nobody's perfect, parfaitement adv perfectly 57.7 Progres Progress
bon, bonne adj 1 (before noun) (compar meilleur, e,
superl le meilleur, la meilleure) [of quality] good une
Amelioration
see also 89.3
tres bonne idee a very good idea un bon livre a good
progres nm [greater well-being brought about by science
and technology] progress
book une bonne joueuse de tennis a good tennis player te
126 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
perfectionnement nm [in the technical efficiency of some- appropriate treatment. 2 [be pleasing to someone] to suit
thing, the level of knowledge of someone] improvement Rendez-vous demain soir a huit heures, ca vous convient?
Je vais prendre des cours de perfectionnement en Let's meet tomorrow at 8 p.m. Does that suit you?
langueslinformatique. I'm going to take a course to opportun, e adj [coming at the right time] timely L'arrivee
improve my language/computer skills. opportune d'un livreur m'a permis de couper court a cette
perfectionner {6} vt [take a skill from a good to a high penible discussion. The timely arrival of a delivery person
standard] to refine Je pars un mois a Padoue pour enabled me to put an end to this difficult conversation.
perfectionner mon italien. I'm going to Padua for a month pertinent, e adj 1 [sharp-witted. Describes: e.g. remark,
to refine my Italian. description, criticism accurate 2 [slightly formal term.
]
se perfectionner v refl (often+ en) [go from good to Related to the point under discussion] relevant Cette
excellent in a skill] to improve and reach a high standard objection est-elle pertinente? Is this objection relevant?
propre adj propre a likely to des moyens propres a
empecher le triompbe de la droite measures likely to stop
the right from sweeping to power
57.8 Superieur Superior
a propos adv [a rather formal term] appropriate Je trouve
superieur, e adj 1 (often + a) [in a scale of values] better, tout a fait a propos de lui rappeler ses responsabilites. I
higher avoir des resultats superieurs a la moyenne to get think it's quite appropriate to remind him of his
higher-than-average results 2 [in advertising] top-quality responsibilities.
laine de qualite superieure top-quality wool 3 [in s' appliquer {6} v refl (often + a) [be relevant] to apply Des
academic contexts] advanced mathematiques superieures le passage de la douane, les reglements en vigueur sur le
advanced mathematics 4 [pejorative. Describes: e.g. tone, territoire turc s'appliquent. On the other side of the
look] superior customs post, regulations in force on Turkish territory
superieur, e n superior apply. Ce que je viens de dire ne s'applique pas a toi.
superiority nf [pejorative] avec superiority in a superior What I've said doesn't apply to you.
manner
preeminence nf [formal term] (pre)eminence Sa
preeminence Internationale en mecanique quantique lui a 57.10 Mechant et mauvais Bad and nasty
valu un prix Nobel. His international reputation in
quantum physics earned him a Nobel prize. mechant, e adj 1 [character trait] bad On la croyait
dominer {6} 1 vi to be in a leading position La France mechante, en malheureuse. They thought
fait elle etait
domine en matiere de telecommunications. France is in a she was bad, in fact she was unhappy. 2 [misbehaving.
leading position in telecommunications technology. 2 vt Term used of, by or to children] naughty 3 [informal.
to lead A la fin du premier set, Markova dominait Paltry] pathetic Je n'avais qu'un mechant bout de fromage
nettement la jeune Americaine. By the end of the first set, a leur offrir. only had this pathetic bit of cheese to offer
I
Markova had a commanding young
lead over the them.
American. Ce sont les chaines privees qui dominent
le mauvais, e adj (before noun) 1 [inclined to do harm] bad,
marche. Private TV channels have a leading share of the nasty de mauvaise humeur in a bad mood Arrete
market. d'embeter ton petit frere, que tu es mauvais, des foisi
etre en avance [at school] to be ahead Stop annoying your little brother, you're so nasty
sometimes! 2 [physically unpleasant] bad les mauvaises
odeurs bad smells le mauvais temps bad weather une
57.9 Convenable Suitable mauvaise grippe a bad dose of flu // a fait une mauvaise
chute. He had a bad fall. 3 [unfavourable] poor, bad J'ai
see also 57.3 Perfection une mauvaise opinion de ces gens-la. have a poor I
adequat, e adj formal term. Describes: e.g. word,
[slightly opinion of these people. // a mauvaise reputation. He has
procedure, policy, punishment] appropriate Trouvez pour a bad reputation. 4 (often + en) [incompetent] bad J'ai
chacun des verbes du texte une definition adequate. Find toujours ete mauvais en geographie. was always bad at
I
an appropriate definition for each of the verbs in the text. geography.
approprie, e adj [right for the circumstances] suitable Les sale adj [informal. Stronger synonym for mauvais 2] nasty,
jours de plein air, envoyez votre enfant a I'ecole dans une appalling // fait un sale temps. It's very nasty weather. Elle
tenue appropriee. On days when there are outdoor a un sale caractere. She has an appalling temper. C'est un
activities, please send your child to school wearing sale coup pour son entreprise. It's a bad blow for her
suitable clothing. business.
correct, e adj [suited to the technical specifications] right nefaste adj [related to or predicting bad things] bad,
Je voudrais brancher mon rasoir, mais il me faudrait une harmful les effets nefastes du tabac the harmful effects of
prise correcte. I'd like to plug in my shaver but I need the smoking
right plug. odieux, -dieuse adj [behaving in a way designed to make
convenable adj 1 [fulfilling the social or psychological others hate one] obnoxious Elle etait jalouse de sa sosur et
requirements] suitable Nous les reeduquons en leur s'est montree odieuse. She was jealous of her sister and
apprenant des comportements convenables. We behaved obnoxiously. La compagnie, qui est responsable
rehabilitate them by teaching them to develop de /'accident, refuse toute compensation aux families des
accceptable behaviour 2 [not liable to offend] decent Une victimes, c'est odieux. The company, which is responsible
robe a manches courtes, ce n'est pas une tenue for the accident, is refusing to compensate the families of
convenable pour entrer dans une mosquee. You can't go the victims, it's scandalous.
into a mosque wearing a short-sleeved dress. It's not deplaisant, e adj [mild term] unpleasant // critique
considered decent. constamment son pere, c'est deplaisant. It's unpleasant
convenir {23} vi (often + a ) 1 [be suited to practical the way he's always criticizing his father.
requirements to suit Je rapporte la veste que j'ai achetee
] mal adv bad Ca va mal finir. It'll turn out badly, alter de
bier, elle ne convient pas. I'm returning the jacket I
mat en pis to go from bad to worse tomber mal also mal
bought yesterday, it's not right. Le medecin lui a prescrit tomber to come at the wrong moment Les affaires vont
le traitement qui convient. The doctor prescribed the
58 Quantifying and measuring 127
mal. Business is not going well. Ma tante va mal. My subalterne n [in a hierarchy. No pejorative connotation]
aunt's not well. inferior faut que vous appreniez a deleguer le travail a
//
mal nm, pi maux harm, ill Elle va organiser une reunion vos subalternes. You must learn to delegate to your
^'information. Ce ne sera pas un mal! She's going to set inferiors.
up a meeting for disseminating information, which will be subordonne, e n [same usage as subalterne] junior
no bad thing! vassal nm, pi vassaux [historical] vassal
pire adv worse Au moins indemne de /'accident,
tu es sort/ sous-fifre nm, pi sous-f ifres [pejorative and humorous]
c'aurait pu you came away unscathed
etre pire. At least minion
from the accident, things could have been worse.
nuisible adj [liable to cause great harm. When referring to
humans implies likelihood of inflicting serious bodily harm 57.13 Eva/uer To judge
or death] harmful
nuire {82} vi (often + a) [cause harm] to be harmful mettre evaluer {6} vtto assess
qqn hors d'etat de nuire to neutralize sb so that they can evaluation nf 1 [in general] assessment 2 [yearly
no longer cause harm les pesticides qui nuisent a interview, in a job] appraisal
I'environnement pesticides harmful to the environment juger {8} vi and vt to make a judgment A vous de juger! It's
up to you to make your own judgment!
Les gens mechants Bad people jugement nm [statement, often considered definitive by
salaud nm [very strong and liable to cause offence. Devoid its author] judgment // est trop hatif dans ses jugements.
of any moral compunction] bastard He's too hasty in his judgments.
traftre nm traitor trattresse nf (woman) traitor point nm de vue [opinion on personal or general topics]
poison nm [refers esp to women] evil bitch point of view
ordure nf [very strong. Shows extreme contempt] (piece of) appreciation nf [a manager's judgment of an employee's
filth performance, or a critic's judgment of an artist] estimation
porter une appreciation sur qqn to make a judgment
about sb
57.11 Negligeable Unimportant
see also 54.4 Serieux
negligeable adj [which can be ignored] unimportant etre 58 Quantifying and
pris pour quantite negligeable to be considered
unimportant measuring
benin adj m, benigne adj f [without grave consequences]
minor une maladie benigne a minor illness une tumeur
benigne a non-malignant tumour 58.1 Grand Big
mineur, e adj [low in order of importance. Describes:
consideration, problem] minor see also 58.13 Dimensions
grand, e adj 1 [in height] tall, big Les grands, asseyez-vous
Locutions Idioms derriere pour que les petits puissent voir. If you're tall, sit
C'est sans importance also ca n'a pas d'importance. at the back so the little ones can see. 2 [capacious] large,
It's unimportant. big une grande valise a large suitcase un grand manteau a
Cela ne prete also ne tire pas a consequence. It's of no large coat 3 [larger than other similar things] big, great la
consequence. grande pyramide de Cheops the great pyramid at Cheops
Peu importe! [slightly formal] No matter! grand, e n [children's talk. A child older than other
Qu'importe? [slightly formal] What does it matter? children, or a grown-up] older one Les grands auront le
II s'en moque comme de sa premiere chemise! He droit de se coucher plus tard. The older ones can go to
couldn't give a damn about it! bed later.
Ce n'est pas la mer a boire! [exhorts someone to make grandeur nf 1 [vertical dimension] height deux immeubles
less fuss about some task] It's not that difficult! de la meme grandeur two buildings of equal height 2 [all
dimensions] size La malle, vous la voulez de quelle
Citation Quotation grandeur? What size trunk do you want?
Qu'importe le f lacon pourvu qu'on ait I'ivresse. [The vaste adj [spacious, sometimes implies excessively so] very
early 19th-century poet Alfred de Musset thus extolled the large un vaste jardin a very large garden La maison est
virtues of loving for the sake of loving, regardless of whom devenue trop vaste pour elle. The house has become too
one loves. The line is still quoted, with this more general big for her.
meaning] The means are unimportant, only the ends ample adj [spacious and flowing. Describes esp: clothes,
matter. curtains] wide unejupe ample a wide skirt
enorme adj [larger than expected or imagined] huge Pour
deplacer I'engin il faut un enorme camion. A huge truck is
needed to pull the machine.
57.12 Inferieur Inferior
immense adj [stretching out or up further than the eye
inferieur, e adj (sometimes + a) [in quality or status] can see] huge d'immenses champs de mais huge fields of
marchandises de qualite inferieure a celles
inferior des corn une grue immense a huge crane
que nous envoie habituellement notre fournisseur goods considerable adj [large and impressive] extensive Elle a
inferior in quality to those our supplier normally sends us une cave considerable. Her wine cellar is extensive.
inferiority nf inferiority complexe d'inferiorite inferiority geant, e adj [word used in fun, or in advertising] giant On
complex dirait une pomme de terre geante. It looks like a giant
potato, lessive en paquet geant jumbo packet of washing
Les inferieurs People in a position of inferiority powder
inferieur, e n [in a hierarchy] inferior
128 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
58.2 Devenir plus grand Jo get bigger des masses de [informal] masses of // y avait des masses de
caravanes sur la route. They were masses of caravans on
agrandir {19} vt [obj: e.g. company, estate] to make bigger the road.
s'agrandir v refl 1 [subj: e.g. hole, river bed] to get bigger a revendre [more than is needed] liens, prends quelques
2 [move into a larger place] Depuis la naissance des pots de confiture, j'en ai a revendre. Here, have a few pots
jumeaux, Us cherchent a s'agrandir. Since the birth of the of jam, have loads more than need.
I I
twins, they've been looking for a larger place to live.
grandir {19} vi 1 (taller] to grow (taller) 2 [older] to grow
up 58.4 Petit Small
s'etendre {53}v refl [increase its surface] to spread La ville
s'est etendue. The town has spread. petit, e adj 1 [in size] small une petite maison a small
house 2 [in quantity] little un petit peu de a little bit of
Locution Idiom petit, e n [child. An emotive word] little one Elle a
Petit poisson deviendra grand, [proverb] From little emmene le petit chez le medecin. She took the little one
acorns great oak trees grow. to the doctor's.
petit nm [animal] young la louve et ses petits the she-wolf
and her young
58.3 Grande quantite Large quantity
usage
see also 91.1 Entier, 91.2 Suffisant, 58.1 Grand, 29.4
Groupes d'objets; opposite 58.7 Petite quantite petit
beaucoup de a lot of beaucoup de pain a lot of bread Petit has many overtones. It can be used to minimize a
beaucoup de chaises a lot of chairs beaucoup de courage a negative point: Je vais vous faire faire une petite prise
lot of courage de sang. I'll arrange for you to have a quick blood test. It
quantite de also une grande quantite de also une can indicate contempt for small-mindedness: Ne
quantite de plenty of II y avait (une) quantite de fruits derangeons pas ses petites habitudes We musn't upset !
frais sur le marche. There was plenty of fresh fruit on the his little routine! It can stress the pleasantness of an
market. event: Que dirais-tu d'un petit souper aux chandelles ?
abondance nf [great quantity. Can imply excess] What would you say to a nice little candlelit dinner?
abundance Dans les villes de la cote vous trouverez une
abondance de fruits de mer. In the coastal cities, you will
find an abundance of seafood, societes d'abondance afflu-
ent societies 58.5 Tres petit Very small
majorite nf 1 [large quantity] majority une majorite de
gens pensent que ... a majority of people think that . . .
minuscule adj tiny un jardin minuscule a tiny garden
2 [largest quantity] majority Parmi nos ayant-droit, les miniature adj [always after the noun] miniature
families monoparentales sont en majorite There is a
miniature nfl [in the arts] miniature 2 [reproduction]
majority of single-parent families among our claimants.
model
maximum usage for feminine and plural forms]
adj [see
maximum Le nombre maximum de participants est de 12. usage
The maximum number of participants is 12.
maximum nm 1 [largest number or amount] maximum Cet Diminutive suffixes
ascenseur ne peut contenir qu'un maximum de dix The meaning of many nouns can be made to stress
personnes BrE This lift takes a maximum of ten people. smallness if suffixes like -et or -ette are added: un
AmE This elevator takes a maximum of ten people. 2 [a jardinet a small garden, une maisonnette a small house,
great deal of] much, many // nous faut un maximum de un garqonnet a little boy, une fillette a little girl, une
preuves. We need as much proof as possible. kitchenette a mini-kitchen, une piecette a small amount
of money.
usage
maximums and maxima
Both are used when
the adjective is feminine (singular
58.6 Devenir plus petit To become
and masculine plural. For example. On atteint
plural), or smaller
des prix maximums also maxima au-dela desquels le
client ne veut plus payer. We are reaching maximum
retrecir {19} vi 1 [subj : e.g. garment] to shrink 2 [subj: e.g.
prices, above which customers refuse to pay. alter a des
country lane] to become narrower
vitesses maximums also maxima de 120 a 130 km/h to
rapetisser {6} vi [subj: e.g. aging person] to shrink, grow
do maximum speeds of 120 to 130 km/h. It is customary shorter
for, e.g., weather forecasters to use maxima:
temperatures maxima pour demain: 25 a Biarritz et 20 a Locutions Idioms
Arcachon maximum temperatures tomorrow: 25 degrees grand comme un mouchoir de poche [describes: e.g.
in Biarritz and 20 degrees in Arcachon
garden, room] tiny
haut comme trois pommes [informal] knee-high to a
grasshopper
Mots familiers designant les grandes quantites Informal
words for large quantities Citation Quotation
un also des tas de [informal] loads of f//e leur donne On a toujours besoin d'un plus petit que soi. [In his
toujours un tas de bonbons. She always gives them loads fable Le Lion et Le Rat, La Fontaine stresses the
of sweets. interdependence of the powerful and the humble] You
always need someone smaller than yourself.
y
58 Quantifying and measuring 129
58.7 Petite quantite Small quantity 58.9 Augmenterlo increase and to
see also 58.4 Petit, 91.3 Incomplet; opposite 58.3 multiply
Grande quantite
see also 1.7 Changements de forme, 58.1 Grand, 61.1
un peu de a bit of, a little un peu de pain a bit of bread un
Gros
peu de curiosite a little curiosity
augmentation nf 1 [change from smaller to bigger]
un brin de [used with positive or pleasant things] faire un
increase 2 money] BrE rise AmE raise
[in
brin de toilette to freshen up
a un brin de (a little) //
augmenter {6} vt 1 [make bigger] to increase 2 [obj: e.g.
fantaisie. He has a whimsical streak to him.
employee] to give a rise to
un atome de [humorous. Refers to personal qualities] an
hausse nf [in statistics] increase la hausse des prix price
iota of si tu avais un atome de bon sens ... if you had an
increases la hausse du taux de chomage the increase in the
ounce of common sense . . .
rate of unemployment
un grain de 1 [similar to atome] a grain of Elle n'a pas un
croissance n/1 [in economics] growth 2 [of a child]
grain de talent. She hasn't a grain of talent. 2 [in set
growing etre en pleine croissance to be growing fast
phrase] un grain de folie a touch of madness
croTtre {67} vi 1 [in economics] to increase A/os chiffres de
une pointe de [used esp of things giving some spice to
vente ne cessent de croitre. Our sales figures are
food, or to life in general] une pointe d'ail just a little bit
increasing. 2 [literary or botanical] to grow Les papyrus
of garlic une pointe d'humour a little bit of humour une
croissent le long du Nil. Papyrus grows along the Nile.
pointe de jalousie a hint of jealousy
etendre {53} vt [obj: e.g. power, influence] to increase
une poignee de 1 [in cooking] a handful of Faites infuser
une poignee de dans de I'eau. Steep a handful of
tilleul
Expressions d' augmentation tirees du langage
dried lime in boiling water. 2 [indicates poor turnout] a
mathematique Terms for increasing taken from the
handful II n'y avait gu'une poignee de gens dans le hall.
language of mathematics
There was only a handful of people in the hall.
addition nf addition sans addition de sucre without added
minimum adj [see usage for feminine and plural forms] sugar
minimum // a fait un effort minimum. He made a
additionner {6} vt to add du vin additionne d'eau wine
minimum amount of effort.
with water added
minimum nm 1 [smallest amount] minimum 2 [a very small s'additionner v refl to add up Les fautes finissent par
amount] Comme je partais en avion, j'ai emmene le
s'additionner et on est renvoye. Mistakes eventually add
minimum. As was I flying, I packed a minimum of things.
up and you get sacked.
multiplication nf (manifold) increase II y a une
usage multiplication des agences immobilieres dans mon
quartier. There are more and more (real) estate agents in
minimums and minima my area.
8oth are used when
the adjective is feminine (singular
multiplier {6} vt to do something repeatedly J'ai multiplie
and plural), or masculine plural. E.g. On atteint des prix
les coups de telephone, sans resultat. rang and rang, to
I
minimums also minima en-deca desquels le producteur
no avail. Tu multiplies vraiment les aneries! You just go on
fait faillite. We are reaching minimum prices, below
doing stupid things, don't you?
which producers go bankrupt. Respectez les quantites
se multiplier v refl to increase Les risques
minimums also minima de medicament a prendre. Be
d'empoisonnement se multiplient des lors qu'il n'y a plus
sure to take the minimum dosage prescribed. It is
de controles sanitaires. There is an ever-increasing risk of
customary for, e.g., weather forecasters to use minima:
food-poisoning, as soon as health checks are withdrawn.
temperatures minima pour demain: 18 a Biarritz et 16 a
double nm twice as much Mettez-moi le double de bifteck.
Arcachon minimum temperature tomorrow: 18 degrees
Give me twice as much steak, double adj double
in Biarritz and 16 degrees in Arcachon
doubler {6} vt to double // s'est mis au regime fiscal des
artistes mais ca lui a double ses impots. He went on the
artists' tax schedule but his tax bill doubled.
triple nm three times as much. // me faut le triple de
58.8 Petites quantites de liquides Small peinture laquee. need three times as much gloss paint.
I
quantities of liquids triple adj triple J'ai un triple role de formatrice, gerante et
vendeuse. have a triple role as trainer, manager and
I
un doigt de [used esp of wine, spirits] a drop of un doigt salesperson.
de rhum dans mon cafe a drop of rum in my coffee
tripler vtto increase threefold lis ont triple mes
{6}
un soupcon, also un nuage de [esp with milk] a drop of
horaires sansme payer plus. They've trebled the number
un soupcon de lait dans mon the a drop of milk in my tea
of hours work without any extra pay.
I
Vous prenez du lait?- Un nuage! Do you take milk? - Just
se sentir des forces decuplees to feel ten times stronger
a drop!
au centuple many times over // la deteste et elle le lui rend
une larme also une goutte de [with spirits or milk] a
au centuple. He hates her and she pays him back in kind
drop of une larme de cognac dans la pate a crepes a drop
many times over.
of brandy in the pancake batter
Multiples Multiples
Locutions Idioms
double nm doubleJ'en veux le double. I want double the
II y avait deux peles et trois tondus also trois peles et
quantity.
quatre tondus. [humorous. Indicates a poor turnout.]
triple nm three times as much
There was hardly anyone there.
quadruple nm four times as much
il (n') y en a pas lourd! [more informal without the n'
quintuple nm five times as much
negation] there isn't all that much! Dis done, la sauce, il
sextuple nm six times as much
en a pas lourd! Hey, there's hardly any gravy!
centuple nm a hundred times as much
130 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
decimer decimate L'electronique a
{6} vt [pejorative] to
Other multiples decime de la region. The
les industries traditionnelles
The word fois, 'times' used to express other multiples:
is
growth in electronics has decimated the traditional
e.g. sept fois plus seven times as many, trente-deux fois
industries in the area.
plus thirty-two times as many, etc.
tomber {6} vi [informal synonym for baisser] w'to drop Sa
fievre est tombee. His temperature has dropped.
fondre {53} vi 1 [subj: e.g. savings, obstacles) to vanish
2 [slightly informal. Subjesp overweight person] to slim
58.10 Augmenter dans une dimension
drastically Tu as fondui There's nothing left of you!
particuliere To increase in a specific
dimension Locution Idiom
fondre come neige au soleil [refers to things that should
approfondir {1 9} vt to dig deeper Us ont approfondi
. . . le have been preserved but have not, such as savings or good
trou pour faire la piscine. They dug the hole deeper to intentions] to dwindle to nothing
make the swimming pool.
s'approfondir v refl to become deeper
s'allonger {8} v refl 1 [subj: roll of pastry, elastic band] to
58.13 Dimensions Dimensions
stretch further 2 [when talking about a growing child] //
s'allonge! He's growing taller! see also 58.1 Grand, 61.1 Gros
elargir {19} vt [obj: e.g. road, circle] to widen profondeur nf depth
s'elargir v refl to become wider profond, e adj deep
s'etaler {6} v refl [subj: e.g. batter, cream, oil] to spread longueur nf length
(out) long, longue adj long
se repandre {53} v refl [slightly pejorative] to spill over Des largeur nf width
constructions nouvelles se sont repandues dans la large adj wide
campagne environnante. New buildings have spilled over hauteur nf height
into the surrounding countryside. haut, haute adj high
peu profond, e adj shallow
Locution Idiom etroit, e ady narrow
se repandre comme une trainee de poudre [refers to
things that become shared very quickly, like fashions, usage
ideas or epidemics] to spread like wildfire
Large
When large is used after etre or after a noun, it denotes
58.11 Expressions figurees designant a measurement, e.g. La voiture est trop large pour
:
passer la. The car is too wide to get through there. // a
/'augmentation Expressions used les epaules larges. He is broad-shouldered. Large can
metaphorically to describe an increase come before a noun. In this case it is used to convey an
impression of spaciousness, e.g.: de belles et larges
faire tache d'huile [spread rapidly. Often slightly
avenues beautiful wide avenues Aussi large que haut
pejorative] to mushroom Les industries ont fait tache
is a mocking way of describing a short fat person.
d'huile dans le quartier Factories have mushroomed in the
area.
faire boule de neige [increase rapidly in size] to snowball usage
Les ventes d'appareils multimedia ont fait boule de neige.
Sales of multimedia equipment have snowballed. Thick
Dense refers to groups of people or objects crowded
together into a small space, e.g. une foret dense a deep
58.12 Diminuer To decrease dark forest, fepais implies that the object referred to is
almost solid, and may lack in refinement, e.g. un tissu
see also 58.4 Petit epais bulky material. Consistant is used of thick, liquid
diminution nf 1 [change from bigger to smaller] decrease foods and implies good nutritional value, e.g. une soupe
2 [in knitting] faire des diminutions to decrease consistante a thick soup.
diminuer {6} vi 1 [make smaller] to decrease 2 [slightly une foule dense/compacte a dense crowd
literary. Make seem less prestigious] to diminish Cette une soupe epaisse/consistante thick soup
remarque I'a diminue a mes yeux. That remark lessened une fumee dense/epaisse thick smoke
him in my eyes.
baisse nf [in statistics] drop la baisse des taux d'interet the
drop in interest rates
abaisser, also baisser {6} vt [obj: e.g. interest rate, 58.14 Mensurations Measurements
exchange rate) to lower
baisser {6} vi {subj esp levels, rates] to drop mesurer {6} 1 vt [to take the dimensions of] to measure 2
reduction nf 1 [lessening of volume] cut une reduction des vi [to have as its dimension] La piece mesure combien?
heures de travail a cut in working hours des reductions de How big is the room?
personnel cuts in staff 2 [similar to baisse] drop la mesure nf measurement prendre les mesures d'un objet to
reduction du taux de mortalite infantile the drop in infant measure an object
mortality rates echelle nf scale carfe a I'echelle map drawn to scale
reduire {82} vt [obj: esp levels, rates, numbers) to reduce superf icie nf [of land, estate or room] (surface) area
couper en deux to halve taille nf (dimension of objects, particularly tall ones. Also
couper en trois/quatre to cut into three/four (pieces) used to describe dimensions of objects which fit other
objects, for instance, in ironmongery and clothing) size
Vous en avez dans ma taille? Do you have it in my size?
1
58 Quantifying and measuring 131
pointure nf footwear, socks and gloves only]
[for size Vous diviser {6} vt and vi to divide
pointure? What size do you take?
faites quelle 30 divise par 2 egale 15 30 divided by 2 is 15
mensurations nf pi [related to clothes sizes] je pose 3 et je retiens 1 put down 3 and carry 1
I
measurements retenue nf faire une retenue to carry a figure over
tour nm de cou [for men only] collar size Quel est votre total nm total (figure) Qu'est-ce que tu trouves comme
tour de cou? What collar size do you take? total? What's your total figure?
usage
58.18 Fractions Fractions
Asking or being asked about size
If you are asked Quelle est votre taille? in a shop it moitie nf half
means What size do you take? The same question asked tiersnm third
by the person who issues your passport means How tall quart nm quarter
are you?
58.19 Instruments Instruments
58.15 Parler de ses mensurations regie nf a calcul slide rule
compas nm compass
Describing one's size
rapporteur nm protractor
Je fais 1 metre 61. I'm metre 61 1 calculette nf also calculatrice nf calculator
Je fais du 12. take a size 12.
I
Je fais du 39. take a size 7 also a
I continental size 39 (in
shoes) 58.20 Nombres Numbers
a sa taille in his/her size Je n'ai pas trouve de vetements a
sa taille. I didn't find any clothes in his size. chiffre nm 1 [arithmetic symbol] figure ecrire une date en
chiffres to write out a date using figures 2 [mathematical
Locution Idiom entity] number
trouver chaussure a son pied to meet the person of nombre nm [mathematical entity number ]
one's dreams pair, e adj even les nombres pairs even numbers
impair, e adj odd les nombres impairs odd numbers
compter {6} vt and vi to count
moyenne nf [in statistics] average La moyenne des sondes
58.16 Mathematiques Mathematics ne sait pas quel role jouent les forets dans I'ecologie de la
mathematiques nf pi mathematics planete.On average, those taking part in the survey don't
maths nf pi [informal] maths Elle est bonne en maths. She's know what role forests play in the ecology of the planet.
good at maths. La moyenne d'age de nos lecteurs est de vingt-cinq ans.
arithmetique nf arithmetic The average age of our readers is 25. au-dessuslau dessous
geometrie nf geometry de la moyenne above/below average en moyenne on aver-
algebre nf algebra age
calcul nm 1 [operation] calculation Vingt divise par deux,
le calcul est vite fait.Twenty divided by two, it's easy to
work out. 2 [primary school activity] BrE sums AmE 58.21 Les chiffres cardinaux Cardinal
arithmetic faire du calcul to do sums faire du calcul mental
to do mental arithmetic
numbers
calculer {6} vt and vi to calculate J'essaie de calculer la zero
somme qu'il va nous falloir. I'm trying to calculate how 1 un
much money we'll need. 2 deux
somme nf 1 [result of an addition] sum 2 [amount] sum (of 3 trois
money) 4 quatre
5 cinq
6 six
58.17 Les operations arithmetiques 7 sept
8huit
Arithmetical operations
9 neuf
addition nf BrE sum AmE addition faire une addition to do 10 dix
a sum 1 onze
additionner and vi to add up
{6} vt 12 douze
2 plus 3 font, also egale cinq 2 plus 3 is 5 13 treize
soustraction nf subtraction faire une soustraction to do (a) 14 quatorze
subtraction 15 quinze
soustraire {61} 1 w to do (a) subtraction 2 vtto subtract 16 seize
soustraire 23 de 43 to subtract 23 from 43 17 dix-sept
retrancher, also oter {6} vt to take away 18 dix-huit
5 moins 3 font, also egale 2 5 minus 3 is 2 19 dix-neuf
multiplication nf multiplication faire une multiplication to 20 vingt
do (a) multiplication les tables de multiplications the 21 (see panel overleaf)
multiplication tables
multiplier {1 5} vt and vi to multiply
32 multiplie par 2 egale 64 32 times 2 is 64
division nf division faire une division to do (a) division
132 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
21, 22, 23, etc
58.22 Les chiffres ordinaux Ordinal
Multiples of 10 (except 70 and 90, see below) all follow numbers
the same pattern; thus, for the 20 series: 21 vingt-et-un,
22 vingt-deux, 23 vingt-trois, 24 vingt-quatre, 25 vingt- Abbreviations for ordinal numbers
cinq, 26 vingt-six, 27 vingt-sept, 28 vingt-huit, 29 vingt- The abbreviation for second, 2ieme, is the model for all
neuf. When 1 is added to the multiple of 10, gender ordinal number abbreviations except first, as shown
agreement operates, e.g.: vingt-et-un garcons et vingt- below.
et-une filles twenty-one boys and twenty-one girls
1st premier, -miere [abbreviation, 1er, 1ere]
30 trente 2nd deuxieme [abbreviation, 2ieme]
40 quarante 3rd troisieme
50 cinquante 4th quatrieme
60 soixante 5th cinquieme
70 (see second panel below) 6th sixieme
80 (see first panel below) 7th septieme
90 (see second panel below) 8th huitieme
100 cent (see third panel below for number agreement) 9th neuvieme
1,000 mille (invariable) 10th dixieme
10,000 dix mille 1 1th onzieme
100,000 cent mille 12th douzieme
1,000,000 un million 13th treizieme
14th quatorzieme
80 15th quinzieme
This number expressed as quatre-vingt if followed by
is 16th seizieme
another numeral as in quatre-vingt dix. Otherwise it is 17th dix-septieme
spelt quatre-vingts. 18th dix-huitieme
19th dix-neuvieme
70 and 90 20th vingtieme
In the French language as spoken in France these
it is
21st (see panel below)
two numbers are soixante-dix and quatre-vingt-dix 30th trentieme
respectively. In Belgium and Switzerland, as well as some 40th quarantieme
parts of eastern France, they are septante and nonante 50th cinquantieme
respectively. This is how to add units to them: 60th soixantieme
70th soixante-dixieme, also septantieme [in Belgium and
In the French which is spoken in France: Switzerland]
70 soixante-dix 80th quatre-vingtieme
71 soixante-et-onze 90th quatre-vingt-dixieme, also nonantieme [in Belgium
72 soixante-douze and Switzerland]
73 soixante-treize 100th centieme
74 soixante-quatorze 1,000th millieme
75 soixante-quinze 10,000th dix millieme
76 soixante-seize 100,000th cent millieme
77 soixante-dix-sept 1,000,000th millionnieme
78 soixante-dix-huit
79 soixante-dix-neuf 21st, 22nd, 23rd, etc
90 quatre-vingt-dix Ordinal numbers adding one unit to each multiple of ten
91 quatre-vingt-onze go as follows:
92 quatre-vingt-douze, etc as for the 70 series 21st vingt-et-unieme
22nd vingt-deuxieme
In Belgium, Switzerland and parts of eastern France: 23rd vingt-troisieme, etc
70 septante The exceptions to this, as for cardinal numbers, are the
71 septante-et-un, etc as for the 20 series 70 and 90 series which go like this:
90 nonante 71st soixante-et-onzieme
91 nonante-et-un, etc as for the 20 series 72nd soixante-douzieme
73rd soixante-treizieme
100 74th soixante-quatorzieme
Cent, one hundred, is invariable when not multiplied: 75th soixante-quinzieme
cent pommes one hundred apples; also cent trois francs 76th soixante-seizieme
one hundred and three francs. When multiplied, it is 77th soixante-dix-septieme
spelt cents: e.g. trois cents personnes three hundred 78th soixante-dix-huitieme
people. However, it remains invariable when multiplied 79th soixante-dix-neuvieme
but followed by another number, as in tro;'s cent deux 91st quatre-vingt-onzieme
dossiers three hundred and two files. 92nd quatre-vingt-douzieme, etc as above
59 Education, learning and teaching 133
58.23 Quantites approximatives quintal nm, p/quintaux [abbreviation: q] (metric) quintal
tonne nf [abbreviation: t] (metric) ton, tonne
Approximate quantities
demi-douzaine nf half a dozen une demi-douzaine d'ceufs
half a dozen eggs 58.26 Machines a peser Weighing
dizaine nf about ten une dizaine d'enveloppes about ten
machines
envelopes
douzaine nf dozen une douzaine d'ceufs a dozen eggs balance nf (pair of) scales balance de menage kitchen
quinzaine nf about fifteen une quinzaine de personnes scales
about fifteen people bascule nf weighing machine
vingtaine nf 1 [quantity] about twenty une vingtaine de pese-personne nm, pi pese-personnes [domestic]
vaches about twenty cows 2 [age] avoir une vingtaine bathroom scales
d'annees to be twentyish pese-bebe nm, pi pese-bebes scales for weighing babies
trentaine nf 1 [quantity] about thirty une trentaine de
billes about thirty marbles 2 [age] avoir la trentaine to be
thirtyish
58.27 Volumes Volumes
quarantaine nf 1 [quantity] about forty une quarantaine
de spectateurs about forty spectators 2 [age] avoir la volume nm volume
quarantaine to be fortyish capacite nf capacity Quelle est la capacite de cette carafe?
cinquantaine nf 1 [quantity] about fifty une cinquantaine How much does this jug hold?
de bouteilles about fifty bottles 2 [age] avoir la cube nm [abbreviation: 3 cube un metre cube, also 1 m 3
]
cinquantaine to be fiftyish one cubic metre un centimetre cube, also 1cm 3 one cubic
soixantaine nf 1 [quantity] about sixty une soixantaine de centimetre
croissants about sixty croissants 2 [age] avoir la cubique adj cubic
soixantaine to be sixtyish litre nm [abbreviation:BrE litre AmE liter
/]
centaine nf about a hundred une centaine de voitures millilitrenm [abbreviation: ml] BrE millilitre AmE milliliter
about a hundred cars centilitre nm [abbreviation: cf] BrE centilitre AmE centiliter
millier nm 1 [1,000] a thousand un millier de francs a decilitre [abbreviation: df] BrE decilitre AmE deciliter
thousand francs 2 [approximate quantity] about a hectolitre nm [abbreviation: hf] BrE hectolitre AmE
thousand un millier de signatures about a thousand hectoliter
signatures stere nf [for wood] BrE cubic metre AmE cubic meter
milliard nm 1 [1,000 million] billion 2 [approximate
quantity] huge numbers of des milliards d'etoiles huge
numbers of stars
pres de adv approximately II y a pres de deux ans que je ne 59 Education, learning
I'ai pas vue. haven't seen her for about two years. D'ici a
and teaching
I
Paris, ca fait pres de cent kilometres. It's approximately a
hundred kilometres from here to Paris.
grosso modo, also en gros roughly (speaking) Tu me dois
en gros 120 francs. Roughly (speaking) you owe me 120 59.1 Enseignement Education
francs. On a grosso modo deux mois pour le faire. We
have two months to do it (roughly speaking). enseigner {6} vt and vi [general term] to teach J'enseigne
les mathematiques aux classes terminates. teach I
mathematics to the senior classes. Cest ma grand-mere
qui m'a enseigne la lecture. My grandmother taught me
58.24 Poids et peser Weights and
to read.
weighing enseignement nm 1 [system] educational system
I'enseignement public state education 2 [profession]
poids nm weight vendre qqch au poids to sell sthg by
teaching // se destine a I'enseignement. He wants to go
weight Le poids du colis est de 300 grammes. The parcel
into teaching.
weighs 300 grams, poids brut/net gross/net weight
eduquer {6} vt [wider than enseigner. Includes
charge nf load charge utile payload
developing the personality and teaching social skills] to
peser {9} vi and vt to weigh Je vais peser les peches et les
educate
abricots separement. I'll weigh out the peaches and the
education nf 1 [sum of knowledge] educational
apricots separately. La lettre pese 100 grammes. The letter
background) 2 [institution] education le Ministere de
weighs 100 grams. La valise pese lourd. The suitcase is
I'education nationale the (French) Ministry of Education
heavy.
culture nf [knowledge] education Elle a une bonne culture
unite nf unit
generate. She's well educated, culture litteraire
etalon nm standard
knowledge of the arts culture scientifique knowledge of
lourd, e adj heavy
science
leger, -gere adj light
primaire adj primary primaire nm primary sector
secondaire adj secondary secondaire nm secondary sector
superieur nm higher education
58.25 Poids Units of weight superieur, e adj higher
kilogramme nm [abbreviation: kg] kilogram
School
kilo nm [abbreviation: kg] kilo
The word ecole is used as a translation for 'school' only in
milligramme nm [abbreviation: mg] milligram
the context of infant and primary schools and in the
centigramme nm [abbreviation: eg] centigram
names of higher or further education colleges, e.g. J'ai
decigramme nm [abbreviation: dg] decigram
fait une Ecole de Journalisme. went to a School of
I
hectogramme nm [abbreviation: hg] hectogram
Journalism. The term ecole is not normally used when
livre nf [used when weighing foodstuffs] pound
referring to secondary schools.
134 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
scolaire adj 1 [belonging to the school environment] and traditionally produce the elite of the nation. There
school des livres scolaires schoolbooks I'annee scolaire the are many different grandes ecoles, producing engineers,
school year 2 [pejorative. Parroting and simple-minded] higher civil servants, leaders of industry and commerce,
catalogue qu'ii a redige pour /'exposition est
simplistic Le and university teachers as well as the most qualified and
tres complet mais un peu scolaire. The catalogue he best-paid teachers in the secondary sector.
compiled for the exhibition is very exhaustive but a bit
simplistic. universite nf university
apprendre {54} vt and vi to learn I.U.T.nm [Institut Universitaire de Technologie] university
apprenant, e n learner technological institute [similar to the former polytechnics
lecon nf [at primary or secondary school] lesson in Britain]
cours nm [at secondary school or university] lesson, class faculte nf faculty la faculte des lettres et sciences humaines
exercice nm exercise the faculty of arts and social sciences
fac nf [informal] 1 [department of a university] school la
Preschool education fac des lettres the humanities school 2 [as a whole]
Children as young as two are accepted for state-funded university
preschool education at la maternelle, and may stay there
until they are six. Provision for preschool education Age levels
varies: it is usually available in large urban centres and At primary school, classes are known by the following
sparser in rural areas. Methods used at the maternelle names
with the younger children are akin to those used in many le cours preparatoire or CP (6-7 year-olds)
British playgroups, but gradually teachers start preparing le cours elementaire 7 or CE1 or la dixieme (7-8 year-
children for the reading and writing which they will be olds)
doing once they start their primary education. le cours elementaire 2 or CE2 or la neuvieme (8-9 year-
olds)
Primary education le cours moyen 1 or CM1 or la huitieme (9-10 year-olds)
Compulsory schooling starts at the age of six. At primary le cours moyen 2 or CM2 or la septieme (10-1 1 year-olds)
school, I'ecole primaire, all children follow the French In the secondary sector, the first class that pupils enter
national curriculum when they start secondary school is called la sixieme.
(1 1-12 year-olds) From then on, the names given to the
Secondary education successive years are as follows:
Children start secondary education at the age of eleven. la cinquieme (12-13 year-olds)
At the lower school, le college d'enseignement general la quatrieme (13-14 year-olds)
or C.E.S., they spend four years, during the first two of la troisieme (14-15 year-olds)
which they all follow the same curriculum. From the third la seconde (15-16 year-olds)
year onwards, students may choose different options, la premiere (16-17 year-olds)
and at the end of the fourth year, all students take a la terminate (17-18 year-olds)
national exam, le brevet des colleges. They may then
choose to leave school or to go on to le lycee. Those who Academic periods
elect to carry on will spend three years at the lycee, at trimestre nm term
the end of which they will take the end of secondary semestre nm semester
school exam, le baccalaureat. Students who pass the
baccalaureat gain automatic access to a university Going back after the summer break
education. The word la rentree, literally 'going back', refers to the
period of the year when schoolchildren, university
ecolier, -Mere n [in pre-primary or primary school] students, teachers, parents and even television and radio
schoolchild broadcasters and MPs all go back to work after the
eleve n [in pre-primary, primary or secondary school] pupil summer break. It also refers to the marketing
collegien, -gienne n secondary school student (at a opportunities for books, stationery and schoolclothes
co//ege) which start in the second half of August and last until
lyceen, -ceenne n secondary school student (at a lycee) approximately the beginning of November. Large signs
saying La rentree appear in the windows of shops selling
Higher education these goods. Even novel-writing is subject to this yearly
University students may follow a 'long' or a 'short' course rhythm, in that bookshops will display new books under
of study. The short course, is open to
le cycle court, headings such as la rentree litteraire, 'new novels', or les
holders of the baccalaureat, les bacheliers, and leads to actualites de la rentree, 'new current affairs', and usually
the D.E.U.G {Diplome d' Etudes Universitaires Generates) sell larger numbers at that time.
for humanities students. This is sometimes known as bac
+ 2 because it is obtained two years after the
baccalaureat. The science and technology equivalent is
the DELIST (Diplome d'Etudes Universitaires 59.2 Competence Competence
Scientifiques et Techniques). The second course, le
adroit, adj 1 [general] skilful 2 [ in one's movements, with
deuxieme cycle, leads to a degree, la licence, three years
one's hands] agile adresse nf skill
after the baccalaureat (and thus also known as bac + 3),
dexterite nf [with hands or fingers] skill // faut de la
or to a master's degree, la maitrise (bac + A). The more
dexterite pour lever les filets d'une sole. Filleting a sole
advanced course, le troisieme cycle, leads to the D.E.S.S.
requires deft fingers.
(Dipldme d'l-tudes Sup4rieures Spe'cialise'es), or to a
apte a able to
doctorate, le doctorat.
aptitude nf ability
Another way of studying within the higher education
brio nm talent
system is to prepare for the selective-entry higher
competence nf competence avoir competence pour faire
education establishments, les grandes ecoles, which
qqch to be competent to do sthg
admit students on the basis of very competitive exams,
59 Education, learning and teaching
135
competent e adj [can be used to damn with faint praise harm through stupidity] idiotic imbecillite nf crass
when not preceded by an intensifier like tres] competent stupidity
habile adj [same meanings as adroit but may also imply abrutir {19} vt [stronger than abetir] abrutir qqn to
cunning] skilful, de ses mains clever with one's
agile habile stupefy sb L'alcool les a completement abrutis. Alcohol has
hands Elle a ete tres habile et elle les a convaincus de turned them into complete zombies.
signer. She was very skilful (about it) and persuaded them s'abrutir v refl [become dulled] to wear oneself out Je
to sign. m'abrutis a rester toute la journee a mon clavier
habilete nf [applies to all kinds of activities. May imply d'ordinateur. I'm driving myself silly, spending all day at
cunningl skill Son habilete au clavier m'a toujours etonne. my computer keyboard. 2 [become stupid] to turn into a
His skill at the keyboard has always amazed me. // moron Cet apres-midi, faites autre chose que de vous
manipulait les conferences de presse avec beaucoup abrutir devant la television. This afternoon, don't just stay
d'habilete. He handled press conferences with great skill glued to the television like morons: do something.
and cunning. abruti, e adj [made stupid by, for example, a repetitive
habilite a empowered to Je ne suis que /'assistant de noise, a steady intake of alcohol] dazed
Monsieur le Consul, etje ne suis pas habilite a vous hebete, e adj [made stupid by a blow, a shock, a drug]
repondre. I'm only the Consul's assistant and I'm not dazed
empowered to answer your questions. bonnet nm d'ane dunce's cap
maestria nf [implies brilliant execution] brilliance Elle s'est
garee avec maestria entre les deux motos. She made a bril-
liant job of parking between the two motorbikes.
59.5 Insults Insults
ane (bate) nm ass
oie nf, also becasse nf [used of women only] silly goose
59.3 Personnes competentes Competent
(gros) beta nm, (grosse) betasse nf [used affectionately]
people big silly Ne pleure pas, gros beta, elle va revenir, maman.
professionnel, -nelle n [non-amateur; also expert Don't cry you big silly, your mother will be back.
in some
area] pro(fessional)
cretin,e n [used aggressively] cretin
specialiste n expert nigaud, e n [used contemptuously or affectionately]
virtuose n 1 [in music] virtuoso 2 [figurative use] brilliant
dumbo
person un virtuose du volant/de la peche a la ligne a
brilliant driver/angler.
Locutions Idioms
ll/Elle est bete comme ses pieds also bete a manger
expert e n [in a scientific, technical or practical subject]
expert du foin also bete comme une oie BrE He's/She's as
thick as two short planks. AmE He's/She's as dumb as they
Locutions Idioms come.
ll/Elle a le coup pour faire [informal] He's/she's got
C'est un/une simple d'esprit. [euphemism] He's/She's a
. . .
bit simple.
the knack of doing . . .
prendre le coup pour faire . . . [informal] to learn the
faire I'ane pour avoir du son to pretend to be stupid in
trick of doing . . .
order to gain something
faire quelque chose en deux temps trois mouvements Ce n'est pas un aigle. [humorous] He/She isn't exactly a
genius.
[informal] todo something as quick as a flash
avoir de la ressource to be resourceful ll/Ellen'a pas invente le fil a couper le beurre also
avoir plusieurs cordes also plus d'une corde a son arc pas invente la poudre. [humorous] He'll/She'll never set
to have more than one string to one's bow
the world on fire.
avoir des doigts de fee [of women only] to be an
accomplished seamstress
59.6 Incompetence Incompetence
All the phrases below are pejorative.
59.4 Betise Stupidity, brainless nul, nulle adj [informal. Describes: e.g. person, film,
bete adj stupid excursion, gadget] useless J'etais nul a I'ecole. I was useless
at school. // est nul, ton raisonnement! That's a ridiculous
betise nf 1 [character trait] stupidity Elle a eu la betise de
lui avouer sa liaison. She was stupid enough to own up to
way of thinking! Elle est nulle, ta sauce! Your sauce is
rubbish!
him about her affair. 2 [instance of stupidity] stupid thing
to do C'est une betise, d'avoir peint la grille avant de
incompetent e ady [more formal than nul. Lacking a
particular skill] incompetent incompetence nf
poser la serrure! How stupid to have painted the railing
before fitting the lock! En I'epousant, j'ai fait une betise. incompetence
I
made a stupid mistake when married him. Les enfants inepte adj [more pejorative than incompetent Describes:
I
e.g. person, behaviour] inept
ont fait des betises. The children have been naughty.
incapable adj [lacking incompetent incapable n
ability]
bebete adj [informal. Stupid and pusillanimous] foolishly
sentimental
good for nothing. Sessont tous des incapables. His
fits
sons are all good for nothing.
abetir {1 9} vt to make stupid Ne leur donne pas a lire des
romans qui les abetissent. Don't make them read novels en dilettante, also en amateur amateurishly
that stultify their minds
idiot e adj [same meaning as bete] stupid idiot e n idiot
Locution Idiom
idiotie nf[same meanings as betise] stupidity, stupid
ll/Elle ne de ses dix doigts [cannot do
sait rien faire
manual through clumsiness or lack of interest]
jobs,
thing to do
He's/She's got two left thumbs.
sot sotte adj stupid [old-fashioned or literary term. Same
C'est un bon a rien. [used mostly in the masculine
meaning as bete] stupid
although bonne a rien is also possible. Implies that the
imbecile adj [stronger than bete. Implies the ability to do
person will never amount to much] He's a total waster.
136 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
59.7 En classe In the classroom 59.12 Intelligence Intelligence
classe nf classroom intelligent e adj [describes: e.g. person, scheme,
recreation nf break(time) comment] intelligent
recre nf [children's slang] break intelligence nf intelligence
faire I'appel BrE to take the register (of the pupils in a doue, e adj [able to perform exceptionally well in general,
class) AmE to take roll or with a specific skill] gifted
devoir nm piece of homework. Tu as des devoirs a faire? surdoue, e adj [stronger than doue/ extremely gifted
Have you got any homework to do? cale, e adj [informal. In an academic subject] Elle est calee
bulletin nm BrE school report AmE (school) report card en maths. She has a head for maths.
fournitures nf pi (scolaires) school materials savant, e adj [a slightly old-fashioned term of praise]
classe nf classroom learned
bureau nm desk
tableau nm, pi -x nm blackboard
trousse nf pencil case 59.13 Formes d'intelligence Kinds of
manuel nm textbook
cahier nm exercise book cahier de brouillon rough book
intelligence
ruse, e adj cunning
astucieux, -cieuse adj [able to work out unexpected ways
59.8 Les matieres Subjects of extricating oneself from difficult situations] astute
malin, maligne adj [same meaning as astucieux] crafty
see also 58.16 Mathematiques finaud, e adj [able to see through people and their
f rancais nm [language, literature] French
manoeuvres] shrewd
lettres nfpl (francaises) French literature
roublard, e adj [clever, cunning and knowing. Used in
latin nm Latin grudging admiration, or pejoratively] fly
grec nm (Ancient) Greek fute, e adj [combines the meanings of astucieux and
physique nf physics roublard. Not pejorative] sharp, clever
chimie nf chemistry
science(s) nf (pi) science(s) sciences naturelles biology
Bison Fute
sciences nat nf pi [in secondary school. Informal] biology Literally 'clever Bison'. In humorous imitation of native
biologie nf [at university] biology
American names. Bison Fute is a traffic information
histoire nf history
bureau, which broadcasts on national radio and
geographie nf geography television networks and recommends alternative routes
geo nf [informal] geography at times of heavy congestion on the roads, such as
national holidays and festivals.
59.9 Les enseignants The teaching
profession Locutions Idioms
la fuite des cerveaux the brain drain
instituteur, -trice n (primary) schoolteacher un remue-meninges [humorous] a brainstorming session
maitre, maitresse n [word used by children. Primary only] C'est un cerveau! [informal. Refers to abstract
teacher intelligence] He's/she's pretty brainy.
professeur n 1 [at school] (secondary) schoolteacher 2 [at Fais travailler tes meninges! [informal] Think!
university] lecturer 3 [at university, chair-holder] professor II est malin comme un singe, [mostly in the masculine.
universitaire n university teacher Said, e.g., of children] He's so sharp he'll cut himself one
of these days.
C'est une fine mouche. [applies to men and women]
59.10 Les controles Assessment There's not much you can put past him/her.
II n'est pas ne/Elle n'est pas nee de la demiere pluie.
controle nm class test He/she wasn't born yesterday.
interrogation nf test interrogation orale test (by oral II y en a la-dedans! [informal saying, accompanied by a
question and answer) interrogation ecrite written test gesture with index finger tapping temple] He/she's got a
examen nm examination examen blanc mock exam lot up here!
concours nm competitive examination A malin, malin et demi [no matter how clever a
. . .
oral nm 1 [in modern languages] oral exam 2 [as a person thought they were being, someone is about to
complement to a written examination] BrE viva AmE oral outdo them] Two can play at that game.
exam
59.14 Livres et lecture Books and reading
59.1 1 Enseignement professionnel
livre nm book C'est mon livre de chevet. It's the book I
Vocational schooling and training keep on my bedside table. Mon livre de chevet cet ere,
stage nm (vocational) course c'est une biographie de Leon Blum. This summer I'm
stagiaire n 1 [on a course] member 2 [at work] person reading a biography of Leon Blum.
obtaining work experience bouquin nm [very common informal synonym for livre]
L.E.P. nm [Lycee d'Enseignement Professionnef] book
vocationally oriented (secondary) school bouquiner {6} vt and vi [informal] to read f//e passe son
apprenti, e n apprentice temps a bouquiner. She's always got her nose stuck in a
apprentissage nm [in a trade] apprenticeship book.
ouvrage nm [formal term. Refers to a book as a physical
object and as a work of the mind] work J'ai ici un tres bel
59 Education, learning and teaching 137
ouvrage sur I'histoire de la colonisation. I have here an vers nm line (of a poem)
excellent work on the history of colonization. strophe nf stanza
ceuvre nf 1 [book or piece of art. Stresses literary or paroles nf pi [of a song] lyrics, words J'ai oublie les paroles.
artistic qualities] work I'ceuvre a laquelle I've forgotten the words.
Proust/Giacometti a consacre sa vie the work to which
Proust/Giacometti dedicated his life 2 [the life's work of
an author or artist] /es osuvres de Balzac/Villon the works
59.19 Production des livres Book
of Balzac/Villon
titre nm title production
lettre nf (de I'alphabet) letter (of the alphabet) en lettres
editeur, -trice n publisher
majuscules/minuscules in capitals/in lower case
maison nf d'edition publishing house
page nf page auteur nm [male or female] author Elle est I'auteur de
au verso overleaf plusieurs ouvrages scientifiques. She's the author of
T.S.V.P. P.T.O.
several scientific books.
avance nf [for an author] advance (payment)
droits nm pi d'auteur copyright
59.15 Livres de fiction Story books editer {6} vt and vi to publish
lecteur, -trice n publisher's editor
roman nm un roman d'amour/d'aventures a
novel, story
corriger {8} vt [obj: e.g. text, manuscript, paragraph] to
love/an adventure story un roman policier a thriller
edit
histoire nf [simpler, less literary than roman] story
publication nf 1 [making public] publication date de
Raconte-moi une histoire. Tell me a story.
publication publication date 2 [book or magazine ]
conte nm [involves legendary or supernatural beings] story
publication une publication sur la viticulture a book on
conte de fees fairy tale un tres beau livre de contes du
winegrowing
Limousin a beautiful collection of legends from the
imprimeur nm printer
Limousin region.
imprimerie nf printer's Le dernier volume est a
fiction nf fiction La realite depasse la fiction. Truth is
I'imprimerie. The last volume is at the printer's.
stranger than fiction.
personnage nm character
intrigue nf plot
aventure nf adventure roman d'aventures adventure novel 59.20 L'utilisation des livres Using books
lecture nf 1 [process and pastime] reading faire la lecture a
qqn to read aloud to sb Prends de la lecture, tu vas
59.16 Livres relatant la vie de personnes surement attendre chez le medecin. Take something with
existantes Biographies you to read, you'll probably have to wait at the doctor's.
2 [way one reads] reading Une lecture attentive du
biographie nf biography une biographie officielle an contrat aurait du vous alerter sur les risques encourus. If
authorized biography you'd read the contract carefully, you'd have been alerted
biographique adj biographical to the attendant risks.
biographe n biographer niveau nm, pi -x de lecture BrE reading age AmE reading
autobiographic nf autobiography level // a le niveau de lecture d'un enfant de huit ans. He
journal nm (intime), pi -naux (intimes) diary has a reading age of eight.
lire {77} vt and vi to read lire un conte a un enfant to read
a story to a child lire un journallroman to read a
59.17 Livres de reference etautres newspaper/novel
lecteur, -trice n reader Notre magazine est destine a des
Reference books lecteurs jeunes. Our magazine is aimed at a young
readership.
dictionnaire nm dictionary dictionnaire analogique
libraire n bookseller
thesaurus
librairie nf bookshop
encyclopedic nf encyclopedia
album nm 1 [for one's own photographs and of an artist's bibliotheque nf library
bibliothecaire n librarian
published photographs] album 2 [collection] book of
cartoons 3 [book containing a story] cartoon strip book
J'ai trois des albums de Tintin. have three of the Tintin
I
The prix Goncourt
books.
A famous awarded each November to a
literary prize
Goncourt was endowed in 1870 by
fiction writer, the prix
Edmond de Goncourt, one of two novelist brothers. The
actual monetary value of the award is nominal, but the
59.18 La litterature Literature prestige, the press and media coverage, and resulting
litterature nf literature book sales make it one of the most important and
litteraire adj literary faire de la critique litteraire to write profitable events of the French literary year.
literary criticism
prose nf prose
ecriture nf [one's way of expressing oneself in a text] prose
59.21 Papeterie Stationery
style J'aime son ecriture un peu poetique. like her rather I
poetic style of writing. see also 77.1 Bureau
poesie nf 1 [genre] poetry 2 [text] poem Apprenez par carnet nm notebook carnet a spirale spiral-bound
coeur une courte poesie de votre choix. Learn one of your notebook
favourite short poems by heart. bloc-note nm, pi blocs-notes notepad
poetique adj poetic crayon nm (lead) pencil
.
138 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
stylo nm (ballpoint) pen /'evaluation de nos charges. We misjudged the size of our
regie nf ruler regie a calcul slide rule overheads.
equerre nf set square a tort mistakenly On croit, a tort, que les poux ne viennent
gomme nf eraser que sur les cheveux sales. People believe, mistakenly, that
gommer {6} vt to rub out (with an eraser) lice infest only dirty hair.
effacer {7} vt 1 [with an eraser] to rub out 2 [on screen] to par megarde [due to confusion or lack of concentration]
delete by mistake
par inadvertance [through lack of concentration]
Stationery for school inadvertently
At the beginning of an academic year students in French On s'est mal compris. We misunderstood each other.
schools are expected to come equipped with a set of
stationery and other equipment (set square, pair of Locution Idiom
compasses, sheets of plastic for covering schoolbooks, L'erreur est humaine ... To err is human . .
etc), known as fournitures nf pi scolaires i.e. stationery
for school. At primary school each year group is issued by
its teacher with a list of the relevant fournitures for that
60.2 Exact Exact
year's study.
exact, e ad] exact Tu as I'heure exacte? Do you have the
correct time? exactement adv exactly
exactitude nf precision Decrivez avec le plus d'exactitude
60 Correct and wrong possible la disposition des lieux. Please describe the layout
of the place as precisely as possible.
juste, also correct, e ad] correct 345, la reponse est juste
345, the correct answer si mes suppositions la-dessus
it's
60.1 Erreur Making a mistake sont correctes if I'm not mistaken in supposing this
justement adv correctly comme elle le remarque tres
faute nf 1 [at school, when doing a piece of work] mistake
justement as she very correctly points out
Tu as fait deux fautes dans ta dictee. You made two
justesse nf accuracy Elle voit les choses avecjustesse. She
mistakes in your dictation, faute d'orthographe spelling
sees things very clearly.
mistake raufe de frappe typing error faute d'impression
ou se trouve notre
precis, e ad] exact I'endroit precis
typographical error 2 [in tennis] fault double faute double
maison the exact location of our house a I'heure precise
fault
ou le contrat etait signe at the exact moment when the
fautif, -tive ad] 1 [describes: e.g. use, choice] wrong
contract was signed
2 [describes: person] at fault Cest lui qui est fautif. He's
precisement adv exactly
the one who's at fault.
bon, bonne ad] [describes: calculation, sum, result] correct
erreur nf [something wrong in a piece of work, an
pile adv [informal. Used with timings] dead on deux heures
argument. This term is more general than faute] error,
pile BrE dead on two AmE exactly two o'clock
mistake Une erreur s'est glissee dans notre editorial de la
semaine derniere. An error crept into last week's editorial
lis croient renflouer I'economie par les privatisations, c'est
une erreur. They think they're helping the economy by 60.3 Inexact Incorrect
privatizing but they're wrong. II y a erreur. There's a
faux, fausse ad] (before or after the noun) [accidentally
mistake. Tu dis qu'il a les cheveux bruns, il doit y avoir
incorrect. Describes: e.g. calculation, result] wrong Le
erreur sur la personne. You're saying he's got brown hair,
dessin est faux car il omet de representer la porte
we're obviously not talking about the same person, fake
d'entree. The drawing is wrong because it fails to show
erreur to be mistaken
the front door, une fausse note a wrong note un faux
erronne, e ad] [formal. Describes: e.g. reasoning,
numero a wrong number
calculation, spelling] erroneous
incorrect, e adj [describes: e.g. spelling, information]
coquille nf misprint
wrong
erratum nm, pi errata, erratum
incorrectement adv wrongly lis ont epele mon nom
erreur judiciaire miscarriage of justice
incorrectement. They've spelt my name wrongly.
faute nf [in school] mistake une faute d'orthographe a
spelling mistake une faute d'etourderie a careless mistake
The wrong address, number, date, etc
une faute de frappe a typing error
One of the most common ways of indicating that
gaffe nf [error which is liable to offend] blunder
something is wrong, is to use bon, bonne, in a negative
malentendu nm misunderstanding
construction, e.g.:
se tromper {6} v refl 1 [be under an illusion] to be
Ce n' est pas bonne adresse. It's the wrong address.
la
mistaken Je me trompais en croyant que tu me
Ce n'est pas bon jour. It's the wrong day.
le
soutiendrais. was mistaken in thinking you'd support me.
I
Ce n'est pas la bonne taille. That's the wrong size.
De Gaulle ne se trompait pas sur /'Europe. De Gaulle was
Ce n'est pas le bon numero. It's the wrong number,
right about Europe. 2 [fail to apply the rules correctly in
(except when it's a wrong number on the telephone. In
spelling, maths, etc) to get it wrong Tu te trompes, il faut
this case it is more natural to say C'est un faux numero).
rajouter deux zeros. You've got it wrong, you have to add
two zeros. 3 [judge somebody or something to be better
or worse than is the case] to be mistaken Je me suis
Locutions Idioms
trompe sur elle, elle n' est pas capable de gerer un budget.
ll/Elle a tout faux, [from the language of the classroom.
Iwas mistaken about her, she can't manage a budget. Tu
Used when someone has totally misunderstood a
t'es trompe' sur elle, elle est tout a fait de taille a dinger
situation] BrE He's/She's got completely the wrong end of
une equipe You underestimated her, she's well up to
the stick.
leading a team. Nous nous sommes trompes sur
61 Cause and effect
139
se mettre le doigt dans I'ceil (jusqu'a I'os) [very alorsque j'etais absent. She didn't warn me, consequently
wrong assessment of a situation, and
informal. Implies the plumber came when wasn't in.
I
inappropriate way of acting on it] to be barking up the resulter {6} vi resulter de to result from les benefices qui
wrong tree resultent de cette vente the profit resulting from this sale
avoir la langue qui a fourche also avoir la fourche qui // resulte de la reunion d'hier que nous allons prendre le
a langue [humorous] to have made a slip of the tongue projet en sous-traitance. As a consequence of yesterday's
faire un sans faute [informal. By analogy with a school meeting it was decided that we will work as contractors
assignment containing no errors] to perform faultlessly on the project.
consequence nf consequence // risque d'y avoir des
consequences graves. There's a risk of serious
consequences. Cela ne porte pas a consequence. It's of no
61 Cause and effect importance, sans s'occuper des consequences eventuelles
without any regard for the possible consequences
en consequence therefore
61.1 Cause Cause par consequent therefore
consecutivement a [formal] as a consequence of
cause nf cause C'esf I'humidite qui est la cause de cette suite nf [of an affair, of a project, of a disease] sequel une
decoloration du mur. Damp is the cause of the proposition qui n'a pas eu de suites a proposal which was
discoloration on the wall. not taken up a la suite de as a consequence of a la suite
a cause de because of de quoi as a result of which
pour cause de (on notices, for example in shop windows] par suite as a result
due to ferme pour cause de vacances annuelles annual du coup [informal] as a result II s'est dispute avec mon mari
closure et du coup, il ne vient plus nous voir. He quarrelled with
raison nf reason La vraie raison de sa colere c'est qu'il se my husband and as a result he no longer visits us.
sent coupable. The real reason for his anger is his feeling aboutir {19} vi 1 [have a final result, usu good] to come to
of guilt. a conclusion Les negociations ont abouti. The negotiations
en raison de [slightly more formal than a cause de] came to a (positive) conclusion. 2 aboutir a qqch to end
because of En raison de son grand age, il n'a pu assistera Leur politique aboutit a la pauperisation des
finally in
la remise des prix. Because of his great old age, he masses. The ultimate consequence of their policy is the
couldn't attend the award ceremony. impoverishment of the masses. Meme si tu te plains au
maire, tu vas aboutir a quoi? Even if you take a complaint
to the mayor, what do you think the result will be, in the
61.2 Verbes exprimant la cause Verbs of end?
se solder par {6} v refl [have as a final result, usu negative]
cause to end up with EHe a toujours neglige de surveiller les
entrainer {6} vt [be the start of an inevitable process] to coups de telephone de sa fille et ca se solde par une
facture de 2.000 francs She never bothered to check on
bring about L'infection entraine un affaiblissement de
her daughter's telephone calls and she ends up with a
toutes les fonctions vitales. The infection brings about a
weakening of all the vital functions
phone bill for 2,000 francs.
declencher {6} vt [be the starting point of. Usu fast or
instantaneous action] to trigger declencher une operation
militaire to trigger a military operation declencher un
tolle general to provoke a wave of protests
provoquer {6} vt [have as a result, often negative] to cause
C'est ce qui a provoque I'incendie. That's what caused the
fire
amener long period of time between cause
{9} vt [implies a
and effect] to bring in wake un front froid qui nous
its
amene la pluie a cold front bringing rain in its wake
un lien de cause a effet a cause and effect relationship //
y a un lien de cause a effet entre ces deux choses. There's
a cause-and-effect relationship between these two things.
Expressing 'because of
Be careful to distinguish between because of (a good
thing), expressed with grace a, and because of (a bad
thing), expressed with a cause de. For example, C'est
grace a I'imagerie medicale qu'on peut localiser tres
precisement les tumeurs. Thanks to medical imaging, it is
possible to know the exact location of a tumour.
Contrast this with: A cause des orages, les recoltes n'ont
pas donne le rendement prevu. The crops did not yield as
much as expected because of storm damage.
61.3 Resultat Result
resultat nm result obtenir un resultat to achieve a result
comme resultat de mes efforts as a result of my efforts Elle
ne m'avait pas prevenu, resultat, le plombier est venu
Body and health
62.5 Devenir gros To become fat
62 Describing the human grossir {19} vi to put on weight
body engraisser {6} vi humans and
[used pejoratively of
on weight
neutrally of animals] to put
prendre des kilos [informal] to put on weight Tu as pris
62.1 Gros Fat combien de kilos? How much (weight) have you put on?
prendre du ventre [informal] to acquire a middle-age
gros, grosse adj 1 [stresses obesity. Before or after noun] spread
fat un homme gros also un gros homme a fat man 2
[stresses volume] big un gros arbre a tree with a big trunk
gras, grasse adj [with surplus fat, but not necessarily as 62.6 Maigreur Thin
big as gros] fat une petite femme grasse a chubby little
woman maigre adj 1 [not bulky or curvy] thin un gamin maigre a
epais, -paisse adj [lacking grace. Describes e.g. nose, skinny kid quelques maigres arbustes a few scrawny
waist] thick shrubs 2 [not generously served. Describes e.g. meal] :
grosseur nf 1 [neutral term] size une tumeur de la skimpy 3 [watery. Describes: e.g. broth] meagre
grosseur d'une orange a tumour as big as an orange 4 [containing very little or no fat] fat-free
2 [pejorative] fatness maigreur nf [of person only] thinness
corpulent, e adj [both tall and fat] portly
obese adj [excessively fat] obese obese n very overweight Beware of the false friend maigre and 'meagre': un
person regime maigre is not 'a meagre diet' but 'a fat-free diet'.
62.2 Parties du corps grosses Parts of the 62.7 Minceur Terms for thinness:
body which are fat
attractive
corpulence nf 1 [neutral, medical or police term] body
mince adj slim minceur nf slimness
weight de corpulence moyenne of medium build
mincir {19} vi to become slimmer
2 [pejorative] excess weight Sa corpulence le gene pour
svelte adj slender (and graceful) sveltesse n/slenderness
monter les escaliers. He has trouble going upstairs because
fusele, e adj [describes: e.g. fingers, limbs] slim and shapely
he is overweight.
elance, e adj [stresses grace, lightness and height] tall and
embonpoint nm [similar to corpulence 2, but describes
slim
the overall shape] overweight Elle prend de I'embonpoint.
avoir des attaches fines to have a graceful neck, a well-
She's putting on weight.
turned ankle and a slender wrist
bourrelet nm roll of fat
culotte nfde cheval [shape typical of cellulitis at the top
of the thighs] saddlebags
brioche nf [rather affectionate term] pot-belly 62.8 Termes negatifs indiquant la
maigreur Terms for thinness: unflattering
squelettique adj skeleton-like
62.3 Adjectifs affectueux designant la
emacie.e adj emaciated
grosseur Terms for fatness: affectionate eff lanque, e adj [showing the ribcage. Describes: e.g.
person, horse, cat] scrawny
joufflu, e adj chubby-cheeked.
famelique adj [thin and hungry-looking] half-starved
potele, e adj [describes esp babies] chubby
cadavre nm ambulant walking skeleton
rondouillard, e adj [humorous. Describes adults and
grande perche nf also grand echalas nm beanpole
implies small stature] tubby
Elle a le bassin etroit. [always used as a criticism] She
doesn't have child-bearing hips.
62.4 Termes pejoratifs et insultes
designant la grosseur Terms for fatness: 62.9 Maigrir To lose weight
unflattering maigrir {19} w to lose weight
gros lard! also gros-plein-de-soupe! fat slob! regime nm 1 [food taken for medical reasons or in order
mastodonte nm [man or woman. Tall, large and ugly] to slim] diet faire un regime to be on a diet se meftre au
great hulk regime to go on a diet 2 [eating habits] diet avoir un
patapouf nm [male or female child. Clumsy and fat] fatty
regime equilibre to eat a balanced diet
anorexie nf anorexia (nervosa) faire de I'anorexie to be
anorexic
anorexique adj anorexic
62 Describing the human body 141
Locutions Idioms 62.13 Proche du sol Close to the ground
n'avoir que la peau et les os also n'avoir que la peau
sur les os to be all skin and bone accroupi, e adj squatting
plate comme une planche a pain also a repasser [of a s'accroupir {19} v refl to squat (down) // s'est accroupi pour
woman or a woman's chest] flat as a board parler a I'enfant. He squatted down to talk to the child.
se tapir {19} v refl [used of animals only] to crouch Le chat
se tapit, pret a bondir. The cat crouched, ready to pounce.
a genoux [general phrase] on one's knees se mettre a
62.10 Postures Body positions
genoux to get down on one's knees
position nf [way the body and limbs are placed] position agenouille, e adj [in prayer or supplication] kneeling
attitude nf [position expressing one's feelings] bearing Elle s'agenouiller {6} v refl [in prayer or supplication] to kneel
se tenait devant la tombe, dans une attitude a quatre partes on all fours Tout le monde etait a quatre
d'accablement. She stood by the grave, her grief reflected pattes sur le tapis pour I'aider a retrouver son verre de
in her bearing. contact. Everybody was on all fours on the carpet to help
him look for his contact lens.
62.11 Etre ou se mettre debout Standing
up and straightening up 62.14 Postures indinees Bending
positions
debout adv standing Mets-toi debout. Stand up. J'etais
debout derriere elle. Iwas standing behind her. pencher order to take a better look at, or to
{6} vt 1 [in
se lever {9} v refl 1 [from a lying position] to get up listen] to le front to bow one's head 2 [with
bend pencher
2 [from a sitting or kneeling position] to stand up whole body] to lean se pencher par la fenetre to lean out
se redresser {6} v refl 1 [from a reclining to a semi-upright of the window Mettez vos skis a plat et penchez-vous en
position] to sit up // a du mal a se redresser dans son avant. Make sure your skis are flat on the ground, and
fauteuil a cause de son lumbago. He has trouble sitting up lean forward.
in his chair because of his lumbago 2 [sit correctly] to sit incliner {6} vt 1 [as when talking to someone lower in
up straight Redresse-toi, et ne mets pas tes coudes sur la height] incliner le buste to lean over 2 incliner la tete to
table. Sit up straight, and take your elbows off the table. bow one's head
3 [stand correctly] to straighten up s'incliner v refl [to pick up an object, to talk to a child, in
greeting, acceptance] to bow
voute, e adj 1 [careless posture] slouching We te tiens pas
voute, ce n'est pas bon pour ta colonne. Don't slouch, it's
62.12 Postures de repos Resting positions
bad for your spine. 2 (through age or illness] stooping //
assis, e adj sitting (down) parmi les personnes assises au marche un peu voute depuis qu'il a quatre vingts ans. He
premier rang amongst the people sitting in the front row stoops a bit now that he's eighty.
Quand I'hymne a retenti, les gens sont restes assis. When faire une reverence [before royalty, the pope] to curtsey
the anthem sounded, people remained seated. Non, je saluer {6} vi [at the end of a show] to bow
vous en prie, restez assis! Please don't get up! faire des courbettes [pejorative] to bow and scrape
place nf assise 1 [in a vehicle] seat 30 places assises seating
capacity 30 2 [in an auditorium] seat // n'y a plus de places
assises. There is standing room only.
62.15 Anatomie - interne Human body -
s'asseoir {49} v refl 1 [from a standing position] to sit
down Je vous en prie, entrez et asseyez-vous. Please come internal
in and sit down 2 [from lying down] to sit up Elle a du mal
ADN nm [short for acide desoxyribonucleique] DNA
a s'asseoir toute seule. She can't really sit up without help.
artere nf artery avoir les arteres encrassees to have
en tailleur sitting cross-legged
hardened arteries
allonge, e adj 1 [horizontal] lying down Commencez le
articulation nf joint J'ai mal dans les articulations. My
mouvement allonge sur le sol et les genoux replies. Start joints are giving me trouble.
the exercise lying down on the floor with your knees up.
cellule nf cell
2 [in bed] lying down Pendant la sieste, les enfants ne chromosome nm chromosome
dorment pas toujours, mais ils doivent rester allonges. gene nm gene
During their afternoon nap, the children don't always go nm muscles des bras the arm muscles
muscle muscle les
to sleep but they must be lying down. Vers la fin de sa avoir des muscles also du muscle to have strong muscles
maladie, elle passait le plus clair de son temps allongee.
musculaire adj [scientific term] muscle (used as adj) tissu
Towards the end of her illness, she spent most of her time musculaire muscle tissue
lying in bed.
musculeux, -leuse adj [not pejorative. Describes: e.g.
s'allonger {8} v refl to lie down Je vais m'allonger un peu person, body] muscular
cet apres-midi. go and lie down for a while this
nerf nm nerve Le dentiste a touche un nerf. The dentist
I'll
afternoon.
touched a nerve.
nerveux, -veuse adj nervous, nerve (used as adj) systeme
usage nerveux nervous system terminaison nerveuse nerve
ending
Other positions noyau nm cellulaire nucleus
sur le dos on one's back organe nm organ une greffe d'organe an organ transplant
sur le ventre on one's stomach organes reproducteurs reproductive organs
sur le cdte also flanc on one's side os nm inv bone un fragment d'os a splinter of bone avoir
In French, unlike in English, these phrases do not include
les os fragiles to have weak bones
a variable personal pronoun: e.g. Allongez-vous tous sur osseux, -sseuse adj 1 [of the nature of bone] les parties
le dos. Lie on your backs. osseuses du corps the bony parts of the body 2 [skinny]
skinny un grand gaillard osseux a tall skinny fellow
142 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
sang nm blood Tu as une egratignure mais il n'y a pas de Citation Quotation
sang. You've grazed the skin but it's not bleeding. un esprit sain dans un corps sain [expresses the ideal of
donneur de sang blood donor physical and mental fitness. A traditional educational
veine nf vein On voyait les veines du dos de sa main. The precept, sometimes quoted in Latin as: mens sana in
veins stood out on the back of her hand. corpore sano] a healthy mind in a healthy body
62.16 Le squelette The skeleton 62.20 Couleur des cheveux Hair colour
bassin nm pelvis noir, e adj black
cage nf thoracique [in common usage] rib cage roux, rousse adj red-haired
clavicule nf [in common usage] collarbone brun, e adj brown
colonne nf vertebrale [in common usage] spine chatain adj inv light brown, auburn
cdte nf rib blond, e adj blond un enfant blond filasse a flaxen-haired
crane nm skull child
omoplate nf shoulder blade poivre et sel adj inv [usu of beards] BrE salt and pepper
rotule nf kneecap AmE salt and pepper gray
squelette nm skeleton cuivre, e adj [describes: e.g. locks, tint, sheen] auburn
62.17 Organes internes Internal organs 62.21 Geste Gesture
cerveau nm brain see also 62.23 Mouvements du corps
coeur nm heart geste nm 1 [expressing a feeling or conveying a meaning]
diaphragme nm diaphragm gesture De loin, il fit un geste que je ne compris pas. From
estomac nm stomach a distance he waved at me but couldn't understand. D'un
I
foie nm liver geste de la main, il les a fait taire. He silenced them with a
nm pancreas
pancreas movement of his hands. Elle n'a pas eu un geste pour me
poumon nm lung retenir.She made no attempt to stop me from going.
rate nf spleen 2 [movement] move D'un geste malencontreux, il a
rectum nm rectum envoye la cruche se briser sur le sol de la cuisine. In one
rein nm kidney clumsy move, he sent the jug crashing to the kitchen floor.
trachee(-artere) nf [in common usage] trachea Un seul geste etje te descends! One move and you're
vessie nf bladder dead! Pas un geste! Nobody move!
gesticuler {6} vi 1 [to attract attention] to wave one's arms
rein and rognon nm about 2 [because one is agitated] to gesticulate
A kidney has a different name, depending on whether it
is an organ of the human body (rein) or the
corresponding organ in certain animals used as food 62.22 Quelques gestes courants Some
(rognon).
common gestures
amygdale nf tonsil secouer la t§te 1 [for yes] to nod 2 [for no] to shake one's
appendice nm appendix head
intestin nm intestine intestin grele small intestine gros
montrer qqn du doigt to point at sb
intestin large intestine les intestins the bowels faireun bras d'honneur a qqn [very offensive gesture,
involving a clenched fist and the whole of the forearm.
The English phrases that follow have an equivalent
62.18 Le systeme reproducteur The meaning, but are not an exact translation] BrE to show
reproductive system two fingers to sb AmE to give sb the finger
agiter la main [implies greeting or saying goodbye] to
see also 38.2 Avoir un bebe and 64.15 Sexe wave
ovaire nm ovary agiter les bras [implies urgent message] to wave one's
trompe nf de Fallope Fallopian tube arms about
vagin nm vagina
oauf nm egg
sperme nm [fluid] sperm 62.23 /Mouvements du corps Movements
spermatozoide nm [term in common use. Cell] sperm
of the body
see also 63.21 Geste
62.19 Le corps et I'esprit Mind and body bouger {8} vi 1 move J'ai vu quelqu'un
[general term] to
bouger derriere saw someone move behind
les buissons. I
mental, e adj, mpl mentaux mental sant£ mentale mental
the bushes. Que personne ne bouge! Nobody move!
health
2 [pejorative. Move when one should be still] to fidget
mentalement adv mentally
Arr6te de bouger sur ta chaise. Stop fidgeting on your
physique adj physical exercice physique physical exercise
chair.
physiquement adv physically Physiquement il est tres en
se mouvoir (44) v refl [slightly formal. Stresses relationship
forme. He's very fit, physically speaking.
of human movement to the space within which it takes
corps nm body J'ai des frissons dans tout le corps. I feel
place] to move Les acteurs apprennent a se mouvoir sur
shivery all over.
scene. Actors learn to move (about) on stage.
esprit nm
mind, head // faut que je garde I'esprit clair. I
must remain clear-headed.
63 The senses: sight, sound, touch and smell 143
evoluer {6} vi [stresses gracefulness of movement] to move
63.3 Regarder soigneusement To look
around Les nageurs evoluent ensemble a la surface de
I'eau. The swimmers move (around) together on the carefully
surface of the water.
examiner {6} vt [at length, in detail, often for scientific
remuer{6} vi [move feebly) to move Le blesse ne remuait
purposes] to examine
The wounded man had stopped moving.
plus.
examen nm [long and detailed look] examination A
mouvement nm move faire un mouvement to move I'examen, on voit des traces de sang sur les vetements de
la victime. On closer examination, you can find traces of
blood on the victim's clothes.
inspecter {6} vt [suggests systematic look at an object, usu
63 The senses by a person in authority] to check. Fais voir tes mains, que
j'inspecte tes ongles. Let me see your hands so can check
I
your nails, lis ont inspecte mes papiers. They checked my
63.1 Regarder et voir To look and to see papers (one by one).
verifier {6} vt [look for proof that things are done
see also 66.3 Handicaps correctly. Can be quicker than inspecter] to check Vous
regarder {6} vt and vi 1 [purposeful action] to look (at), to avez verifie votre niveau d'huile? Did you check your oil
watch Maman, regarde! Mummy, look! Regarde les level?
couleurs de I'automne, comme elles sont belles! Look at controler {6} vt [similar to verifier. Can be detailed or
the autumn colours, how beautiful they are! Hieron a brief] to check
regarde une video. Yesterday we watched a video. 2 [turn observer [long and carefully, usu for scientific
{6} vt
one's eyes towards. Not necessarily seeing] to look at reasons, through admiration or curiosity] to observe
Pendant que j'etais a son chevet, elle me regardait sans
me voir. While was at her bedside, she was looking at me
I
without really seeing me.
63.4 Regarder de facon deplaisante To
Different ways of looking look unpleasantly
English verbs for different ways of looking are often best
rendered by regarder followed by the appropriate lorgner {6} vt [with sexual desire or greed] to ogle
adverb: e.g. to stare regarder fixement, to peep regarder
reluquer {6} vt [as lorgner, but informal] to leer at
furtivement, to gawp at sb regarder qqn bouche bee.
toiser {6} vt [from head to toe, in a superior manner] to
eye up and down
voir {39} vt and vi to see Venez voir le chateau de sable que
j'ai fait! Come and see the sandcastle Ibuilt! Sans le
vouloir, je les ai vus s'embrasser. I accidentally spotted 63.5 Voir ce qui n''est pas facile a voir
them kissing. Je ne vois plus sans mes lunettes. I can't see
Noticing, glimpsing
without my glasses now.
vue nf eyesight bonne vue to have good eyesight
avoir une decouvrir {27} vt [be the first to see] to discover Viens voir
Ma vue baisse. My eyesight's failing. lenid d'hirondelles que j'ai decouvert sous le toit. Come
vision nf [scientific term] eyesight J'ai des troubles de la and see the swallows' nest which I've discovered under the
vision. I'm having trouble with my eyesight. eaves.
ceil nm, pi yeux eye regarder qqn dans le blanc des yeux to remarquer {6} vt [see a telltale sign, something which is
look someone straight in the eye amiss or something which others want to hide] to notice
Tu as remarque comme il a maigri? Did you notice how
thin he's grown?
63.2 Regarder ou voir vite To glance, to distinguer {6} vt [manage to see things which do not stand
out] to pick out Et avec ces verres-ci, distinguez-vous les
scan lettres de la premiere ligne? And with these glasses on,
can you pick out the letters in the first line?
un coup d'oeil apercevoir {38} vt [see part of, or see from a distance, or
A quick look or glance is un coup d'oeil. Different verbs see for a short while] to catch a glimpse of J'ai aperqu
can be used with this phrase, but the meaning is the Martin hier, maisje n'ai pas eu le temps de lui parler. I
same, e.g., J'ai jete un coup d'oeil dans la piece avant de caught a glimpse of Martin yesterday but didn't have
I
partir. had a quick look around the room before left.
I I
time to speak to him.
Donne un coup soupe pour voir si elle bout.
d'oeil a la entr'apercevoir {38} vt [like apercevoir, but suggests
Have a quick look at the soup to see if it's boiling. Elle a greater distance, shorter time] to catch a (very quick)
jete un coup d'oeil dans ma direction. She glanced at me. glimpse of // y avait tant de monde a /'exposition que j'ai a
peine entr'aperqu 'Les Nympheas'. The exhibition was so
parcourir {33} vt 1 [obj: e.g. page, newspaper] to look crowded that barely managed to catch a glimpse of 'Les
I
through 2 [obj: e.g. contract, draft] to run one's eye over Nympheas'.
feuilleter {1 1} vt [obj: e.g. book, notebook, magazine] to
leaf through
scruter {6} vt [obj: horizon, battlefield] to scan
63.6 Mouvements des paupieres Blinking
balayer {16} vi 1 [subj: computer, eye] to scan 2 [subj:
person] to scrutinize balayer une piecelun jardin du regard and winking
to scan a room/garden
cligner des yeux, also avoir les yeux qui clignent
[involuntary] to blink
faire un din d'oeil [deliberate] to wink
.
144 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
63.7 Vigilance et surveillance Watching surveillant, e n 1 French schools, someone who keeps
[in
order mealtimes and during private study
in corridors, at
and supervising sessions] BrE supervisor AmE monitor 2 [in prison] warder
Periodes de surveillance Periods during which one keeps
3 [in industry] overseer
veilleur nm de nuit night watchman
watch
garde nf 1 [by a soldier] (tour of) guard duty 2 [by a sailor]
watch 3 [in medicine] duty le medecinlpharmacien de
garde the doctor/chemist on duty 4 [after a divorce] 63.10 Instruments pour regarder Things
custody avo/> la garde des enfants to have custody of the with which to look
children
surveillance nf 1 [watching so that nothing goes wrong] lunettes nf pi glasses lunettes de soleil sunglasses lunettes
looking after Qui assure la surveillance des enfants a partir a double foyer bifocals Elle porte des lunettes. She wears
de 16 heures? Who looks after the children from 4 p.m. glasses.
onwards? 2 [at examinations] BrE invigilating AmE verres nm pi, also lentilles nf pi de contact contact
monitoring 3 [by police, detectives] surveillance lenses
jumelles nf pi binoculars
usage loupe nf magnifying glass
garde nmf and garde nf
Do not confuse the masculine/feminine term referring to 63.11 Ce qu'on voit ou ne voitpas Vision,
people and the feminine-only word which means a
period spent keeping watch. visible
spectacle nm [anything to see] sight
vue nf [landscape, things forming a picture, usu in the
distance] view De ma fenetre, j'ai vue sur les montagnes.
63.8 Verbes exprimant differents types From my window, can enjoy a view of the mountains.
I
de vigilance Verbs for different kinds of vision nf [something wonderful, terrible or prophetic to
see, usu in the mind's eye] vision Une ombre qui rode dans
watching
lejardin? Tu as des visions! A shadow lurking in the
faire attention a [general term] to be on the lookout for garden? You must be seeing things!
En relisant, faites attention a I'orthographe. When you visible adj obvious avec une gene visible with obvious
read through again, watch out for spelling mistakes. embarrassment visiblement adv visibly
s'occuper {6} v refl (often + de) [fulfill the needs of, on a invisible adj invisible invisiblement adv invisibly
daily basis] to look after C'est moi qui m'occupe des visibility nf[in a car] visibility La visibility est mauvaise,
enfants/plantes/comptes. I'm the one who looks after the soyez prudents. Visibility is poor, be careful.
children/plants/accounts. a vue d'ceil 1 [measuring with one's eyes, and not with an
surveiller {6} vt 1 [general term. Implies that remedial or instrument] approximately // y avait a vue d'ceil cinq
punitive action isexpected if things go wrong] to keep an metres entre la voiture et le passage pieton. There was a
eye on 2 [at examinations] BrE to invigilate AmE to distance of approximately five metres between the car
monitor and the pedestrian crossing. 2 [as one looks at it] before
veiller {6} vt (followed by a or sur). [Implies a desire to one's very eyes A cette saison, les pois de senteur
protect] to keep an eye on L'oncle veillait aux interets de grandissent a vue d'oeil. At this season, sweet peas grow
ses nieces. The uncle kept an eye on his nieces' interests. before your very eyes.
Promets que tu veilleras bien sur notre petite fille pendant
mon absence. Promise that you'll look after our little girl Locutions Idioms
while I'm away. avoir un ceil de lynx [see physical objects clearly] to have
garder (6) vt 1 [ensure that no harm happens to a eyes like a hawk
property] to look after Pendant leur absence, le jardinier ll/Elle n'a pas les yeux dans sa poche. (has good powers
garde la maison. The gardener looks after the house when of observation. Often implies that one should beware of
they're away. 2 [contrive to retain] to keep Une fois cette the person] You can't put anything past him/her.
somme versee, Us pourront garder la maison. Once they've ll/Ellea I'oeil sur .[keeps checking in order to make
. .
paid that money, they'll be able to keep the house. sure nothing goes wrong] He/she's keeping an eye on . .
3 [retain, voluntarily or not] to keep II a garde tous ses C.a saute aux. also creve les yeux. [describes someone's
cheveux. He's kept a full head of hair. jealousy, ambition, etc] It's plain for all to see.
epier {15} vt [watch inconspicuously. Pejorative] to spy on Tu n'as pas les yeux en face des trous! [informal] You
can't see what's in front of your face!
Locution Idiom
Chacun son metier et les vaches seront bien gardees.
[popular saying encouraging individualistic behaviour] 63.12 Couleurs Colours
Each to his own and all will be well.
rouge adj and nm red rouge sang blood red
jaune adj and nm yellow jaune d'or buttercup yellow
63.9 Les gens qui surveillent People who bleu, e adj blue bleu ciel sky blue bleu roi royal blue 6/eu
marine navy blue bleu nm blue
keep watch vert, e adj green vert pom me bright green vert bouteille
garde n [protecting a palace] guard garde du corps
bottle green vert nm green
bodyguard rose adj and nm pink rose bonbon chocolate-box pink rose
fluo fluorescent pink
garde-malade gardes-malades [looks after the
n, pi
long-term sick in the patient's home] home nurse orange adj and nm orange
gardien, -dienne n 1 [in prison] warden 2 (in park) keeper
63 The senses: sight, sound, touch and smell 145
violet, -lette adj [this colour is more blue than red] purple
violet nm purple
Modifying and combining colours
mauve adj and nm mauve When an adjective of colour has the suffix -atre, it
implies a slightly unpleasant shade of the colour
beige adj and nm beige
mentioned, for example, des traces bleuatres sur la peau
fauve adj tawny
bluish marks on the skin un teint jaunatre a sallow
noir, e adj black noir nm black
bianc, blanche adj white blanc nm white complexion
Colour adjectives can be combined, using a hyphen.
gris, e adj grey gris nm grey
These combinations do not agree with the nouns which
matron adj inv brown
they describe, e.g. des yeux bleu-vert blue-green eyes des
orange, e adj orangey-brown
robes bleu-gris blue-grey dresses.
Brown
The most commonly used adjective for referring to the
colour brown is marron. The adjective brun, e is mostly
63.14 Entendre To hear
used for describing hair, and much more rarely for other
things. So a brown cow is une vache marron and brown see also 66.3 Handicaps
eyes are des yeux marrons. The nouns are used with the entendre {53} vt and vi to hear etre entendu to be heard
same restrictions, thus: Pour peindre les branches, prends On a du mal a se faire entendre quand tous les enfants
du marron. To paint the branches, use brown, and Le sont dans la piece. It's difficult to make oneself heard
brun que tu as remarque bier, c'etait mon frere. The when all the children are in the room.
dark-haired man you noticed yesterday was my brother. ecouter {6} vt [obj: e.g. music, voices, recommendations] to
listen to ecouter aux portes to listen at keyholes
entendre and ecouter
63.13 Decrire les couleurs To describe The verb ecouter always implies an intention to catch
colours the words or sounds, whereas entendre can be
accidental: e.g. Je ne voulais pas vous ecouter tous les
criard, e adj [pejorative. Too bright or contrasted for deux, maisje vous ai quand meme entendus. I didn't
conventional good taste] gaudy intentionally listen to you two, but I nevertheless heard
pale adj [lacking strength of colour] pale what you said.
clair, e adj [used when a contrast with its opposite, dark, is
suggested] light auditeur, -trice n listener
fonce, e adj [used when a contrast with its opposite, light, auditoire nm audience
is suggested] dark ouie nf hearing // a I'ouie tres fine. He has an acute sense
sombre adj [implies gloominess] dark of hearing.
profond, e adj [rich and intense] deep oreille nf1 [in music] good ear for music Je n'ai jamais su
chanter car je n'ai pas d'oreille. never could sing because
I
usage Ihaven't got a good ear for music. 2 [when learning
foreign languages] good ear for languages // a appris
When an adjective like pale, clair, fonce, sombre or I'arabe en le parlant, qa prouve qu'il a une bonne oreille.
profond modifies an adjective of colour, the two He learned Arabic by speaking it, which proves he has a
adjectives together do not agree with the noun which good ear for languages.
they describe. E.g. des chemises bleu pale pale blue a I'oreille in the ear Viens me le dire a I'oreille. Come and
shirts des yeux vert clair light green eyes whisper it in my ear.
dresser I'oreille to prick up one's ears
Locutions Idioms
Locutions Idioms
noir comme de l'encre/du charbon as black as ink/coal qu'il faut pas entendre! [in very informal speech
Ce
blanc comme neige [stresses purity and light] as white as only] The things you hear!
snow
II vaut mieux entendre ca que d'etre sourd! [informal
blanc comme un linge [stresses pallor of face] as white as
and always ironic. Implies that the thing which has just
a sheet
been said is absurd] Well, couldn't have lived without
I
blanc comme un cachet d'aspirine [humorous. Not
that piece of information!
suntanned] white-skinned
ouvrir toutes grandes ses oreilles to listen very carefully
Ca entre par une oreille et ca ressort par I'autre.
usage [informal] It goes in one ear and out the other.
mettre la puce a I'oreille a qqn [give sb a hint that
When an adjective of colour is made more specific by
something is going on which others are trying to keep
the addition of the name of a coloured object, e.g. vert
secret] to enable sb to catch on Ce qui m'a mis la puce a
bouteille, bottle green, they are invariable: e.g. des
I'oreille, c'est quand il a commence a m'eviter dans la rue.
chapeaux vert bouteille bottle green hats.
I began to think something must be going on when he
started avoiding me in the street.
When you use the names of various things or animals to
express the colour which they typically are, e.g. des gants
beurre frais gloves the colour of fresh butter des echarpes
pivoine peony-red scarves des volets sang-de-boeuf^blood-
red shutters, as happens frequently in fashion contexts, the
colour noun (beurre, pivoine, sang) does not agree.
146 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
63.15 Les choses que I'on entend Things tout haut [not in secret] aloud dire tout haut ce que les
autres pensent tout bas to say out loud what others
you hear merely think
bruit nm [neutral to unpleasant. Usu unpleasant when
a haute et intelligible voix [often slightly humorous]
loud and clear
used with le or du] noise La nuit, on entend des bruits
dans la maison. At night you can hear strange sounds in voix de crecelle high-pitched voice
the house, une maison oil il y a du bruit a noisy house
voix de stentor booming voice
son nm [in general usage, also scientific and musical. Usu
neither pleasant nor unpleasant] sound
Locutions Idioms
ton nm 1 [feelings carried by the voice. Usu unpleasant] On ne s'entend pas ici! You can't hear yourself think
tone (of voice). Ne me parte pas sur ce ton! Don't use that
around here!
casser la tete also les oreilles a qqn to give sb a
tone (of voice) with me! 2 [in music] tone demi-ton
semitone headache Tu me casses les oreilles! You're giving me a
vacarme nm [pejorative. Usu caused by people or animals
headache
in large numbers] racket
crever les tympans a qqn to deafen sb
tapage nm [pejorative. Caused by people] racket tapage
nocturne disturbing the peace at night
63.20 Silence Silence
silence nm 1 [fact of there being no noise] silence le
63.16 Bruit Noise silence de la tombe the silence of the grave 2 [interval
see also 14.7 Bruits d' animaux between noises] silence II y a eu un silence, puis il a
bruyant, e adj [describes: e.g. child, airport, engine] noisy repondu. There was a silence, then he answered.
silencieux, -cieuse adj 1 [where there is no noise] quiet
bruyamment adv noisily
assourdissant, e adj deafening Au petit matin, les rues sont enfin silencieuses. In the early
hours, the streets are quiet at last. 2 [not using the voice]
audible adj [describes: e.g. sigh, clock ticking, distant
silent la majorite silencieuse the silent majority rester
sound] audible a peine audible also tout juste audible
silencieux to remain silent
barely perceptible
silencieusement adv silently
en silence 1 (with no noise] silently Le groupe marchait
derriere le corbillard en silence. The group walked behind
63.17 Bruits et choses bruyantes Ways of the hearse in silence. 2 [with little noise] quietly Entrez
making noises deux par deux et en silence! Go in two by two and
quietly!
cloche nfbeW muet, muette adj 1 [unable to speak] dumb 2 [refusing to
come nf de brume fog horn or refraining from speaking] silent 3 [describes: cinema,
sirene nf 1 [in factory, for fire-drill] alarm bell 2 [on police film] silent
car] siren
inaudible adj inaudible
bourn nm bang // a allume I'allumette et ca a fait bourn!
calme adj [describes: e.g. street, village, child, quiet ]
He lit the match and it went bang! calme nm peace and quiet manifester dans le calme to
patatras nm crash ft patatras! la pile de livres est tombee. carry out a peaceful demonstration
The whole pile of books went down with a crash. paix nf [absence of noise and agitation] peace (and quiet)
siff let nm whistle siffler dans un sifflet to blow a whistle
Une fois Tante Clara partie, la paix revint dans la maison.
siff ler {6} vt and vi to whistle
With Aunt Clara gone, peace and quiet returned to the
sonner {6} vt and vi to ring house. He, vous la-bas, la paix! Hey, you over there, shut
sonnerie nf 1 [noise caused by: e.g. alarm bell, telephone] up! // ferait n'importe quoi pour avoir la paix. He'd do
ring(ing) 2 [of door] doorbell 3 [in school] bell
anything for a quiet life. Maintenant, la paix! Quiet now!
se taire {63} v reft 1 [refrain from talking] to be silent Tais-
toi! Be quiet! 2 [refrain from making revelations] to keep
63.18 Amplifier les bruits To make noises quiet (about something)
louder
Utiliser la voix sans bruit Ways of using the voice quietly
haut-parleur nm, pi haut-parleurs 1 [for listening to tout bas [deliberate, through discretion or secretiveness]
music] (loud)speaker 2 [used: e.g. by police] BrE loudhailer very quietly
AmE megaphone entre ses dents [to stop people hearing what you say
baffle nm [in stereophonic equipment] (loud)speaker while making it plain that you're criticizing] under one's
micro nm [informal] mike breath
ampli nm also amplif icateur nm amplifier
amplifier {6} vt to amplify Locutions Idioms
ll/Elle n'a pas desserre les dents. He/she never uttered a
word.
63.19 Utiliser la voix Ways of using the On aurait entendu une mouche voler. You could have
heard a pin drop,
voice a pas de loup (treading) softly
elever la voix [for practical reasons or in anger, or rebuke]
faire des messes basses [pejorative. Whisper
to raise one's voice
conspiratorially] Dites done, vous deux, qu'est<e que e'est
hausser le ton [in anger to raise one's voice (in anger)
]
que ces messes basses? What are you two muttering
a portee de voix within earshot about?
a voix haute also a haute voix [not in one's head or Tu as avale ta langue? Cat got your tongue?
whispering] aloud lire un poeme a voix haute to read a Motus et bouche cousue! [informal and humorous]
poem aloud Mum's the word!
63 The senses: sight, sound, touch and smell 147
63.21 Rendre les choses ou les gens 63.23 Mou Soft
silencieux Silencing people doux, douce adj 1 [pleasant to touch] soft ie mohair est
faire taire qqn 1 [stop a person talking to make sb be
doux au toucher. Mohair is soft to the touch. 2 [even to
]
the touch] smooth doux comme une peau de be" be" smooth
quiet 2 [stop a person making revelations] to shut sb up
as a baby's bottom
baillonner {6} vt [obj: e.g. press, media, newspaper] to gag
ttouffer {6} vt to muffle On entendait des conversations mou, molle adj 1 [lacking firmness] soft Les carottes sont
toutes molles. The carrots have gone soft, un matelas mou
etouffees. You could hear the sound of muffled
a soft mattress 2 [lacking firmness and unpleasant] limp
conversations.
une poignee de main molle a limp handshake
chut interj hush
Citation Quotation
usage
Le silence eternel de ces espaces inf inis m'eff raie.
mou, mol
(Pascal expressing his awe in the face of the unknown
When used before a noun beginning with a vowel or a
universe, in his Pensees, first published in 1670] The eternal
silent mou becomes mol: e.g. un mol oreiller a soft
'h',
silence of these infinite spaces terrifies me.
pillow
ramolli, e adj [more pejorative than mou. No longer fresh]
63.22 Toucher To touch stale and limp une baguette ramollie a stale and limp
baguette
toucher sensation] to feel Touche son
{6} vt 1 [receive a
tendre adj [which can be bitten into easily] tender du
front, tu ne penses pas qu'il a de la fievre? Feel his
boeuf tendre tender beef des petites pousses tendres
forehead, don't you think he's got a temperature?
tender little shoots
2 [deliberate or not. Make contact] to touch Le
philodendron va finir par toucher le plafond. The
adoucisseur nm (d'eau) water softener
philodendron will soon be touching the ceiling.
au toucher to the touch Laisser reposer la pate jusqu'a ce
qu'elle soit ferme au toucher. Allow the pastry to rest 63.24 Pliable Easily bent
until it's firm to the touch.
flexible adj [describes hard materials with some give in
tater {6} vt [deliberate, to determine what the object
them] flexible un retroviseur sur tige flexible a side-view
touched is, or what state it is in] to feel Quand j'achete
mirror on a flexible mount
des poires j'aime les tater pour voir si elles ne sont pas
souple adj (describes: e.g. leather, wrist] supple
trop miires. When buy pears like to feel them to make
I I
sure they're not overripe,
pliable and pliant, e
a tatons [touching things to find one's way] by feel Les
Pliable describes the quality of a substance such as
pompiers avanqaient a tatons, tant la fumee etait epaisse.
plastic, whereas pliant, e refers to objects which are
The firefighters had to feel their way forward, so thick
collapsible and may be folded, such as a stool or a baby
was the smoke.
buggy.
palper {6} vt [same meaning as tater, but used in medical
contexts] to palpate
effleurer {6} vt [lightly touch the surface of] to touch
lightly upon effleurer une page avec un pinceau to touch 63.25 Rigide Hard
a page with a paintbrush
lightly
manier {6} vt [hold and use. Obj esp hand-held mechanical dur, e ady 1 [solid. Used appreciatively or pejoratively] hard
object or tool] to handle un aspirateur facile a manier an Le beurre est trop dur pour faire des tartines. The butter is
easy-to-handle vacuum cleaner too hard to spread on the bread, un muscle bien dur a
manipuler {6} vt [use all the moving parts of. Obj: complex nice hard muscle 2 [pejorative. Describes: e.g. meat,
mechanical object] to handle Je n'arrive pas a manipuler bread] tough
cette poussette. I can't steer this pushchair. ferme ady [said appreciatively of an object which doesn't
have too much give] firm des seins fermes firm breasts
Toucher a ffectueusement To touch with affection
caresser {6} vt [gentle, loving. Obj: e.g. child, lover, animal] Locution Idiom
to fondle dur comme du bois also comme la pierre as hard as a
flatter {6} vt [used with animals only, except for idiom rock
below] to stroke
tripoter {6} vt [pejorative. Implies unwelcome sexual touch]
to paw Arretez de me tripoter! Stop pawing me! 63.26 Qui ne plie pas Unbending
chatouiller {6} vtto tickle
rigide adj [which cannot bend. Often describes character
Locution Idiom trait] fixed miroir monte sur tige rigide mirror mounted
flatter qqn dans le sens du poil [informal] to butter sb on a fixed stem un esprit rigide an unbending cast of mind
up raide ady [with no movement in the joints] stiff Apres
I'accident, j'ai longtemps garde le genou raide. For a long
Toucher avec vigueur To touch with some force time after the accident my knee stayed stiff.
appuyer {17} vi (+ sur) [apply pressure, usu to trigger a
mechanism] appuyer sur to press appuyer sur /'interphone Citation Quotation
to press the intercom button appuyer sur une pedale de Je plie mais ne romps pas. [in the fable by La Fontaine
piano to press down a piano pedal entitled Le chene et le roseau, 'The Oak and the Reed', this
is the reed's proud claim to being a survivor, owing to its
masser {6} vt [obj: e.g. person, thigh, neck) to massage
petrir {19} vt [obj: e.g. putty, dough] to knead talent for adapting to situations, whereas the oak is
unbending and is blown down in a gale] bend but don't
I I
break.
148 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
63.27 Rugueux Rough to the touch parvenaient jusque dans nos chambres. The smell of the
jasmines wafted up from the garden into our bedrooms.
rugueux, -gueuse adj [with wrinkles on its surface] rough miasme nm [bad smell, usu of decomposing matter] stench
to the touch L'ecorce du vieil arbre est rugueuse. The bark
of the old tree is rough to the touch, Locutions Idioms
rapeux, -peuse adj [less uneven than rugueux] slightly C^a ne sent pas la rose also violette! [euphemism for a
rough to the touch La langue du chat est rapeuse. The bad smell] It smells a bit strong!
cat's tongue is slightly rough to the touch. L'argent n'a pas dj'odeur. [money acquired disreputably
grassier, -ssiere adj [lacking refinement] coarse une is as good as any] Money is money, no matter where it
etoffe grossiere a coarse weave comes from.
irregulier, -Mere adj [which does not have a straight
surface or edge] uneven Attention, le sol est irregulier\
Watch out, the ground is uneven!
grumeleux, -leuse adj [describes: e.g.: sauce] lumpy 64 Anatomy and
bossele, e adj [describes: e.g. pillow, hat] lumpy
crante, e adj [describes: e.g. blade, edge] serrated physiology
63.28 Lisse Smooth 64.1 Anatomie - externe Anatomy
lisse adj [pleasant to the touch or the eye. Describes esp external
skin, leather, water surface] smooth aile nf du nez also narine nf nostril
uni, e adj [describes esp liquid surfaces] smooth aisselle nf armpit
plat, e adj [in geometry, also common usage] flat
barfoe nf beard
plan, e adj [in geometry only] flat
bouche nf mouth
bras nm arm
cheveu nm, pi -x hair mes cheveux my hair
63.29 Lisser To make smooth cheville nf ankle
cil nm eyelash
lisser {6} vt to smooth out
cou nm neck
aplatir {19} vt [by pressing down. Obj: esp creased or
cou-de-pied nm, pi cous-de-pied instep
rough-surfaced objects] to flatten out
coude nm elbow
aplanir {19} vt 1 [obj: e.g. rough plank] to plane flat . . .
cuisse nf thigh
2 [obj: e.g. uneven ground] to level out
doigt nm finger
dos nm back
epaule nf shoulder
63.30 Odeurs Smells fesse nf buttock
front nm forehead
odeur nf [general term] smell one odeur de caramel a
genou nm, pi -x knee
smell of caramel une bonne odeur a nice smell une
globe nm oculaire eyeball
mauvaise odeur a bad smell
gorge nf throat
odorat nm sense of smell J'ai un bon odorat. I have a good
hanche nf hip
sense of smell.
jambe nf leg
sentir {25} 1 vt to smell Je sens une odeur de brule. smell I
joue nf cheek
something burning. La piece sent le renferme. The room
levre nf lip
smells musty. 2 vi [pejorative and informal] to smell <^a
lobe nm (de I'oreille) earlobe
sent dans le panier du chat! The cat's basket smells.
machoire nf jaw
puer {6} 1 vt [informal] to stink fa pue les chaussettes sales.
main nf hand
It stinks of dirty socks. 2 vi [informal] to stink
mamelon nm nipple
puanteur nf stink
menton nm chin
avoir du nez 1 [subj: person] to have a good sense of smell
moustache nf moustache
2 [subj: wine] to have a good nose
nez nm nose
flairer {6} vt [smell by putting one's nose close to the
nombril nm navel
object. Subj: esp dogs] to sniff
nuque nf back of the neck
humer {6} vt [smell with relish or professional interest] to
nm, pi yeux eye
ceil
sniff Un connaisseur hume le vin longuement dans le verre
ongle nm fingernail
avant de le gouter. Connoisseurs spend a long time
ongle nm de pied toenail
sniffing the wine in their glass before they taste it.
oreille nf ear
renifler {6} vt and vi [noisily, because of crying, or in order
orteilnm toe
to detect a smell] to sniff
parties nf pi genrtales genitals
paume nf (de la main) palm
paupiere nf eyelid
63.31 Types d'odeurs Types of smell penis nm penis
pied nm foot
parfum nm [sold in bottles or coming off a flower]
plante nf du pied sole
perfume
ar&me nm [pleasant smell of flower, cheese, wine,
poignet nm wrist
casserole] smell
poilnm pi (pubien) (pubic) hair
poing nm fist
eff luve nf [good or bad smell coming from a place slightly
poi trine nf chest
distant] smell Les effluves des jasmins du jardin
pouce nm thumb
pupille nf pupil
sein nm breast
64 Anatomy and physiology 149
sourcil nm eyebrow aspirer{6} vt [when smoking] to inhale
taille nf waist haleine nf breath
talon nm heel
testicule nm testicle Respiration forte ou difficile Breathing forcefully or with
tete nf head effort
tibia nm shin haleter {12} vi [short shallow breaths, caused by, e.g. heat]
ventre nm stomach to pant
visage nm face siff ler {6} vi to wheeze
vulve nf vulva souffler {6} vi [breathe
noisily, because of, e.g. illness,
effort] topant souffler comme un phoque to pant heavily
sihouette nf [shape of body, esp in terms of attractiveness] etre a bout de souffle [breathless and exhausted] to be
figure Retrouvez la silhouette de vos vingtans. Get back out of breath
the figure you had at twenty. avoir le souffle court also I'haleine courte [audibly
carrure nf [body in terms of size and strength and breadth breathless. Could be due to illness] to be short of breath
of shoulders, esp man's] build irrespirable adj 1 [polluted. Describes: esp city air, air in
gabarit nm [body size and bulk. Not pejorative] build Son heatwave] unbreathable 2 [unpleasant. Describes: esp
frere, c'est un grand gabarit. His brother is of a large ambience] oppressive le suis arrivee en pleine scene de
build. menage, fair etait irrespirable. arrived just as they were
I
membre nm limb in the middle of a domestic row, you could have cut the
traits nm pi features de traits fins delicate features atmosphere with a knife.
sourcil nm and arcade nf sourciliere
Whilst sourcil refers specifically to the eyebrow and
hairs,
64.5 Bonne memoire Good memory
the eyebrows themselves, the phrase arcade sourciliere is
used in everyday language to refer to the flesh and bone Mauvaise memoire
see also 64.6
behind the eyebrow, the arch on which the eyebrow memoire nf [capacity for remembering] memory avoir
hairs grow. Thus if someone is injured on that part of the bonne memoire to have a good memory Quelle est la
face it could be said, e.g. II s'est ouvert I'arcade capacite de memoire de ton nouvel ordinateur? What size
sourciliere. He's cut his eyebrow. memory does your new computer have?
se souvenir {23} v refl (+ de) to remember Je me souviens
de leur mariage. remember their marriage, se souvenir
I
de qqch comme si c'etait bier to remember something as if
64.2 A I'interieur de la bouche Inside the it was yesterday
mouth souvenir nm 1 [thought about a past experience] memory
J'ai un souvenir de mon pere, jeune, au volant de notre
see also 65.4 Dentiste toute premiere voiture. have a memory of my father as a
I
langue nf tongue young man at the wheel of our very first car. 2 [object]
gencive nf gum souvenir acheter des souvenirs en vacances to buy
salive nf saliva souvenirs while on holiday
rappeler vt 1 (+ a) jog the the memory of) to remind
{1 1} [
Peux-tu me
rappeler I'adresse de Julia? Could you remind
64.3 La peau Skin me of Julia's address? Je lui ai rappele la date de notre
rendez-vous. reminded her of the date of our
I
peau nf, pi -x skin appointment. Rappelle a Lisa qu'elle doit payer sa
teint nm complexion cotisation. Remind Lisa that she has to pay her
grain nm de beaute beauty spot subscription. 2 [bring to mind] to be evocative of un
tache nf de vin strawberry birthmark paysage qui rappelle la Toscane a landscape that is
pore nm pore reminiscent of Tuscany. Elle me rappelle sa mere. She
sueur nf, also transpiration nf sweat etre en sueurto be reminds me of her mother.
sweating se rappeler v refl to remember Tu te rappelles la semaine
suer {6} vi to sweat que nous avons passee a Verone? Do you remember the
bouton nm pimple week we spent in Verona?
point nm noir blackhead
bleu nm bruise usage
The difference between se souvenir and se rappeler
64.4 Respiration Breathing The meaning of these two verbs is the same, but the
difference is in the construction. Se souvenir is followed
respiration nf breathing reprendre sa respiration to catch by de whereas se rappeler is followed by a direct object.
one's breath retenirsa respiration also son souffle to hold Using se rappeler
one's breath When reminding someone of a fact, it is possible to use
respirer {6} vt and vi 1 [physiological process] to breathe either rappeler a quelqu'un and direct object, as in the
(in and out) Une fois sorti de la ville, enfin, on respire! examples above, or rappeler a qqn que, e.g.. La veille de
Once you get out of the city, you can breathe freely at la reunion, telephonez a ma secretaire et rappelez-lui
last! 2 [sign of relief] to breathe again Le locataire est que vous serez present. Ring my secretary the day before
enfin parti, on respire! The tenant has moved out at last, the meeting and remind her that you'll be attending.
phew, what a relief! When reminding someone of something they have to
inspirer {6} vt and vi to breathe in Inspirez , expirez! . . .
do, the French structure is something like, e.g., Je te
Breathe in and out!
. . .
rappelle que tu dois reserver les billets pour demain.
expirer {6} 1 vt and vi. [in sport] to breathe out 2 vi [When May remind you that you have to book the tickets
I
for
dying] to expire tomorrow? Rappelle-moi qu'il faut que je verifie le
niveau d'huile. Remind me to check the oil.
150 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Ca me revient. It's coming back to me. was damaged and
ringers' hearing therefore that nothing
se rememorer {6} v refl [formal. Obj: esp event from the couldwake them when they slept] to sleep like a top
distant past, historical fact] to remember Le marchand de sable est passe, [to children] The
sandman's coming.
Locution Idiom faire la grasse matinee to sleep in
ll/elle a une memoire d'elephant. He/she never forgets a ll/Elle ne tient plus debout. He/She is fit to drop.
thing.
64.9 Manifestations du sommeil
64.6 Mauvaise memoire Poor memory Behaviour associated with sleep
see also 64.5 Bonne memoire ronf ler {6} vi to snore
avoir mauvaise memoire to have a poor memory rever {6} vi (often + de) to dream J'ai reve de to/. I dreamt
oublier {15} vt 1 [obj: e.g. fact, idea, date, lover] to forget
about you. J'ai reve que je volais. dreamt was I I flying.
Je ne t'oublierai jamais. I'll never forget you. 2 [obj: e.g.
reve nm dream faire un reve to dream
book, gloves, key] to leave (behind) N'oublie pas tes yawn
bailler {6} vi to
affaires. Don't forget to pick up your things.
etre a moitie endormi to be half asleep
oubli nm 1 [fact of not remembering] forgetfulness un
s'etirer {6} v refl to stretch
auteur tombe dans I'oubli a now forgotten author
sieste nf afternoon nap faire la sieste to have an afternoon
2 [instance of forgetfulness] omission Je n'avais pas nap
I'intention de le snober, si son nom n'est pas sur la liste
c'est un simple oubli. didn't mean to snub him, it was
I
only through an omission that his name was left off the
list.
64.10 Fatigue Tiredness
oublieux, -lieuse adj [rather formal] forgetful fatigue nf tiredness La fatigue le gagne. He's getting tired.
distrait, e adj absent-minded
fatigue, e adj tired
amnesique adj amnesic amnesique n person who suffers f atigant, e adj tiring
from amnesia fatiguer {6} vtto tire Ne fatigue pas ta grand-mere, elle
oubliettes nf pi [an underground or secret prison in a n'est pas bien. Don't tire your grandmother, she's not
castle, etc] dungeon Finalement, le projet est tombe aux
well.
oubliettes. In the end, the project was buried.
se fatiguer v refl to get tired Je me fatigue vite depuis ma
grippe. Since I had the flu,get tired quickly.
I
Locutions Idioms epuisement nm [being drained of physical or mental
(a m'est sorti de I'esprit. It just went out of my mind. resources] exhaustion
avoir la tete comme une passoire to have a mind like a epuise, e adj exhausted
sieve
epuisant, e adj exhausting
Stre tete en I'air [affectionate criticism] to be a
epuiser {6} vtto exhaust
scatterbrain
s'epuiser v refl to become exhausted
loin des yeux, loin du coeur out of sight, out of mind claque, e adj [informal. Physically very tired] shattered
etre dans la lune to be in a dream (world) creve, e adj [very informal. Often used as an exaggeration
avoir un mot sur le bout de la langue to have a word
for tired] BrE knackered AmE bushed
on the tip of one's tongue
le nom/mot m'echappe can't remember the name/word
I
64.11 Sommeil trouble Disturbed sleep
64.7 Sommeil Sleep cauchemar nm nightmare faire un cauchemar to have a
nightmare
sommeil nm 1 [state of not being awake] sleep J'ai le
somnambulisme nm sleepwalking
sommeil lourd/leger. I'm a heavy/light sleeper. 2 [feeling
insomnie nf insomnia
of drowsiness] sleepiness avoir sommeil to feel sleepy
nuit nf blanche sleepless night passer une nuit blanche to
dormir {32} vi to sleep J'ai bien dormi. slept soundly. // a
I
have a sleepless night
mal dormi la nuit derniere. He didn't sleep well last night.
avoir envie de dormir to feel sleepy
dodo nm [baby language] bye-byes Fais dodo. Go to bye-
byes.
64.12 Apres le sommeil After sleep
reveiller {6} vt to wake Ne reveille pas le bebe. Don't wake
the baby, etre bien reveille to be wide awake etre mal
64.8 S'endormirlo fall asleep reveille (e) to be half awake
se reveiller v refl to wake up A quelle heure esf-ce que tu
endormir {32} vt [cause to become drowsy] to send to
te reveilles d'habitude? What time do you normally wake
sleep endormir un enfant en le ber^ant to rock a child to
up?
sleep. Faire mes comptes, ca m'endort. I fall asleep when I
s'eveiller {6} v refl [more literary than se reveiller] to
do my accounts. wake up La reine venait de s'eveiller lorsque des gardes
s'endormir v refl to fall asleep Elle s'est endormie She fell
firent irruption dans sa chambre. The queen had just
asleep.
woken up when guards burst into her bedroom.
endormi, e adj asleep
Locutions Idioms
Locutions Idioms
II ne faut pas reveiller le chat qui dort. Let sleeping
dormir comme un loir [loir, a dormouse is commonly
dogs lie.
thought of as a very sleepy animal] to sleep like a top
faireun bruit a reveiller les morts to make a noise loud
dormir comme un sonneur [The comparison with a
enough to wake the dead
sonneur, a bell-ringer, is based on the belief that bell-
64 Anatomy and physiology 151
64.13 Repos et detente Rest and 64.15 Sexe Sex
relaxation sexe nm 1 [gender) sex Les patients des deux sexes
attendent dans la meme salle d'attente. Both sexes use
see also 81.1 Loisirs
the same waiting room. 2 [organ] sex 3 [sexual activity in
repos nm [lack or lessening of activities] rest Le chirurgien
a unweekend de repos sur trois. The surgeon has one general] sex A cet age-la, Us commencent a s'interesser au
sexe. At that age they start getting interested in sex.
weekend off in three.
relaxation nf 1 [any activity which one doesn't associate
sexuel, -xuelle adj 1 [to do with gender] sexual la
differentiation sexuelle chez les oiseaux sexual
with worries. More physical than detente] relaxing
differentiation in birds 2 [to do with sex life] sexual le
activity Tricoter me sert de relaxation. I find knitting
harcelement sexuel sexual harassment sexuellement adv
relaxing. 2 [technique for relaxing] relaxation Elle fait du
sexually
tai chi pour apprendre la relaxation. She does tai chi to
learn relaxation.
se relaxer {6} v refl to relax
se reposer {6} v refl [more physical than se detendre] to 64.16 Sexy Sexy
rest se reposer un peu to have a little rest Je me suis bien
sexy adj inv [Describes: e.g. clothes, smile, person] sexy
repose. had a proper rest.
I
erotique adj [sexually arousing but respectable. Describes:
detente nf [physical and mental state] relaxing II a besoin
e.g. pose, literature, painting] erotic
de detente. He needs to relax.
pornographique adj [pejorative] pornographic
se detendre {53} v refl [physical and mental] to relax Le
porno adj and nm [slang. Same meaning as
soir j'aime bien me detendre en regardant la television. In
pornographique] porn
the evening like to relax in front of the television.
I
cochon, -chonne adj [informal. Pejorative and sometimes
decompresser {6} vi [get rid of pressure] to unwind Quand
humorous. Describes: e.g. language, picture, scene] smutty
je vais a campagne, je decompresse.
la When go I to the
countryside, unwind.I
64.17 Rapports sexuels Sexual intercourse
64.14 Moment de repos Time for resting rapports nm pi (sexuels also intimes) [slightly formal.
Used in e.g. doctor-patient dialogue] sexual intercourse
pause nf [short, between two daytime activities] break
Quand avez-vous eu des rapports pour la derniere fois?
faire une pause to (have a) break On fait une pause pour
When did you last have sexual intercourse?
le dejeuner? Shall we break for lunch?
arte nm sexuel [same usage and meaning as rapports,
pause-cafe nf, pi pauses-cafe coffee break
but more restricted to penetration] sexual act
halte nf [stopping, usu in the middle of shopping or on a
vierge adj [applies to both sexes] virgin ll/Elle etait encore
trip] break faire une halte to (have a) break Nous avons
vierge. He/She was still a virgin, vierge nf [female only]
fait une halte au salon de the de la rue principale. We
virgin
stopped for a break at the tea-rooms in the main street.
pucelle nf [old-fashioned term for female virgin] virgin
halte-garderie nf, pi haltes-garderies [where parents can
puceau nm, pi -x [old-fashioned term for male virgin]
drop children off for usu a maximum of two hours while
virgin
they go shopping] BrE creche
virginite nf [neutral term] virginity
recreation nf [at school] break Les enfants ont deux
recreations chaque jour, une le matin et une I'apres-midi.
Common euphemisms which retain some power to shock
The children have a morning break and an afternoon
faire I'amour to make love faire I'amour avec qqn to
break every day.
make love with sb faire I'amour a qqn to make love to
distraction nf 1 [something to do which allows one to
sb
forget a worry for the time being] break Laisse tes
coucher {6} vi to sleep coucher avec qqn to sleep with sb
revisions et va m'acheter du pain, ca te fera une
ont couche ensemble. They have slept together.
lis
distraction. Put your revision work on one side and go and
baiser {6} vi [slang but very commonly used] to screw
buy some bread for me, that'll be a break for you.
sauter {6} vt [slang. Implies that the man takes the initia-
2 [permanent] pastime La lecture est sa plus grande
tive. Disrespectful to women] to lay
distraction. Her main pastime is reading.
copuler {6} vi also s'accoupler {6} v refl [often used of
conge nm [rest from work] time off Le medecin m'a donne
animals. Very pejorative when referring to people] to
un conge (de maladie) de trois jours. The doctor said I
copulate
must take three days off work. Pour Paques, on a deux
forniquer {6} vi [religious overtones. Very pejorative] to
jours de conge. We have two days off work for Easter.
fornicate
conge sabbatique sabbatical leave
se reproduire {82} v refl [biological term. Subj: humans,
arreter {6} vt informal. Subj: e.g. doctor] to give time off
[
animals] to breed
work to Le docteur m'a arretee pendant une semaine. The
procreer {6} vt [slightly formal term, used in sociological
doctor gave me a week off work.
contexts] to procreate L'humanite est animee par le
desir de procreer. Mankind is motivated by the desire to
Vacances Holidays
procreate.
vacances nf pi holiday(s ) etre en vacances BrE to be on
holiday AmE to be on vacation partir en vacances to go on
holiday Ou as-tu passe tes vacances? Where did you spend
your holidays? Vous avez passe de bonnes vacances? Did
you have a good holiday?
conges nm pi [holiday entitlement] (paid) holidays Tu as
combien de conges dans ton nouveau poste? How much
holiday do you get in your new job?
vacancier, -ciere n BrE holidaymaker AmE vacationer
152 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
64.18 Pendant facte sexuel During the homosexuel, -xuelle adj and n homosexual les
homosexuels masculins male homosexuals une
sexual act homosexuelle a female homosexual
prelude nm, also preliminaires nm pi foreplay gay adj and n gay chez les gays among gays
ejaculer {6} vt to ejaculate
orgasme nm orgasm avoir un orgasme to have an orgasm These terms have shortened forms which mean the same
jusqu'a I'orgasme to orgasm as their respective longer counterparts, but belong to a
jouir {19} vi [in erotic or pornographic contexts] to come much more relaxed register of (mainly) spoken French.
erection nf [neutral term, used e.g. in doctor-patient They are: hetero and homo. Homo is often used
dialogue] erection pejoratively.
bander {6} vi [slang. Have an erection] to have a hard-on
Pejorative terms for sexual orientation
pederaste nm [same as homosexuel, with no
64.19 Crimes de sexe Crimes involving sex implication of using children as sex objects] (male)
homosexual
violnm rape violer {6} vtto rape pede nm [slang. Often used pejoratively] homo
abus nm sexuel sexual abuse victime d'abus sexuel victim lesbienne nf [often used pejoratively] lesbian
of sexual abuse
abuser de qqn to abuse sb sexually
inceste nm incest commettre un incest to commit incest
incestueux, -tueuse adj incestuous
65 Health professions
64.20 Prostitution Prostitution
65.1 Medecin generaliste General
prostituee nf (female) prostitute
practitioner
prostitue nm (male) prostitute
putain nf, also pute nf [very common slang. Also used as see also 68.1 Traitements et medicaments, 66.1
term of abuse] whore Maladies et blessures
bordel nm brothel le quartier des bordels also des medecin nm doctor medecin generaliste also medecin de
prostituees the red-light district medecine generate general practitioner
faire le trottoir [commonly used slang] BrE to be on the docteur nm doctor
game AmE to walk the streets doctoresse nf (woman) doctor
passe nf [slang] trick E He fait 20 passes en une heure. She generaliste n [slightly informal] GP
can turn 20 tricks in an hour. medecine nf generate general practice
usage
64.21 Contraception et mesures anti-
docteur, medecin doctoresse
infectieuses Contraception
1 Refer to the doctor as le medecin but address him or
1
contraceptif, -tive adj [describes: e.g. device, method, her as 'docteur For example: Le medecin est venu, et
.
drug] contraceptive contraceptif nm contraceptive device elle a ordonne des antibiotiques. The doctor came and
moyen nm anti-conceptionnel contraceptive method she prescribed antibiotics. Vous allez lui faire une
contraception nf 1 [techniques in general] contraception piqure, docteur? Will you give him an injection, doctor?
La contraception s'est mieux developpee dans certains 2 When using the doctor's full title and name, always
pays que dans d'autres. Contraception proved more add the definite article: Je suis alle voir le docteur
successful in some countries than in others. 2 [an Hirsch. went to see Dr Hirsch.
I
individual's method. Used in doctor-patient dialogue] 3 The term doctoresse is often felt to diminish the
contraceptive method Quelle methods de contraception prestige of the person referred to. It is safer to use le
pratiquez-vous? Which method of contraception do you medecin, even for women, as in the example above. If
use? you need to stress the fact that she is a woman, say
contrdle nm des naissances [sociological term] birth e.g.: Au village, nous avons une femme medecin. In the
control village we have a woman doctor.
diaphragme nm diaphragm
pilule nf (contraceptive) (contraceptive) pill prendre la
examen nm [done by the doctor] (medical) examination
1
commencer a prendre lab] test faire faire des examens
2 [involving a
pilule to be on the pill la pilule to
go on the pill complementaires to have further tests done
preservatif nm condom mettre un preservatif to wear a cabinet nm (medical) (doctor's) BrE surgery AmE office
condom cabinet collectif group practice
medical, e adj, mpl -caux medical
consultation nf visit (to the doctor) heures de consultation
surgery hours
64.22 Preferences sexuelles Sexual consulter {6} vt [obj: e.g. doctor, specialist. Slightly formal]
orientation to consult ites-vous alle consulter? Did you consult a
doctor?
The four terms listed below are neutral and can be
first analyse nf (pathology) test une analyse de sang/d'urine a
used without giving offence blood/urine test
heterosexuel, -xuelle adj and n heterosexual ordonnance nf prescription Je vais vous faire une
bisexuel, -xuelle adj and n bisexual ordonnance. I'll write you a prescription Ces medicaments
ne sont delivres que sur ordonnance. You can only get
these drugs on prescription.
66 Being well and being ill
153
plaque nf (dentaire) plaque
In the French National Health Service, the patient may
couronne nf crown
decide to go straight to a specialist without being
roulette nf drill
referred by the GP. Whether consulting a generalist or a
plombage nm filling
specialist the patient has to pay a fee to the doctor, after
appareil nm brace Elle a un appareil. She wears braces.
which the patient may reclaim part of the sum by filling
in the appropriate form, or feuille de soins, handed
out by the doctor. A medical practitioner who works
within the National Health system is un medecin
conventionne, i.e. he/she has signed a convention
66 Being well and being
(agreement) with the French state, which regulates the jll
fees that can be charged.
66.1 Maladies et blessures Diseases and
65.2 Hopital Hospital injuries
hopital nm, p/-taux hospital maladie nf 1 [medical condition] disease petite maladie
clinique nf [smaller than hopital, usu private] clinic minor complaint maladie sexuellement transmissible
maternite nf maternity hospital sexually transmitted disease 2 [period in which one is ill]
illness pendant sa maladie during her illness
usage malade n sick person mon malade my patient (une)
malade imaginaire a hypochondriac malade adj
maternite and hopital [describes: person animal] ill
Although the maternity wards may be located inside a etre malade 1 ill 2 [euphemism for to
[general] to be
hospital, the term maternite is always used, not vomit] to be sick
hopital, which tends to be associated with illness: e.g. blessure nf 1 [being hurt] injury // n'a eu que des blessures.
quand je suis allee a la maternite pour avoir rnon fils He was only injured. 2 [place on the body where damage
when went to hospital to have my son.
I
has occurred] wound une blessure a la tete a head wound
blesser {6} vt to hurt Sa chaussure la blesse au pied. Her
centre nm hospitalier [suggests large, modern] hospital shoe hurts her foot.
centre hospitalier universitaire teaching hospital centre
allergie nf allergy avoir une allergie au lait de vache to be
hospitalier specialise psychiatric hospital
allergic to cow's milk
service nm
department dans le service du Dr Meriel in Dr allergique adj 1 [medical usage] allergic allergique au
Meriel's department le service des Urgences BrE the pollen allergic to pollen 2 [informal metaphor] allergic Je
Casualty department AmE emergency room
suis allergique aux jeux televises. I'm allergic to television
salle nf ward
games.
ambulance nf ambulance epidemie nf epidemic une epidemie de cholera a cholera
ambulancier, -ciere n paramedic epidemic
infirmiere nf nurse
crise nf attack crise cardiaque heart attack crise d'asthme
inf irmier nm (male) nurse
attack of asthma // a eu une crise de nerfs. He had a fit of
specialiste n 1[doctor with medical specialization] hysterics. Tu vas avoir une crise de foie. You'll upset your
specialist 2 [senior doctor] consultant digestion.
attaque nf 1 [cerebral] stroke Elle a eu une attaque. She
had a stroke. 2 (often + de). Slightly less commonly used
65.3 Chirurgie Surgery than crise] fit une attaque d'epilepsie an epileptic fit
chirurgien, -gienne n surgeon
chirurgie nf surgery chirurgie esthetique plastic surgery
operer {10} vt [obj: e.g. patient, growth, limb] to operate 66.2 Quelques problemes de sante Some
on ailments
operation nf operation faire une operation to operate
intervention nf [slightly more formal than operation] rhume nm cold avoir un rhume to have a cold
operation Vous allez avoir besoin d'une petite grippe nf flu avoir la grippe to have the flu
intervention. You are going to need a minor operation. angine nf throat infection
bloc nm operatoire BrE operating theatre AmE operating migraine nf migraine
room brulures nf pi d'estomac heartburn
sous under the (surgeon's) knife
le bistouri [informal]
etre, also se sentir barbouille to feel sick
sur Hard [informal] on the (operating) table
le bi
ampoule nf, also cloque nf blister
anesthesie nf anaesthetic sous anesthesie localelgenerale verrue nf wart
under local/general anaesthetic panaris nm, also mal nm blanc whitlow
toux nf cough
tousser {6} vi to cough
vomir {2} vt and vi to vomit
65.4 Dentiste Dentist rendre {53} vi [more informal than vomir] to be sick
chirurgien-dentiste nm, pi chirurgiens-dentistes dental
surgeon
dent nf tooth dent de lait baby tooth dent de sagesse 66.3 Handicaps Disabilities
wisdom tooth J'ai mal aux dents. have toothache.
I
dentier nm set of false teeth handicap nm disability
handicape, e n person with a disability handicape, e adj
dentaire adj dental
disabled
soins nm pi dentaires dental hygiene
154 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
infirme n [more old-fashioned and pejorative than crampe nf cramp avoir une crampe to have cramp
handicape] handicapped person infirmite nf (physical) avoir un chat dans la gorge to have a frog in one's
handicap throat
boiteux, -teuse ady lame boiteux nm, -teuse nf person avoir des fourmis dans les jambes/bras to have pins
with a limp and needles in one's legs/arms
muet, muette adj mute, dumb muet nm, muette nf mute etre ankylose(e) [after staying in the same position too
(person) long] to be stiff
sourd, e adj deaf sourd, e n deaf person courbature nf [feeling of pain and stiffness] ache avoir des
malentendant, e n person with impaired hearing courbatures [after sudden or excessive exercise] to feel
sourd-muet nm, sourde-muette nf, mpl sourds-muets stiff J'ai des courbatures dans les bras. My arms are aching.
BrE deaf and dumb person AmE deaf-mute courbatu, e adj [literary] also courbature, e adj 1 [after
surdi-mutite nf deaf-and-dumbness sudden or excessive exercise] to be stiff 2 [because of
aveugle adj and n blind (person) fever] to be aching (all over)
borgne n one-eyed person borgne adj blind in one eye avoir de la fievre, also temperature to have a
mal-voyant, e n, mpl mal-voyants person with visual temperature
impairment saigner {6} vi to bleed saigner du nez to have a nosebleed
Elle saigne de la jambe. Her leg is bleeding.
Locutions Idioms s'evanouir {19}vref/to faint
malade comme un chien sick as a dog tomber dans les pommes, also tourner de I'ceil
sourd(e) comme un pot deaf as a post [informal] to pass out
II n'est de pire sourd que celui qui ne veut pas se tordre de douleur to be doubled up with pain
entendre. There are none so deaf as those who will not
hear.
Au pays des aveugles, les borgnes sont rois. In the 66.6 Decrire sa douleur Describing pain
country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
Ca fait mal! That hurts!
Ca pique! That stings!
66.4 Symptomes Symptoms Ca brule! That burns!
Ca (me/le) lance! It's a throbbing pain!
f^a tire! [when a stitch is being removed] It's pulling my
usage skin!
Qa me demange! I've got an itch (there)!
mal nm, pi maux C'est comme si on m'enfoncait des aiguilles. It feels as
The most common way of talking about pain is by using if needles. were being pushed into me.
mal, meaning pain or ache, in one of two ways. ai'e! ouch!
1. Always with avoir and the preposition a, e.g.: avoir
mal a la tete to have a headache, avoir mal aux pieds
to have sore feet, avoir mal au ventre to have stomach 66.7 Bonne sante Good health
ache, avoir mal aux dents to have toothache, avoir mal
au dos to have backache. bien adv well se porter bien to be well // ne se porte pas
2. With the article, e.g.: Le mal de dos coute beaucoup bien. He's unwell se sentir bien to feel well se sentir bien
de journees de travail au pays. Backache costs the (dans sa peau) to feel great (mentally and physically)
country many days of lost work, traiter le mal de dents sain, e adj 1 [describes: e.g. person, animal, lifestyle,
par I'aspirine to treat toothache with aspirin. Apres qa, nutrition] healthy2 [not rotten. Describes: e.g. apple,
je n'ai plus jamais eu de maux de tete. never had any I grain]sound
headaches again after that. forme nf [physical state] shape en bonne also pleine
forme in the best of health garder la forme to stay fit
bien portant, e adj in good health
66.5 Douleur Pain Locutions Idioms
avoir une sante de fer to have the constitution of an ox
symptome nm symptom avoir un estomac d'autruche to have a cast-iron stomach
douleur nf 1 [general, physical] pain J'ai une douleur dans
avoir une forte constitution to be in very good health
le cote. I have a pain in my2 [of pregnant woman]
side.
labour pain 3 [psychological] pain la douleur de perdre un
etre cher the pain of losing a loved one
douloureux, -reuse adj [describes: e.g. illness, injury, part 66.8 Mauvaise sante Poor health
of the body, physiological process] painful N'ayez pas mal adv unwell se sentir mal [generally] to feel unwell [at
peur, c'est un test qui n'est pas douloureux. Don't worry, one point] to feel faint // se sent mal dans sa peau. He
this test won't be painful, regies douloureuses painful
doesn't feel well (physically or mentally).
menstrual periods malade ady [describes: person, animal] ill
endolori, e adj [temporary] sore J'ai le bras endolori a delicat, e adj delicate
cause du vaccin. The vaccination left me with a sore arm. patraque ady [informal] BrE off-colour AmE peaked
gener {6} vt to make uncomfortable Le catheter le gene. chetif, -tive adj puny
The catheter makes him uncomfortable. malingre adj [skinny and often ill] sickly
souffrir (27) vi to feel pain // souffre beaucoup. He's in a indisposee ady [euphemism. Describes a woman who feels
lot of pain.
unwell when menstruating] under the weather,
souff ranee nffwhen expressing physical pain, much less indisposed
commonly used than douleur or mal] suffering les
souffranees d'un pere separe de ses enfants the suffering
of a father separated from his children
66 Being well and being ill
155
Locutions Idioms gateux, -teuse adj senile
C'est une petite nature [pejorative. Said of men or gaga adj [informal] gaga
women] He's/she's a wimp. debile adj [formerly referring to mental debility, this term
avoir une f ievre de cheval to have very high now expresses only contempt] brainless
temperature debile n moron Ce sont des pubs pour debiles. These
etre au plus mal to be dying advertisements are for morons.
Locutions Idioms
66.9 Folie Madness avoir une araignee au plafond to have a screw loose
II est tombe sur la tete [implies madness] BrE He's gone
see also 66.10 Termes generaux, off his head. AmE He's out of his mind
66.11 Termes medicaux, 66.12 Insultes Ca va pas la tete? [very informal] BrE have you gone off
In French as in English, terms relating to problems of the your head? AmE Have you gone out of your mind?
mind are often used very loosely. When these words are pas folie, la guepe! [informal. Implies that the speaker or
used with humorous intent or in exaggeration they can the person spoken about is much shrewder than others
become offensive. had credited them with being] He's/She's no fool. Je lui ai
fait signer un recu, pas folie la guepe! made her sign a
I
receipt, I'm no fool!
66.10 Termes generaux General terms
Citation Quotation
psychologique adj [relating to the psyche. Also used Qui vit sans folie n'est pas si sage qu'il croit. [maxim
disparagingly of symptoms, to contrast with physical ones) by the 17th-century moralist La Rochefoucauld, praising the
psychological wisdom of taking leave of one's senses from time to time]
psychologue n psychologist He who lives without madness is not as wise as he thinks.
psy n [informal. Any practitioner in mental health or
related fields] specialist (in mental illness)
folie nf madness C'est de la folie furieuse! It's complete
madness! la folie des grandeurs megalomania aimer qqn a
66.13 Raison Sanity
la folie to love sb to distraction see also 43.2 Qui se conforme a ce que I'on demande
fou nm madman madwoman
folie nf sagesse nf 1 [of sages and philosophers] wisdom 2 [of
fou, folie adj mad devenir fou to go mad fou a Her stark children] good behaviour // a ere un modele de sagesse cet
staring mad apres-midi. He was beautifully behaved this afternoon.
malade n mental, e [until recently, a neutral term. Now sage adj 1 [describes: e.g. philosopher, decision, attitude]
can be to be offensive] mentally ill person
felt wise 2 [describes: e.g. child] well-behaved
lunatique adj [behaving unpredictably] temperamental logique adj 1 [conforming to the laws of logic] logical
n'avoir plus toute sa tete [euphemism. Said esp of victim 2 [informal. Which follows on from something as an
of senility] to be confused inevitable consequence] natural Quand un animal a peur,
perdre l'esprit/la tete BrE to go off one's head AmE to go il attaque, c'est logique. When an animal is frightened, it
out of one's head Won, mais tu perds la tete? BrE Have goes on the attack, it's only natural.
you gone off your head? AmE Have you gone out of your raison nf 1 [faculty of the mind] reason 2 [argument]
mind? reason II n'y a aucune raison de lui faire confiance. There
is no reason to trust her. sans raison gratuitously
raisonner {6} 1 vt [persuade sb to adopt what is from the
66.11 Termes medicaux Medical terms point of view of the persuader a more reasonable
attitude] to prevail upon Elle ne voulait pas quitter ses
nevrose nf neurosis nevrose, e adj neurotic enfants et personne n'a pu la raisonner. She refused to
psychose nf psychosis psychotique adj psychotique leave her children and nobody could prevail upon her (to
paranoia nf paranoia do so). 2 to reason Essayons de raisonner
vi [think)
paranoiaque n paranoid patient calmement. Let's try and think calmly.
parano adj [informal. Behaving persecuted] (completely) se raisonner v refl [to control one's emotions through
paranoid Personne n'a touche a sa voiture, completement one's reason] to control oneself J'avais envie de le gifler
parano, ce mec' Nobody touched his car, he's totally mais je me suis raisonne. felt like slapping his face, but
I I
paranoid! kept myself in check.
delire nm 1 [a fit, during which one talks incoherently] raisonnable adj [describes: e.g. person, decision, opinion]
delirium 2 [any state in which one is unreasonable] sensible
abandonment L'amour est un delire a deux Love is a raisonneur, -nneuse adj [pejorative. Describes: esp child]
shared abandonment, delire collectif collective madness argumentative
120 francs la piece, c'est du delire! 1 20 francs each, it's age nm de raison [the period around his seventh year
crazy! when a child can be expected to act more rationally] age
delirer {1} vt 1 [suffering from delirium] to be delirious of reason
2 [be unreasonable] to be out of one's mind Construire bon sens nm common sense une attitude pleine de bon
une piscine dans lejardin? tu delires! Build a pool in the sens a common-sense attitude
garden? you're out of your mind!
phobie nf phobia Locutions Idioms
schizophrenic nf schizophrenia avoir la tete sur les epaules to be level-headed
schizophrene n and adj schizophrenic avoir les pieds sur terre to have both feet (firmly
planted) on the ground
Ca va lui mettre du plomb dans la cervelle [implies
66.12 Insultes Insulting terms and phrases that the person spoken of is irresponsible] That'll teach
him a thing or two.
dingue adj, also cingle, e adj, also toque, e adj [very
informal] nuts T'es pas un peu cingle? Are you nuts?
156 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Citation Quotation 67.2 Collision Collision
Le coeur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaft point.
[This line from Blaise Pascal, the 17th-century philosopher, heurter [when falling or moving] to hit Ma fete a
{6} vt
is often quoted. It is due as much to its meaning, excusing heurte mur. knocked my head against the wall.
le I
irrational behaviour as long as it stems from the heart, as to heurt nm [blow received when falling or moving] knock
its poetic form] The heart has its reasons that reason does percuter {6} vt [subj: esp. vehicle] to hit Sa voiture a
not recognize. percute un arbre. Her car hit a tree.
collision nf collision entrer en collision avec to collide with
de plein fouet [used of vehicles hitting other vehicles or
pedestrians] BrE full on AmE head on Elle a ere heurtee de
67 Hurting, killing and plein fouet par la voiture. She was hit full on by the car.
donner dans [informal. Being propelled into a hard object.
dying Often with alter] II est alle donner dans le mur. He went
crashing into the wall.
67.1 Violence et heurts Hitting, beating
67.3 Mourir To die
frapper {6} vt [hit intentionally, with part of body or
instrument] to strike mourir {34} vi (often + de) [general word] to die Elle est
taper {6} vt [with the flat of the hand or a flat object] to hit morte du sida. She died of AIDS. Ne crie pas si fort, tu ne
coup nm 1 [general term. Intentional or not] blow vas pas en mourir! Don't make such a noise, it won't kill
2 [with a body part] un coup de poing a punch un coup de you!
pied a kick un petit coup de coude a nudge un violent deceder {10} vi [official overtones] to die Nous avons le
coup de coude a hard poke (with the elbow) un coup de regret de vous annoncer que votre mere est decedee cette
bee a peck 3 [with an instrument] un coup de couteau a nuit. We regret to inform you that your mother died last
stab un coup de baton a blow with a stick night.
maltraitance nf [sociological term] battery Les enfants partir {25} vi [euphemism] to pass away Je ne croyais pas
victimes de la maltraitance ont besoin de I'aide de la qu'il partiraitsi vite. I didn't think he'd pass away so
societe. Battered children need help from society. quickly.
disparattre {64} vi [used esp when talking about well-
Donner des coups agressivement To hit aggressively known people] to die Fellini a disparu en 1993. Fellini died
cogner {6} vi and vt [hit hard, usu with fist] to hit in 1993.
gif ler {6} vt [hitthe cheek with the flat of the hand] to slap perir {19} vi [used esp when talking about deaths at sea, or
coups mp/et blessures fp/ grievous bodily harm from natural calamities] to perish La Marie-Joseph a coule
et tout /'equipage a peri. The 'Marie-Joseph' sank and the
Donner plusieurs coups agressivement To hit aggressively whole crew perished.
and repeatedly crever {9} vi 1 [slangy, pejorative and aggressive way of
battre {55} vt 1 [hit intentionally, with any part of the referring to a person's death] to cash in one's chips lis
body or instrument] to beat 2 [in parent-child or man and peuvent bien crever, je m'en fous. They can snuff it, I
woman relationships] to batter enfant battu battered don't care. 2 [an acceptable way of referring to an
child animal's death, although not used when referring to a
fouetter {6} vt to whip pet] to die
marteler {12} vt [using the fist as if it were a hammer] to
pound L'enfant martelait la porte de ses petits poings. The
child pounded on the door with its little fists.
67.4 Mort Dead
Heurter legerement To hit lightly mort, e adj 1 [describes human beings and animals] dead
tapoter {6} vt to tap (lightly) 2 [informal. Describes: e.g. machine, battery] kaput, dead
pichenette nf, also chiquenaude nf flick (of the finger) mort nm dead man les morts the dead
a mort [indicates the extreme form of whatever action is
Types de coups Types of blows being described. Informal] accelerer a mort [when driving
tape nf [anywhere on the body, with the flat of the hand] a car] to put one's foot right through the floor
smack morte nf dead woman
gif le nf [always on the cheek] slap mort nf death trouver la mort to meet one's end
fessee nf spanking feu, e adj [used formally or humorously] the late feu Albert
passage nm a tabac [maltreating of sb by police] beating- Reynard the late Albert Reynard feue sa tante his late
up aunt
cadavre nm corpse
Locutions Idioms pourrir {19} vi [can be used of humans, animals and plants]
lls/Elles en sont venu(e)s aux mains. They came to to rot
blows. se decomposer {6} v refl [more scientific than pourrir] to
taper a bras raccourcis sur qqch/qqn [hard and decompose
repeatedly, as if one were never going to stop] to set
upon sthg/sb Locutions Idioms
rouer qqn de coups [the verb rouer {6} is used only in this raide mort [emphasizes suddenness of death and shock of
phrase] to beat sb black and blue discovery] stone dead
secouer qqn comme un prunier to shake the living mort, e et bien mort [describes people or customs] dead
daylights out of sb and gone
sans coup ferir [from the obsolete verb ferir, which is mort, e et enterre, e [describes people or customs] dead
used only in this phrase) without a single blow and buried
sur son lit de mort on his/her deathbed
68 Treatments and substances affecting the body 157
67.5 TuerTokill 67.10 Mortel Lethal
tuer {6} vt [general term. Accidental or voluntary] to kill Je mortel, -telle adj 1 [likely to cause death. Describes: e.g.
ne lui pardonnerai jamais d'avoir tue sa mere en dose, poison] lethal 2 [likely to be followed by death.
conduisant trop vite. I'll never forgive her for killing her Describes e.g. illness, wound] mortal 3 [informal. Boring]
:
mother by driving too fast. deadly boring Son dernier roman est mortel! Her latest
suicide nm suicide novel is deadly boring!
se suicider {6} v refl to commit suicide fatal, e adj, mp/fatals [literary. Describes: e.g. blow,
euthanasie nf euthanasia weapon, decision] fatal
67.6 Tuer avec intention de tuer To kill
with intent
68 Treatments and
meurtre nm murder
substances affecting the
meurtrier nm murderer
meurtriere nf murderess
body
tueur, tueuse n killer tueur a gages hired killer
assassin nm 1 [general term] murderer 2 [who kills for
political reasons] assassin
68.1 Traitements et medicaments
abattre {55} vt [with gun, suggests cold-bloodedness] to Treatments and medicines
shoot down
executer {6} vt [in retribution, legal or not] to execute see also 65.1 Medecin generaliste, 66.1 Maladies et
assassiner {6} vt 1 [general term] to murder La jeune fille a blessures
ete assassinee dans un bois. The girl was murdered in a
traitement nm treatment
wood. 2 [for political reasons] to assassinate soins nm pi treatment
massacrer {6} vt [suggests mutilations before death] to
slaughter
Treatment
Traitement refers to the more medical aspects of patient
supprimer {6} vt [for political or financial motives. Implies
care, while soins (rarely used in the singular in this sense)
that the victim an obstacle to an individual's or a
is
includes medical and general looking after; e.g. Pour
group's plans] to get rid of
achever {9} vt [give the final blow, dose, of poison etc to mon le medecin veut essayer un nouveau
asthme,
sb] achever qqn to finish sb off
traitement.The doctor wants to try a new treatment for
my asthma. Les visiteurs ne seront pas admis a I'heure des
soins. No visitors admitted during routine nursing care.
67.7 Methodes pour mourir ou tuer Ways traiter {6} vt to treat Cela ne se traite pas. There's no cure
of dying, killing for it.
soulager [make better temporarily] to help Bois, ca
{8} vt
empoisonner {6} vtto poison va te soulager. Drink it, it'll make you feel better. On a
s'empoisonner v refl to take poison maintenant de bons medicaments pour soulager I'asthme.
noyer {6} vtto drown oneself There are now some effective drugs available to help
se noyer v refl 1 [accidentally] to drown 2 [on purpose] to asthma sufferers.
drown oneself medicament nm medicine // prend des medicaments pour
pendre {53} vtto hang son diabete. He's taking medication for his diabetes.
se pendre v refl to hang oneself remede nm [slightly old-fashioned term] medicine remedes
asphyxier {6} vtto gas homeopathiques homoeopathic remedies
s'asphyxier v refl to gas oneself therapie nf 1 [term used by doctors] treatment suivre une
etrangler {6} vt to strangle therapie homeopathique to follow a homeopathic
s'etrangler v refl to strangle oneself treatment 2 [psychology] therapy therapie de groupe
group therapy
guerir {2} 1 vt to cure E lie m'a gueri de mes allergies. She
67.8 La peine de mort The death penalty cured my allergies. 2 vi [subj: e.g. person, wound, boil] to
get better 5a blessure a mis longtemps a guerir. It took a
la peine capitale a. so de mort the death penalty
long time for her wound to heal.
condamnation nf a mort death sentence guerison nf being cured Continuez le traitement jusqu'a la
guillotine nf guillotine
guerison complete. Continue the treatment until you are
guillotiner {6} vt to guillotine
completely cured.
chaise nf electrique electric chair
se retablir {2} v refl to get well again
chambre nf a gaz gas chamber recuperer {6} vi [stage after se retablir, when the person
is regaining strength] to recuperate
convalescence nf convalescence etre en convalescence to
67.9 Tuer les animaux Killing animals convalesce
cure nf [treatment based on special diet or taking the
piquer humanely, with an injection. Obj:
{6} vt [kill e.g. cat,
waters at a spa] course of treatment Tous les ansje fais
dog] BrE to put down AmE to put to sleep
une cure a Vichy. Each year take the waters at Vichy.
I
assommer {6} vt [obj: e.g. bullock, sheep] to stun
faire une cure de carotte to follow a special diet based on
abattoir nm slaughterhouse
carrots.
158 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Dans la boite a pharmacie First Aid
usage coton nm (hydrophile) cotton wool
pansement, also sparadrap® nm BrE plaster AmE
medical, e adj, mpl -caux and medicinal, e adj, mpl bandage
-naux alcool nm a 90 surgical spirit
Medical describes any treatment or procedure which serum nm anti-venin anti-venom serum
may be prescribed by a doctor. Medicinal refers to compresse nf compress
plant-based treatments: L'ortie a des proprietes
medicinales. Nettles have curative properties
68.5 Tabac Tobacco
fumer {6} vt and vi to smoke s'arreter de fumer to stop
68.2 Chez le pharmacien At the smoking
pharmacy tabagisme nm [seen as an addiction] smoking
campagne nf anti-tabac anti-smoking campaign
pharmacie nf BrE chemist's shop AmE pharmacy cendrier nm ashtray
pharmacien, -cienne n BrE chemist AmE pharmacy cigarette nf cigarette
cachet, also comprime nm tablet fume-cigarette nm, pi fume-cigarettes cigarette holder
pastille nf (medicinal) lozenge pipe nf pipe fumer la pipe to smoke a pipe
pommade, also creme nf ointment briquet nm lighter
ampoule nf ampoule cigare nm cigar
gelule nf capsule megot nm [informal] BrE fag-end AmE cigarette butt
collyre nm eye lotion seche nf [smoker's slang] BrE ciggie AmE cig
suppositoire nm suppository mettre un suppositoire a un
enfant to give a child a suppository
sirop nm mixture sirop contre la toux cough mixture 68.6 Drogues Drugs and drug abuse
goutte nf [informal. Dispensed from a dropper] drop
compte-gouttes nm inv a dropper drogue nf drug
se droguer {6}v refl to take drugs
Si vous etes malade en France If you're ill in France
The procedure for getting free or partly free medicines Les drogues douces Soft drugs
under the French health system is as follows: go to the herbe nf grass
pharmacy with your prescription and a form given to you shit nm [slang. Pronounced a little like the English word
by the doctor called a feuille nf de soins. The 'sheet'] pot
pharmacist sells you the relevant medicines, each of joint nm joint
which bears a tear-off stamp or vignette nf showing
what proportion of the price will be refunded, or Les drogues dures Hard drugs
rembourse, e adj. The vignette has to be transferred heroine nf heroin
from the package to the feuille de soins, and the hero nf [slang. Short for heroine] horse
pharmacist may help you to do this correctly. You then crack nm crack
have to send the completed feuille de soins to your local stupef iant nm narcotic (drug)
refunds office, the Caisse d'Assurance Maladie, which stup nm [slang] narcotic (drug)
will eventually reimburse your costs. se shooter {6} v refl [slang] 1 [as a habit] to inject
2 [describes one action] to shoot up
Effets des drogues Effects of drugs
68.3 Secourisme First aid planer (6) vito be on a trip
les premiers soins also secours first aid
trip nm trip
secouriste n first-aid worker
etre en manque to feel withdrawal symptoms
degager les voies respiratoires to clear the airways
en position laterale de securite in the recovery position Lemonde des drogues The world of drug addicts
drogue, e n [general term. Pejorative] drug addict
etendre {53} vt [obj: e.g. patient, casualty] to stretch out,
to lay down toxicomane n [more medical and neutral than drogue]
drug addict
toxico n [slang] junkie
revendeur nm dealer
68.4 Autres soins et accessoires Other dealer nm [slang] dealer
treatments and accessories dealer {6} vi [slang] to deal
avoir une dependance a la drogue to have a drug habit
piqure nf injection fake une piqure de morphine a qqn to etre accro a [slang] to be hooked on
give sb a morphine injection la brigade des stups [slang] the Drug Squad
seringue nf (hypodermic) needle
thermometre nm (medical) thermometer thermometre
frontal BrE fever strip
prendre pouls de qqn to take sb's pulse
le
prendre tension de qqn to take sb's blood pressure
la
prendre la temperature de qqn to take sb's temperature
fauteuil nm roulant, also petite voiture nf (informal)
wheelchair
bouche a bouche nm mouth-to-mouth resuscitation faire
du bouche a bouche a qqn to give sb mouth to mouth
resuscitation
69 Caring for the body 159
69.6 Manucure Nail care
69 Caring for the body
manucure nf manicure se faire faire une manucure to have
one's nails manicured
brosse nf a ongles nailbrush
69.1 Hygiene du corps Personal hygiene
lime nf a ongles nail file
se laver{6} v refl to wash ciseaux nm pi a ongles nail scissors
prendre un bain/une douche to have a shower/bath coupe-ongles nm (nail) clippers
faire sa toilette BrE to have a wash AmE to get washed
up
se debarbouiller {6} v refl BrE to have a quick wash (of 69.7 Hygiene feminine Feminine hygiene
one's face) AmE to get washed up quickly Lave-toi comme
il faut, tu fes juste debarbouille. You need a proper wash. tampon nm (periodique) tampon
That was just a lick and a promise serviette nf ( periodique) BrE sanitary towel AmE
sanitary napkin
protege-slip nm, pi protege-slips panty-liner
69.2 Articles pour la toilette Toiletries
savon nm soap
savonnette nf bar of soap
bain nm moussant bubble bath
gel nm pour la douche shower gel
deodorant nm deodorant
talc nm talcum powder
gant nm de toilette [pocket-shaped] BrE flannel AmE
wash cloth
eponge nf (bath) sponge
serviette nf (de bain) (bath) towel
69.3 Soins des cheveux Hair care
brosse nf a cheveux hairbrush
peignenm comb
shampooing nm shampoo se faire un shampooing to wash
one's hair
baume nm demelant conditioner
laque nf hairspray
seche-cheveux nm, pi seche-cheveux, also sechoir nm
a cheveux hair dryer
coiffeur, -ff euse n hairdresser alter chez le coiffeur to go
to the hairdresser's
coupe nf de cheveux [styled] haircut se faire faire une
coupe to have one's hair cut (and styled)
couper {6} vt [obj: e.g. hair, beard] to cut se faire couper
lescheveux to have a haircut
pince nf a epiler (pair of) tweezers
69.4 Hygiene dentaire Dental care
brosse nf a dents toothbrush
se brosser les dents to clean one's teeth
dentifrice nm toothpaste un tube de dentifrice a tube of
toothpaste
nm dentaire dental floss
fil
rince-bouche nm, pi rince-bouches mouthwash
69.5 Rasage Shaving
rasoir nm (electrique) shaver rasoir mecanique razor
lame nf de rasoir razor blade
creme nf a raser shaving cream
blaireau nm, pi -x shaving brush
produit nm apres-rasage, also aftershave nm
aftershave
Food and drink
70.6 Fruits souvent consommes sees Dried
70 Fruit and vegetables fruit
raisin nm sec raisin
70.1 Fruits Fruit raisin nm de Corinthe currant
raisin nm de Smyrne sultana
fruit nm piece of fruit des fruits fruit pruneau nm, pi -x prune
fruite, e adj fruity datte nf date
figue nf fig
70.2 Fruits courants Common fruit
pomme nf apple une pomme a couteau an eating apple
70.7 Parties des fruits Parts of fruit
une pomme a cuire a cooking apple peau nf, pi -x [general term] skin
poire nf pear ecorce nf [citrus fruit and melon] rind
banane nf banana un regime de bananes a bunch of zest nm [usable skin of citrus fruit, grated or peeled.
bananas Excludes pith] rind
raisin nm grape des raisins grapes une grappe de raisins a partie nf blanche, also peau nf [in citrus fruit] pith
bunch of grapes quartier nm [of citrus fruit] segment
peche nf peach pepin nm [small, in apples, citrus fruit, grapes,
nectarine nf, also brugnon nm nectarine strawberries, etc] pip
abricot nm apricot noyau nm, pi -x [big, in peach, mango, date] stone
prune nf plum trognon nm [of apple, pear] core
melon nm melon
pasteque nf watermelon
70.8 Frakheur des aliments Condition of
70.3 Agrumes Citrus fruit foodstuffs
frais, fraiche adj 1 [not dried or preserved] fresh des fruits
orange nf orange
nm lemon
citron frais fresh fruit 2 [not stale or off] fresh du lait frais fresh
nm vert lime
citron
milk du pain frais fresh(ly-baked) bread des oeufs frais
fresh or new-laid eggs
pamplemousse nm grapefruit
mandarine nf mandarin fralcheur nf freshness Pour verifier la frakheur d'un
Clementine nf Clementine poisson, regardez I'ceil et la couleur des ouies. To check
how fresh a fish is, look at the eyes and at the colour of
the gills.
mur, e adj ripe bien miir (nice and) ripe trop miir overripe
70.4 Fruits rouges et baies Red fruit and vert, e adj [not ripe enough] unripe des raisins trop verts
soft fruit grapes that aren't ripe
pourri, e adj [describes: e.g. meat, fish, vegetables, fruit]
cerise nf cherry
rotten
nf strawberry
f raise
murir {19} vi to ripen des raisins qui murissent au soleil
framboise nf raspberry grapes ripening in the sun faire murir des tomates sur un
mure nf blackberry balcon to ripen tomatoes on a balcony
cassis nm blackcurrant un grain de cassis a blackcurrant blet, blette adj [brown and going rotten. Describes: pears]
groseille nf redcurrant
overripe
groseille nf, pi -s a maquereau gooseberry
[marked with brown patches after having been
tale, e adj
myrtille nf blueberry dropped or handled roughly] bruised
date nf de peremption [on packaging] BrE sell-by date
AmE freshness date qui a depasse sa date de peremption
70.5 Fruits exotiques Exotic fruit past its sell-by date
s'abtmer {6} v refl [subj: e.g. fruit, vegetables] to go bad
ananas nm pineapple
mangue nf mango
kiwi nm kiwi fruit
fruit nm de la passion passion fruit 70.9 Famille des noix Nuts
litchi nf lychee
casse-noisette, also casse-noix nm nutcrackers
coquille nf (de noix) (nut)shell
cerneau nm, pi -x (de noix) kernel
amande nf almond
noix nf walnut
noix nf du Bresil Brazil nut
noix nf de cajou cashew
noix nf de coco coconut
71 Bread, biscuits and cake 161
noix nf de pecan pecan nut radis nm radish
cacahuete nf peanut oignon nm vert BrE spring onion AmE scallion
pistache nf pistachio concombre nm cucumber
chataigne nf sweet chestnut celerinm celery branche nf de celeri stick of celery
chataigne nf d'eau water chestnut betterave nf BrE beetroot AmE beets
marron nm chestnut marrons grilles roasted chestnuts cresson nm watercress
noisette nf hazelnut
endive nf and chicoree nf
Beware of the following: while endive in French refers
70.10 Legumes Vegetables to chicory, chicoree is the name for the salad vegetable
called endive in English: e.g. chicoree frisee curly endive.
legume nm [everyday term] vegetable
legumineuse nf [botanical term] leguminous plant
71 Bread, biscuits and
70.11 Legumes verts Green vegetables
chou nm, pi -x cabbage
cake
choux nm de Bruxelles Brussel sprout
chou-f leur nm, pi choux-fleurs cauliflower
petit pois nm pea 71.1 Pain Bread
haricot nm bean la croute nf crust
haricot nm vert green bean lamie nf (de pain) dough
haricot nm blanc haricot bean une miette nf crumb
haricot nm frais fresh haricot bean un morceau de pain a piece of bread
feve nf broad bean un bout de pain (informal) a bit of bread
broccoli nm broccoli
farine nf flour
epinards nm pi spinach epinards en branche leaf spinach levure nf (de boulanger) baker's yeast
asperge nf asparagus pointe d'asperge asparagus tip levure nf chimique baking powder
70.12 Tubercules Root vegetables
pomme nf de terre potato
carotte nf carrot
panais nm parsnip
navet nm turnip
patate nf 1 [informal. Potato] spud 2 [root vegetable]
patate (douce) sweet potato b)
70.13 Autres legumes cou rants Other
common vegetables
champignon nm mushroom
poivron nm pepper poivron vert/rouge green/red pepper a) une baguette (a French stick)
piment nm pepper piment doux capsicum piment rouge b) un pain (a French loaf)
chilli c) un pain (de campagne), also une miche de pain (a round
aubergine nf BrE aubergine AmE eggplant loaf)
oignon nm onion
echalotte nf shallot
poireau nm, pi -x leek 71.2 Biscuits Biscuits
ail nm, p/aulx garlic
courgette nf BrE courgette AmE zucchini
a vocat nm avocado usage
courge nf BrE marrow AmE squash
mais nm sweetcorn mais en epi corn on the cob biscuit nm and petit gateau nm
artichaut nm (globe) artichoke These terms are used interchangeably when referring to
topinambour nm Jerusalem artichoke cracker-type biscuits: e.g. des biscuits also petits
potiron nm pumpkin gateaux sales pour /'aperitif salty biscuits to have with
drinks before the meal. With sweet biscuits or cookies,
lentille nf lentil
use either biscuit or petit gateau: e.g. Veux-tu un petit
gateau pour tremper dans ton lait chaud? Would you
like a biscuit to dip in your hot milk? The only types of
70.14 Legumes a faire en salade Salad biscuit which cannot be referred to as petit gateau are
vegetables biscuit a la cuillere, light sponge finger, and biscuit de
Savoie, light sponge cake.
salade nf 1 [dish] salad salade composee mixed salad 2
[vegetable] lettuce Achete une salade. Buy some lettuce.
gateau nm sec [sold in packets] (sweet) biscuit
laitue nf lettuce sable nm shortbread biscuit
tomate nf tomato
162 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
71.3 Autres denrees a base de pate Other pAtes nf pi [usu Italian] pasta
nouille nf [informal word forpasta, but neutral word for
dough-based foods Chinese noodle] noodle des nouilles noodles
pate nf (k tarte) [for pies and tarts] dough pate sablee
short pastry pate feuilletee flaky pastry pate a choux puff
Citation Quotation
pastry S'ils n'ont pas de pain, qu'ils mangent de la brioche!
gdteau nm, pi -x 1 [with a cream or fresh fruit filling]
[famous remark attributed, perhaps wrongly, to Marie-
Antoinette in 1789. Symbolizes the cynicism of the ruling
gateau, cake un gateau d'anniversaire a birthday cake
classes, their indifference to the people's suffering and
2 [sponge-type or with dried fruit filling] cake Je ne
their ignorance insofar as shortage of bread would surely
mange jamais de gateaux. never eat cakes
I
entail shortage of brioche as well. Regardless of what a
cake nm fruit cake
brioche actually is, the usual translation is as follows) If they
brioche nf [milk-based dough. Comes in individual sizes, or
as a large loaf] sweet bun have no bread, let them eat cake!
patisserie nf 1 [with a cream or custard filling] pastry
2 [flan case with fresh fruit or a filling] tart La maison
Verdier fait de tres bonnes patisseries. Maison Verdier's
cakes and tarts are very good. 72 Food derived from
piece nf montee [for weddings, first communions and
baptisms] cake for a special occasion
animals
tourte nf 1 [covered. With meat, fish, onion, etc filling] pie
tourte a la viande meat pie 2 [uncovered. With savoury
filling containing milk and eggs] flan tourte au fromage 72.1 Produits laitiers et cremerie Dairy
cheese flan products
tarte nf tart tarte aux prunes plum tart tarte a I'oignon
onion tart cremerie nf (cheese shop and) dairy
cremier, -miere n dairy shop owner
It used to be possible to buy dairy products at local
cremeries in any high street. Nowadays this kind of
shopping is done mostly in supermarkets or small
grocers' shops. However, good shopping arcades and
flourishing high streets sometimes still boast a cremerie
piled high with cheeses. Street markets all have one or
more cheese stalls, commonly referred to as la cremerie
or,more informally, as le marchand (or la marchande) de
fromages. In practice, cremerie and fromagerie are used
interchangeably.
fromagerie nf cheese shop
frontager, -gere n cheese seller
72.2 Produits animaux Animal products
laitnm milk lait entier/semi-ecreme/ecreme BrE full-
fat/semi-skimmed/skimmed milk AmE whole/one per cent
or two per cent/skimmed milk laitier, -tiere adj [related
to or derived from milk] milk (as adj) laiteux, -teuse adj
[of the consistency of milk] milky
beurre nm butter beurre doux unsalted butter beurre
demi-sel slightly salted butter beurre a la motte also en
vrac loose butter, butter in slabs
beurrer (6) vt to butter
au beurre 1 [describes: e.g. pancake, potatoes] served with
une piece montee, (a wedding cake) butter 2 [describes: e.g. biscuit, pastry] made with butter
fromage nm cheese
French cheeses divide into fromages a pate cuite, cheeses
that have been heated (such as mountain cheeses) and
fromages a pates fermentees, cheeses that have been left
to mature by fermentation (like camembert. brie, etc).
Processed cheeses are usually referred to as fromages a
tartiner, or spreads. What British supermarkets call
'fromage frais' is called fromage blanc in France, while
du fromage frais is the generic phrase for all non-
fermented and uncooked cheeses, which are liquid and
often sold in pots, or ladled loose into special plastic
bags. The closest generic phrase is cottage cheese,
although typically 'curdy' cottage cheese cannot be
une grosse brioche et trois petites brioches, (a large sweet obtained in France.
bun and three small ones)
72 Food derived from animals 163
Ifyou buy fromage a la coupe, or 'loose' cheese from a 72.6 Decoupe de la viande Cuts of meat
shop or market stall, a reputable seller will ask
specialist
you which day you intend to serve it, and will take care morceau nm, pi -x cut les bons morceaux prime cuts les bas
to choose and wrap it in such a way that it is at its best morceaux the cheap(er) cuts
for your table. roti nm de boeuf roast beef
yaourt, ALSO yoghourt ran yoghurt yaourt maigre low-fat usage
yoghurt
roti
creme nf (fraiche) (fresh) cream Although the word roti implies that the meat has been
French cream tastes naturally slightly sour. Creme epaisse roasted, and its translation is 'roast', it is also used when
is thicker, creme liquide is thinner, but there is no real referring to the cut of raw meat sold by the butcher for
equivalent for double, single, whipping or clotted cream. roasting. E.g.: Je vous coupe un petit roti de veau? Shall I
cut you a nice little piece of veal? As some butchers also
oeuf nm, pi osufs egg ceuf (a la) coque soft-boiled egg ceuf sell ready-roasted beef or pork by the slice, acheter un
dur hard-boiled egg roti de pore could mean to buy pork for roasting or to
buy some cooked pork, depending on circumstances.
72.3 Huiles et graisses Fats and oils
cote nf 1[of beef] rib 2 [of pork, veal] chop
see also 72.2 Produits animaux cotelette nf 1 [of pork] chop 2 [of lamb, veal] cutlet
margarine nf margarine steak nm (slice of beef) steak
gigot nm 1 [of lamb] leg of lamb 2 [of mutton] leg of
matieres nf pi grasses mutton
The fat content of foodstuffs expressed on their labels
is epaule nf shoulder
in terms of percentages, e.g. 40% de matieres grasses gras, grasse adj fatty gras nm piece of fat
40% fat content maigre adj lean maigre nm lean part (of the meat)
huile nf oil huile pour assaisonnement salad oil huile a
friture frying oil 72.7 Abats Offal
Locutions Idioms see also 62.17 Organes internes
mettre du beurre dans les epinards [bring home a bit of foie nm liver
extra money, so as to make life pleasanter] to add some rognon nm kidney
creature comforts abats nm pi de volaille giblets
Ca compte pour du beurre. [Informal. From the
language of playground games] That doesn't count. Et
moi, jecompte pour du beurre? Don't count, too? I
72.8 Charcuterie Pork products
On ne peut pas avoir le beurre et I'argent du beurre.
You can't have your cake and eat it. saucisson nm [dried and matured, sometimes smoked, to
entre la poire et le fromage 1 [refers to casual be eaten raw or cooked] sausage
comments made towards the end of a meal over coffee. ]
saucisse nf [to be cooked] sausage
2 [remarks made in a relaxed way, although their impact boudin nm noir BrE black pudding AmE blood pudding
may be great] casually jambon nm (cooked) ham yambon de pays (raw) ham
saindoux nm lard
Lard and bacon
72.4 Boucherie Meat products Don't be misled: the French word lard, also lard de
see also 14.1 Animaux de la ferme, 79.1 Agriculture poitrine refers to bacon, and if you want a rasher of
viande nf meat bacon, you will need to ask for une tranche de lard. It
boucherie nf 1 [trade] butcher's trade 2 [products] meat, willbe sliced much thicker than British or American
poultry and offal Je prends toute ma boucherie chez bacon is, so as to be cut into thick cubes for browning
Desseaux. buy all my meat from Desseaux.
I
and for using in recipes. What the French call du bacon is
smoked loin or gammon.
72.5 Viande rouge et viande blanche Red
and white meat 72.9 Volaille et gibier Poultry and game
boeuf nm beef volaille nf 1 [collective noun] poultry 2 [single animal]
rosbif nm 1 [before it is cooked] BrE joint (of beef) AmE chicken
piece of beef 2 [cooked] roast beef pintade nf guinea fowl
veau nm veal chevreuil nm venison cuissot de chevreuil haunch of
agneau nm lamb venison
mouton nm mutton gibier nm game
pore nm pork venaison nf game meat
164 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
72.10 Magasins vendant de la viande In large French cities, oysters are sold from the fronts of
Shops selling meat cafes throughout the Christmas season
boucherie nf butcher's (shop) boucherie chevaline Oysters used to be considered unsafe for consumption
butcher's specializing in horse meat
out of their season, which consisted of those months
with a letter 'R' in their name. Hence, the still surviving
Types of butchers advice to eat oysters only pendant les mois en R, slightly
In France butchers sell all kinds of meat, except for horse-
irrelevant with today's methods for farming and
meat (which is only sold in boucheries chevalines). But distribution.
the most varied choice of pork products is to be had from
charcuteries. Shops combining a wide choice of pork with
Locutions Idioms
the sale of all other meats are called boucheries- du menu fretin [immature fish. Also insignificant people]
charcuteries. A shop specializing in offal is une triperie. A
small fry
trader selling mainly poultry and rabbits is un volailler. marcher en crabe also en ecrevisse to walk crabwise
serre(e)s comme des sardines also harengs packed
together like sardines
72.11 Peche et poissonnerie Fishing and
fishproducts
see also 17 Poissons et animaux marins 73 Flavours and
peche nf fishing
pecher {6} vt to fish la peche en riviere freshwater fishing
seasonings
la peche en mer sea fishing
pecheur, -cheuse n 1 [in rivers] angler 2 [in the sea]
fisherman, fisherwoman 73.1 Saveurs Flavours
filet nm net saveur nf 1 [kind of flavour] taste Quelle est cette saveur?
morue nf cod morue fraiche (fresh) cod morue salee salt
What flavour is this? 2 [used to express a positive
cod evaluation] (food) taste La viande de Charolais a
cabillaud nm [another name for morue fraiche] (fresh) beaucoup de saveur. Charolais beef has a lot of flavour.
cod savoureux, -reuse, adj tasty
saumon nm salmon gouteux, -teuse adj [more formal than savoureux) tasty
hareng nm herring gout nm [flavourfulness] taste une viande qui a du gout a
thon nm tuna tasty piece of meat Le gout de la vanille domine. The taste
anguille nf eel of vanilla is predominant.
sardine nf sardine sardines a I'huile sardines in oil
dame nf [slice cut across a fish] (fish) steak
arete nf (fish)bone
raie nf skate
73.2 Les sensations gustatives de base
truite nf trout Basic sensations of taste
sucre, e adj sweet
sale, e adj 1 [sensation on tastebuds] salty 2 [describes: e.g.
72.12 Fruits de mer Sea-food dish, recipe, course in a meal] savoury
coquillage nm shellfish aigre adj sour
palourde nf clam aigrelet, -lette adj slightly sour
bulot nm whelk acide adj acid, sharp
amer adj bitter
usage douceatre adj sweetish
Crustaces and mollusques
The terms crustace nm and mollusque nm are used in 73.3 Ingredients et aromates Ingredients
scientific language. They are also everyday terms used
and flavourings
when discussing recipes and menus involving these
animals. Crustaces are shellfish including more sel nm salt
particularly lobster and crayfish. Mollusques are shellfish poivre nm pepper
such as mussels and oysters (also including snails). For vinaigre nm vinegar
example, J'ai envie de manger des crustaces ce soir. I
gingembre nm ginger
fancy something like lobster or crayfish tonight. muscade nf, also noix nf muscade nutmeg
Une crevette is either a prawn or a shrimp. Sometimes persil nm parsley
crevette rose is specified for prawn and crevette grise ciboulette nf chives
for shrimp. thym nm thyme
menthe nf mint
crabe nm, also tourteau nm, pi -x (edible) crab fenouil nm fennel
langouste nf crayfish cerfeuil nm cervil
ecrevisse nf (freshwater) crayfish basilic nm basil
homard nm lobster (fines) herbes nf pi mixed herbs
huitre nf oyster huitre perliere pearl oyster une bourriche
d'huitres a bushel of oysters
74 Ccokmg and eating 165
73.4 Compliments sur le gout Judging 73.8 Friandises Sweets
flavours sucrer {6} vt 1 [obj: preparation] to sweeten 2 [obj: e.g.
coffee] to put sugar in
delicieux, -cieuse adj delicious
exquis, e adj exquisite sucre nm sugar du sucre cristallise crystallised
1 [substance]
sugar du sucre semoule caster sugar du sucre glace BrE
fin,e adj subtle un dessert fin a subtle dessert un repas fin
icing sugar AmE confectioners' sugar 2 [lump] un paquet
a gourmet meal
appetissant, e adj tempting Cest appetissant, ce que tu de sucre en morceaux a packet of cube sugar un morceau
prepares! What you're preparing looks really tempting!
de sucre a lump of sugar
sucre nm d'orge, pi sucres d'orge barley sugar
chocolat nm chocolate
Locution Idiom
Ca me fait venir also me met I'eau a la bouche. It
bonbon nm BrE sweet AmE candy
makes my mouth water. caramel nm 1 [sweet] toffee 2 [cooked sugar] caramel
sucette nf lollipop
Critiques sur le gout Critical judgments on taste
insipide adj tasteless
Locutions Idioms
II n'est pas en sucre! [implies that sb is being
fade adj bland
overprotected] He can look after himself!
farineux, -neuse adj [describes: e.g. pear, apple] tasteless
II est tout sucre et tout miel. [deceptively unctuous] He
fort, e adj [describes: e.g. cheese, cabbage] (too) strong
looks as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.
casser du sucre sur le dos de qqn to criticize sb behind
73.5 Sauces Sauces his/her back
sauce nf 1 [general term] sauce 2 [ made with meat juices]
gravy 3 [on salads] dressing
73.6 Preparations salees Savoury foods
74 Cooking and eating
au vinaigre pickled cornichons au vinaigre pickled
gherkins 74.1 Faire la cuisine To cook
vinaigrette nf oil and vinegar dressing
cuisinier, -niere n cook
epice nf spice epice, e adj hot
etre en cuisine to be busy cooking
saumure nf brine
cuisiner {6} vt [to cook, including preparation before heat
moutarde nf mustard moutarde forte hot (Dijon) mustard
is applied] to (prepare and) cook Comment est-ce que
bouillon-cube nm, pi bouillons-cubes BrE stock cube
vous cuisinez le sanglier? How do you prepare and cook
AmE bouillon cube
wild boar?
gelee nf BrE (meat) jelly AmE gelatin
cuisson nf cooking La sauce doit reduire a la cuisson. The
assaisonner {6} vtto season
sauce must reduce during the cooking. Pour le pore il faut
assaisonnement nm seasoning
un assez long temps de cuisson. Pork needs a fairly long
usage cooking time.
cuit, e adj cooked
crue, e adj raw
conserve nf and conserver {6} vt
Conserver is the general verb for keeping food
La cuisson a la chaleur Cooking with heat
(Conservez le beurre au froid. Keep butter chilled.) as
well as the general term for preserving food. A
All the cooking verbs below can be used transitively, e.g.
conserve is food that has been preserved by bottling
v + n, or preceded by faire + v + n. E.g.: dorer des
(en bocal), canning (en boite), or sealing in fat (conf/f).
oignons or faire dorer des oignons. Both mean: to brown
So faire des haricots/peches en conserve is to bottle
onions. The cooking verbs can also be used intransitively:
beans/peaches. Commonly however, conserve and en
pendant que les oignons dorent while the onions are
conserve refer to tinned goods: Pendant la semaine on
browning
ne mange que des conserves. We eat nothing but tinned
food during the week. J'ai achete du celeri en boite. I
cuire {82} vt and vi 1 [obj: all foods except dough-based] to
bought some tinned celery.
cook cuire a la vapeur to steam cuire au bain-marie to
cook in a double-boiler 2 [obj: dough-based foods] to
bake
dorer {6} vtand vi to cook until golden brown
73.7 Preparations sucrees Sweet foods
griller {6} vt and vi to grill
sirop nm syrup rotir {1 9} vt and vi to roast
miel nm honey roussir {19} vt and vi [usu applies to potatoes] to fry until
compote nf stewed fruit puree golden brown
confiture nf jam faire de la confiture also des confitures rissoler {6} vt and vi [has the same meaning as roussir but
to make jam applies to a variety of foods] to fry until golden brown
gelee nf [clear jam] jelly bouillir {31} vt and vi to boil bouillir a gros bouillons to
glace nf icecream glace a la fraise strawberry icecream boil fast bouillir a petits bouillons to simmer slowly
sorbet nm sorbet sorbet au cassis blackcurrant sorbet
The verbs below can be used transitively with faire + v +
n. E.g.: faire let the stock simmer.
fremir le bouillon to
They can be used intransitively, with a subject only:
also
Le bouillon fremit. The stock is simmering.
166 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
mijoter {6} vi to simmer 74.5 La nourriture Food
fremir {19} vi to simmer very gently
frire {81} vt and vi to fry
Because the word nourriture nf has scientific overtones,
faire revenir to brown
it is often avoided when the speaker wishes to refer to
gratiner {6} vt to brown the top of
day-to-day eating. E.g.: des plats chinois Chinese food un
flamber {6} vt to flambe
regime vegetarien vegetarian food Tu as achete a
pocher {6} vt to poach
manger pour ce soir? Did you get food for tonight?
bouffe nf [slang] grub
74.2 Couper les aliments To cut up food en-cas nm snack
portion nf [helping cut out of a cheese or cake] portion
debiter {6} vt 1 [obj: chicken] to cut up 2 [obj: salami] to
se servir {35} v refl (often + de) to help oneself Servez-vous
slice
de la salade. Help yourself to some salad.
eplucher {6} vt to peel
peler {12} vt [like eplucher, but applies to fruit] to peel
ecosser {6} vt to shell
raper {6} vt to grate 74.6 Elements du repas Courses
emincer {7} vtto cut into thin slices
entree nf starter
hors-d'oeuvre nm pi (cold) starter
plat nm de poisson fish course
74.3 Plats a emporter Food to take away plat nm principal main course
fromage nm cheese course J'ai attendu le fromage pour
crepe nf pancake crepe salee pancake with savoury filling
sortirmon Chateauneuf-du-Pape waited until the cheese
I
crepe sucree pancake with sweet filling
course before served my Chateauneuf-du-Pape
I
croque-monsieur nm inv ham and cheese on toast
dessert nm 1 [last part of the meal] BrE pudding AmE
croque-madame nm inv ham and cheese on toast with
dessert Qu'est-ce qu'on a comme dessert? What have we
fried egg
got for pudding? 2 [confection] dessert Elle sait tres bien
hamburger nm hamburger
faire les desserts. She's very good at desserts.
hot dog nm hot dog
fast-food nm fast-food restaurant
usage 74.7 Repas speciaux Special meals
banquet nm [meal commemorating or celebrating
French sandwiches
something] banquet
The word sandwich nm
widely used, and refers to a
is
lunch nm pi lunch(e)s [mainly at weddings] reception
piece of baguette with a or to a more recent
filling,
collation nf refreshments Une legere collation sera servie a
import, the triangular sliced bread sandwich. In the
/'entr'acte. Light refreshments will be served during the
language of cafes, a ham sandwich is un jambon-beurre,
intermission.
and its gherkin variant is un jambon-beurre-cornichons.
pique-nique nm picnic
pique-niquer {6} vi to have a picnic
mechoui nm whole roast mutton barbecue
barbecue nm barbecue
74.4 Repas Meals
petit dejeuner nm breakfast Le reveillon
nm [informal, humorous] breakfast
p'tit dej Two special meals are known as le reveillon. Le
dejeuner nm lunch reveillon de Noel is Christmas eve supper, for which
diner nm [evening meal] dinner families tend to come together. It is usually taken late in
souper nm 1 [late meal, after e.g. the theatre] supper 2 [in the evening of the 24th of December, and consists of
some country areas, synonym for diner] dinner festive food such as oysters, foie gras, roast turkey or
the nm [British-style late afternoon meal with tea and goose with chestnuts, and a Yule log. The second
cakes] tea reveillon usually takes place lateon New Year's Eve, and
includes some of the foods mentioned above, perhaps
usage with venison or wild boar instead of roast fowl. The
reveillon du Jour de I'An is less of a family occasion than
Meals at various times of the day a festival to be celebrated with friends, sometimes in a
When asking about the various meals of the day, times restaurant or a night club.
of the day are often substituted. Thus: Qu'est-ce que tu
manges d'habitude a midi? means What do you
normally have for lunch? and Qu'est-ce que je vais leur
faire ce soir? is the equivalent of What shall give them
I
74.8 Restaurants et cafes Eating and
for dinner? Le matin je prends du fromage means that drinking places
you eat cheese at breakfast, not mid-morning or at
lunchtime. restaurant nm restaurant
resto nm [informal, short for restaurant] restaurant
cafe nm [serves various beverages including alcohol, and
often sandwiches and snacks] cafe
brasserie nf (serves the same things as a cafe, but has
more elaborate meals available at lunchtime] (large) cafe
auberge nf [usu situated in the countryside or in a village.
May have rooms to rent] inn
74 Cooking and eating 167
menu nm menu le menu a 240 f the menu at 240 francs sucer {7} vt 1 [obj: e.g. sweet] to suck 2 [obj: e.g. bone] to
Vous allez prendre a la carte ou au menu? Will you order gnaw
a la carte or have the set menu? savourer {6} vt to relish
grignoter {6} 1 vt [take tiny pieces with one's teeth] to nib-
ble at 2 vi [eat insufficiently] to eat like a bird
74.9 Personnel Catering staff s'empiffrer {6} v refl [informal] to stuff oneself
serveur nm waiter When you come upon people eating, or when you leave
serveuse nf 1 [serving at table] waitress 2 [behind the bar] a group of people who are eating, it is polite to say bon
barmaid appetit! 'have a good appetite') have a nice
(literally,
meal. Whereupon, if they assume that you, too are,
When calling a waiter to
your table, you can call out going to eat, they will answer Merci, vous aussi 'Thank
garcon!, but modern usage
inclines towards saying you, same to you'
monsieur! instead. With the waitress, use mademoiselle!
or madamel, always adding s'il vous plait for politeness'
sake.
74.12 Gens qui mangent Describing
chef nm (de cuisine) chef eaters
cuisinier, -niere nf [in an institution or community] cook
barman nm, pi barmans also barmen barman gourmand, e adj [pejorative] greedy
gourmand, e n [pejorative] greedy person
gourmet adj m and nm gourmet
74.10 Manger To eat convive nm [at table] fellow-guest
gros mangeur nm, grosse mangeuse nf hearty eater
manger {8} vt and vi 1 [refers to feeding in general and to
consuming a particular food] to eat Vie n'a pas le droit de Locutions Idioms
manger des feculents. She's not allowed to eat starchy Qui dort dine. [If you haven't had enough to eat, find
foods. Je viens demanger une banane. I've just eaten a relief in sleep] He who sleeps eats.
banana. 2 [to have a meal] to eat Vous avez mange? Have avoir un appetit d'oiseau to eat like a bird
you eaten? Viens manger dimanche midi. Come over for avoir un bon coup de fourchette [sometimes used
Sunday lunch. ironically to mean being greedy] to have a healthy
donner a manger a [commonly used phrase] to feed Tu as appetite
donne a manger aux enfants? Did you feed the children?
Qu'est-ce qu'on donne a manger a un poisson rouge?
What do you feed a goldfish on? 74.13 Faim Hunger
nourrir {1 9} vt [more formal than donner a manger.
Scientific language] to feed Un enfant de moins de trois faim nf [need for food between normal meals] hunger
1
mois doit de preference etre nourri au lait maternel. A avoir faim to be hungry un bebe qui a faim a hungry baby
child less than three months old should preferably be fed Je n'ai pas faim. I'm not hungry. J'ai une faim de hup. I
on his mother's milk. J'ai a peine assez d'argent pour could eat a horse. 2 [famine] hunger des pays ou les gens
nourrir ma famille. have barely enough money to feed
I
meurent de faim countries where people are dying of
my family. hunger
gouter and vi (often + a) [to try for the first time,
(a) {6} vt affame, e adj [suffering in a famine. Sometimes describes
or to see if something is cooked] to taste J'ai remis du sel, hunger, without real suffering involved] hungry les
tu veux gouter? added some salt, do you want to taste?
I populations affamees du Sahel the hungry people of the
Goute aux cailles, elles sont delicieuses. Taste the quails, Sahel Les enfants revenaient toujours affames de ces
they're delicious. tongues promenades en montagne. The children always
consommer [term with economic overtones] to eat
{6} vt returned (starving) hungry from those long mountain
Les Francais consomment beaucoupd'huitres a Noel. The treks.
French eat a lot of oysters around Christmas time. carence nf [absence of a necessary nutrient from a diet]
deficiency des carences en vitamine B vitamin B
deficiencies
74.11 Fagons de manger Ways of eating famine nf famine
malnutrition nf [sociological term] malnutrition des
manger comme un cochon to eat messily enfants qui souffrent de malnutrition undernourished
manger comme un chancre to eat enormous amounts children
devorer {6} vt and vi to devour
avaler {6} vt to swallow Locutions Idioms
ronger {8} vt to gnaw Tu as/ll a les yeux plus grands que le ventre, [phrase
macher {6} vt and vi to chew used esp to children] Your eyes are bigger than your
bouffer {6} vt and vi [slang] to eat Qu'est-ce qu'on bouffe? tummy/his eyes are bigger than his tummy.
What is there to eat? A quelle heure on bouffe? What are avoir I'estomac dans les talons to be starving hungry
we eating? ll/Elle a la reconnaissance du ventre It's (only) cupboard
deguster {6} vt 1 [when referring to wines, brandy, etc] to love.
taste Quand on deguste des faut utiliser son nez au
vins, il
moins autant que sa bouche. When tasting wines, you Citation Quotation
must use your nose much
your mouth. 2 [to eat or
as as Ventre affame n'a point d'oreilles. [From La Fontaine's
drink, paying great attention to the taste] to enjoy Nous fable Le milan et le rossignol, 1694] Someone who is
avons deguste une excellente cuisse de chevreuil. We hungry will not listen to reason.
enjoyed a wonderful haunch of venison.
168 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
75.4 Boissons chaudes Hot drinks
75 Drinks and drinking cafe nm coffee cafe decafeine decaffeinated coffee cafe en
grains coffee beans cafe moulu ground coffee cafe
instantane instant coffee
75.1 Boissons Drinks deca nm [informal] decaf
boisson nf [term mainly used by drinks manufacturers and the nm tea the en sachet teabags the en feuilles loose tea
in catering and advertising] drink sachet nm de the teabag
boire {69} vtto drink Qu'est-ce que vous buvez? What will feuilles fpl de the tea leaves
you have (to drink)? Le chien a soif, donne-lui a boire. The chocolat nm (chaud) (hot) chocolate
dog's thirsty, give him something to drink.
soif nr" thirst avoir soif to be thirsty mourir de soif to die Ordering coffee and tea
of thirst If you simply order 'un cafe, s'il vous plait', you may well
be asked for more information about the desired size:
In social drinking, references to 'a drink' are usually 'un grand?' or 'un double?' (a large one?), or 'un petit?'
made without the word boisson, but with the verb boire (which refers to an espresso-sized coffee). But it will be
/nstead. For example, Viens boire quelque chose. Come assumed that you want it black. If you don't, make sure
and have a drink. Tu n'as pas oublie d'acheter a boire? you specify 'un cafe au lait', or 'un creme'. The latter will
Did you remember to buy the drinks? come with milk, not cream.
When ordering tea, the request for 'un the, s'il vous
plait' will usually result in questions such as 'nature?'
(with nothing in), 'citron?' (with a slice of lemon). If you
75.2 Boissons alcoolisees courantes want it with milk, make sure you ask for 'un the au lait
Common alcoholic drinks s'il vous plait'.
alcool nm alcohol biere sans alcool non-alcoholic beer Being invited for coffee
biere a faible taux d'akool low-alcohol beer You may be invited for coffee after a meal. Venez
alcoolise, e adj [containing alcohol] une boisson prendre le cafe may not mean 'Come and have coffee'
legerement alcoolisee a drink with low alcohol content (i.e., at around 1 1 a.m. as in Britain), but 'Come for
une boisson alcoolisee an alcoholic drink coffee after the meal' (e.g., at about 1.30 p.m.). A variant
vin nm wine on this type of invitation is Venez prendre le cafe et le
biere nf beer biere blonde lager biere brune stout dessert. In this case you are being invited to join the last
demi nm half a pint (of beer) demi pression half a pint of part of the meal.
draught beer
cidre nm cider
panache nm shandy
12/14 degres d'akool 12/14 per cent volume 75.5 Spiritueux Spirits
eau-de-vie nf, pi eaux-de-vie fruit brandy
Drinking before and after a meal
spiritueux nm [term used in the trade and in advertising]
L'aperitif nm spirits commerce de spiritueux wines and spirits trade
It iscustomary to spend a little time before lunch and
armagnac nm brandy (from the Armagnac region)
before dinner having one or more drinks, sometimes
cognac nm brandy (from the Cognac region)
while nibbling peanuts, olives etc. This occasion is called
calvados nm apple brandy (from Normandy)
l'aperitif. It is not impolite to invite someone you know
scotch, also whisky nm (Scotch) whisky
really well for l'aperitif, but not for the meal that
rhum nm rum
follows, although the host would be expected to have
vodka nf vodka
made this clear beforehand. For example, Viens juste
pour l'aperitif demain. Come tomorrow, just for drinks
before the meal. The drinks normally taken on this
occasion are also called un aperitif, e.g. Qu'est-ce que tu 75.6 >4ccesso/res Drinking accessories
veux comme aperitif, un porto ? What will you have
bouchon nm cork Ce vin sent le bouchon. This wine is
before we eat, a port?
corked,
Le digestif nm and le pousse-cafe nm tire-bouchon nm, tire-bouchons corkscrew
At the end of a large meal, you may be offered un
capsule nf [on bottle of lemonade, etc] (metallic) top
digestif: This is a glass of anything alcoholic purporting
decapsuleur nm bottle opener
to aid digestion: i.e. spirits or a liqueur. A more informal
seau nm, pi -x a glace wine bucket
phrase is un pousse-cafe, meaning a glass of spirits taken
boite nf can une boite de Coca a can of Coke
with or after coffee.
canette nf [for beer] small bottle
75.3 Boissons non alcoolisees Soft drinks 75.7 Boire To drink
eau nf, pi -x water eau minerale mineral water eau boire {69} vtto drink boire a petits coups also petites
gazeuse sparkling water eau non-gazeuse still water eau gorgees to sip boire a grands traits to gulp down
du robinet tap water tremper ses levres dans to take a sip of
jus nm juice jus de fruit fruit juice jus d'orange orange juice tapper {6} vt to lap up
limonade nf lemonade assoiffe, e adj [slightly formal] thirsty
diabolo nm [fruit syrup with still water] BrE cordial AmE
fruit syrop diabolo-menthe mint-flavoured cordial
diabolo-fraise strawberry-flavoured cordial
75 Drinks and drinking 1 gg
75.8 Alcoolisme Alcoholism
boire {69} vi [abuse alcohol] to drink (too much) Je ne bois
pas. I don't drink (alcohol).
saoul, e adj drunk
ivre adj [more formal than saoul] drunk
ivrogne nm, ivrognesse nf [pejorative and slightly
informal] drunkard
alcoolique n [more formal] alcoholic
gueule nf de bois hangover avoir la gueule de bois to
have a hangover
cure nf de disintoxication treatment for alcoholism II a
fait plusieurs cures de disintoxication. He went in several
times to be treated for alcoholism.
sobre adj [describes permanent non-drinkers, also person
with no alcohol in their system at a particular time] sober,
abstemious, teetotal
sobriete nf sobriety
Locutions Idioms
etre (un petit peu) pompette to be (a little bit) tipsy
avoir un verre dans le nez to have had a drop too much
etre rond(e) comme une queue de pelle, also etre
saoul(e) comme une barrique, also etre plein(e)
comme un oeuf BrE to be plastered AmE to be drunk as a
skunk
Work and leisure
76.3 Conditions de I'emploi Conditions of
76 Work and working employment
conditions charges nf pi patronales (employer's) overhead(s)
cotisation nf contribution to benefits, paid out of earnings
cotisation ouvriere employee's contribution cotisation
76.1 Emploi Employment patronale employer's contribution
travail nm au noir [as part of the black economy] working
emploi nm 1 [occupation] job etre sans emploi to be
on the side
un
jobless perdre son emploi to lose one's job retrouver
travailler {6} vi to work travailler a son compte to be self-
emploi to get a new job (after being unemployed) trouver
employed travailler au noir to work on the side Leur
un nouvel emploi to get a new job (as a change from the
nounou travaille au noir, ils ne la declarent pas. Their
previous one)
nanny is working on the side, they're not paying any
employer employ employer qqn comme
{17} vt to
contributions for her.
employ sb as a secretary Chez Luminex, ils
secretaire to
pension nf d'invalidite disability pension
emploient 400 personnes. They have 400 people on the
conge-maladie nm, pi conges-maladies a.so conge nm
payroll at Luminex.
de maladie sick leave
employe, e n employee
conge-maternite nm, pi conges-maternites a^so conge
employeur, -yeuse n employer
petit boulot nm [informal. Unqualified occupation taken
nm de matemite maternity leave
allocation nf BrE benefit AmE subsidy allocations
typically by students] (temporary) job
familiales BrE child benefit AmE subsidies for (dependent)
personnel nm staff direction du personnel personnel
children
department
prud'hommes nm pi, industrial tribunal alter aux
main-d'ceuvre nf, pi mains-d'oeuvre labour force
prud'hommes to go to an industrial tribunal
Locution Idiom
Qu'est-ce que vous faites/tu fais dans la vie? What do
you do for a living? 76.4 Le temps du travail Time at work
travailler a temps plein to work full time
travailler a temps work part-time
partiel to
76.2Chomage et recherche d'emploi travailler a mi-temps work half-time
to
Unemployment and looking for a job avoir des horaires f lexibles BrE to work flexitime AmE to
have flexible working hours
chomage nm unemployment le taux de chomage the faire des heures supplementaires to work overtime
unemployment rate etre au chomage to be unemployed faire les trois-huit to work an eight-hour shift
pointer au chomage BrE to be on the dole AmE to be pointer {6} vi to clock on
collecting public assistance [especially unemployment
benefits] le chomage longue duree long-term
unemployment
76.5 Syndicats et patronat Unions and
chdmeur, -meuse n unemployed person
demandeur, -deuse n d'emploi [actively looking for a management
job] unemployed person
syndicat nm (trade) union
chomer {6} vi [due to unemployment, or other causes] to
syndical, e adj, mp/-caux (trade-)union
be without work £ He a chome deux ans avant de trouver
syndicaliste n union member
du travail. She was unemployed for two years before she
se syndiquer (6) v refl to join a union
found a job. Avec tout ce linge a repasser, je ne vais pas
partenaires nm pi sociaux [in negociations) management
chomer cet apres-midi! What with all the ironing to do,
and unions
I'm not going to be idle this afternoon!
patronat nm management
Agence Nationale Pour I'Emploi also A.N.P.E. BrE
'
job centre AmE National Agency for Employment
entretien nm professionnel also d'embauche job
interview 76.6 Travail Work
postulant, e also candidat, e n candidate (for a job)
travail nm work Trouvez un travail a donner a
1 [task]
Assedic nm pi [short for Association pour I'Emploi dans
I'interimaire. Findsome work for the temp to do 2 [paid
I'lndustrie et le Commerce) unemployment benefit(s)
employment] work une journee de travail a day's work J'ai
toucher les Assedic to get unemployment benef it(s)
de la chance de faire un travail qui me passionne. I'm
engager (8), also embaucher {6} vt BrE to take on AmE to lucky enough to have a job which love. 3 [load] work II y
I
hire
a beaucoup de travail a terminer avant le week-end.
licencier (6) vt and vi to lay off
There's a lot of work to finish before the weekend.
licenciement nm lay-off
travaux nm pi [achievements expected or realized in the
embauche nf hiring, taking-on La situation de I'embauche
course of a project] work Les travaux du comite seront
n'est pas bonne en ce moment. Employers aren't taking
publies avant la fin du mois. The committee's work will be
people on at the moment.
published before the end of the month.
78 Shops and working in shops 171
travailler {6} vi to work mere qui travaille working mother
77.3 Fournitures de bureau Office
Je travaille comme laborantin. work as a lab assistant.
I
Elle ne travaille plus. She no longer works. stationery
travailleur, -lleuse n [any person who works] worker
agenda nm diary
ouvrier, -riere n [in industry or in the trades] worker
chemise nf (cartonnee) folder
charge nf de travail workload classeur nm 1 [book] binder dasseur a anneaux ringbinder
boulot nm synonym for travail, all senses] work
[informal
2 [cabinet] filing cabinet
bosser {6} vi synonym for travailler] to work
[informal
intercalaire nm [for ringbinder] divider
boite nf [slang. One's place of work] On a beaucoup de dossier nm file
boulot en ce moment a la boite. We've got a lot on at
work at the moment.
77.4 Personnel Staff
76.7 Effort au travail Effort at work employe, e n de bureau office worker
secretaire n secretary secretaire de direction personal
besogne nf [implies hard, difficult] task assistant
dur, e adj a la tache willing to work till one drops dactylo n typist
surmenage nm overwork receptionniste n receptionist
se surmener {9} v refl to overwork interimaire n temp
bourreau nm, pi, -x de travail workaoholic standardiste n switchboard operator
Locutions Idioms
avoir du pain sur la planche to have a great deal of
work to do
travailler comme un fou also un malade to work like a
78 Shopping
slave
aller vite en besogne 1 [used as a compliment] to be a
fast worker 2 [pejorative] to jump ahead 78.1 Magasins Shops/Stores
see also 108 (Gambits)
magasin nm, also commerce nm BrE shop AmE store
Tous commerces se trouvent Rue Abelard. All the shops
77 Office work les
are in Rue Abelard.
faire les commissions also courses [refers to everyday
shopping for food, etc] to shop Va faire les courses pour ta
77.1 Bureau Office mere, s'il te plait. Could you go and buy a few things for
your mother please?
bureau nm, pi -x 1 [room where one works] office Je passe liste nf de commissions also de courses shopping list
au bureau chercher mes dossiers. drop in at the office
I'll
and pick up my files. 2 [building] bureaux offices La
societe a ses bureaux Boulevard de la Loire. The company's
offices are in Boulevard de la Loire.
78.2 Commerces a"alimentation Food
shops/stores
see also 72.1 Produits laitiers et cremerie
77.2 Equipement Equipment boulangerie nf BrE baker's (shop) AmE bakery
see also 98.1Informatique patisserie nf cake shop
bureautique nf [registered trademark used as a common charcuterie nf pork butcher's and delicatessen
name] electronic office equipment boucherie nf BrE butcher's (shop) AmE butcher shop
ordinateur nm computer triperie nf butcher's (specializing in offal)
clavier nm keyboard epicerie nf BrE grocer's (shop) AmE grocery store
ecran nm screen alimentation nf, also magasin nm d'alimentation BrE
souris nf mouse grocer's (shop) AmE grocery store
traitement nm de texte [software] word processor primeurs nm pi BrE greengrocer's (shop) AmE fruit and
tableur nm spreadsheet vegetable store
base nf de donnees database poissonnerie nf BrE fish shop AmE fish store
imprimante nf printer imprimante laser laser printer commerce nm de vins BrE off-licence AmE wine store
scanner nm scanner
modem nm modem Traiteur
photocopieuse nf photocopier The word traiteur nm refers to high-class catering, e.g.
photocopie nf photocopy for private parties, often with delivery to the home.
serveur nm (computer) server Whenever you see the word traiteur on a shop front, as
in charcutier traiteur, poissonnier traiteur, expect a
disquette nf floppy disk
moniteur nm monitor choice of prepared dishes to take away. A shop bearing
disque nm dur hard disk drive the name traiteur tends to supply more refined foods
lecteur nm de CD Rom CD Rom drive than an ordinary shop, and to charge accordingly.
curseur nm cursor
multimedia adj inv multimedia
PC nm PC, personal computer un PC multimedia a
multimedia PC
172 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
78.3 Autres commerces Other epicier, -ciere n grocer
poissonnier, -nniere n BrE fishmonger AmE fish dealer
shops/stores marchand, e n de fruits et legumes also marchand, e
mercerie nf BrE haberdasher's AmE fabric store n de primeurs greengrocer
bureau nm de tabac [licensed to sell tobacco and stamps] marchand, e n de vins BrE wine merchant AmE wine shop
cigarette shop
owner
Maison nf de la Presse [registered trade name of a large mercier, -ciere n BrE haberdasher AmE fabric store owner
chain of stores selling newspapers, books, tobacco, buraliste n [licensed to sell tobacco and stamps]
AmE news dealer tobacconist
stamps] BrE newsagent's
pharmacie nf BrE AmE pharmacy
chemist's (shop)
pharmacien, -cienne n BrE chemist AmE pharmacist
quincaillier, -lliere nf BrE ironmonger AmE hardware
quincaillerie nf ironmonger's
store owner
boutique nf 1 [any small shop] shop 2 [selling clothes]
boutique
fonds nm de commerce [legal term] shop ceder son fonds
de commerce to sell one's shop 78.7 Magasins ou I'on nettoie les
vetements Laundries
78.4 Grandes surfaces Large shops/stores teinturerie nf, also blanchisserie ( dry-)cleaners' J'ai
porte ton pantalon a la teinturerie also blanchisserie. I've
supermarche nm supermarket taken your trousers to the cleaners.
hypermarche nm hypermarket laverie nf (automatique) launderette
superette nf (small) supermarket
libre-service nm, pi libres-services self-service shop
grand nm magasin department store
79 Farming
usa ae
The phrases grande surface, petite surface and, less
79.1 Agriculture Farming
frequently, moyenne surface, are used commonly to
refer to a large supermarket, a smallsupermarket and a agriculture nf farming methodes d'agriculture farming
middle-sized supermarket respectively. Nous n'avons pas methods
ca, Madame, vous ne le trouverez qu'en grande surface. agricole adj 1 [ineconomics] agricultural politique agricole
We don't stock this item, madam, you'll only find it in a commune common agricultural policy 2 [of a farm or
supermarket. Note that the word surface is not used on farms] farm (as adj) exploitation agricole farm ouvrier
its own in this context. agricole farm labourer
monoculture nf single-crop farming
ferme nf 1 [business] farm ferme d'elevage cattle
(breeding) farm animaux de la ferme farm animals
78.5 Dans le magasin In the shop/store 2 [building] farmhouse cour de ferme farmyard
fermier nm farmer
comptoir nm counter
fermiere nf 1 [in her own right] woman farmer 2 [spouse]
caisse nf 1 [in a small shop] caisse (enregistreuse) BrE till
farmer's wife
AmE register Tenez, madame, void votre paquet, vous
cultiver {6} vt to farm lis cultivent deux cents hectares en
pouvez passer a la caisse. Here you your
are, here's
Beauce. They farm two hundred hectares in the Beauce. Je
purchase, please go to the till. 2 [in supermarket] cash
ne cultive plus que du colza. My only crop now is
desk On fait la queue a toutes les caisses. There's a queue
rapeseed.
at each cash desk.
cultivateur nm, also agriculteur nm 1 [owner or tenant
Caddie nm [registered trademark], also chariot nm BrE
of a farm] farmer 2 [general term] farm worker
(supermarket) trolley AmE shopping cart
cultivatrice nf also agricultrice nf [owner or tenant of
vitrine nf shopwindow
farm] woman farmer
etalage nm window display
culture nf 1 [process] farming la culture du pavot poppy
rayon nm [in a department store] department Ou est le
farming 2 [land] sown field We passe pas a travers les
rayon des gants, s'il vous plait? Where's the glove
cultures. Don't walk across the sown fields.
department, please?
paysan, -sanne n [not pejorative] 1 [person who owns and
works a small plot of land] small farmer 2 [labourer] farm
worker
78.6 Les commercants Shopkeepers/ ouvrier, -riere agricole [synonym for paysan 2] farm
storeowners worker
metayer, -yere n share-cropper
see also 72.1 Produits laitiers et cremerie labourer {6} vi and vt [by hand or with a machine] BrE to
Below, we have assumed that each listed shopkeeper is an plough AmE to plow
owner. While this may not always be the case in reality,
this often the way we refer to them. Another possible
is
translation, avoiding the ownership issue, is 'the
79.2 La terre Farmland
man/woman in the bookshop', 'the man/woman in the
dairy', etc. champ nm field champ de pommes de terre potato field
boulanger, -gere n baker prairie nf meadow
patissier, -ssiere n cake shop owner verger nm orchard
charcutier, -tiere n pork butcher terres nf pi maraicheres market gardens
boucher, -chere n butcher vignoble nm vineyard
tripier, -piere n butcher (specializing in offal) pre nm, also paturage nm pasture (for grazing)
80 Gardening 173
haie nf hedge
79.8 Elevage de bestiaux Sheep and
fosse nm ditch
bocage nm [mainly in western France] farmland with cattlefarming
hedgerows
berger nm shepherd bergere nf shepherdess
troupeau nm. pi -x herd
bestiaux nmpl [commonly used term. Large animals reared
79.3 Batiments a usage agricole Farm for meat] livestock
buildings ovins mpl [scientific and farming term] sheep
bovins mpl [scientific and farming term] dairy and meat
grange nf barn cattle
etable nf cowshed tondre {53} vt to shear
ecurie nf stable traire {61} vt to milk machine a traire milking machine
porcherie nf pigsty
laiterie nf dairy
silo nm silo
les dependances de la ferme the farm outbuildings 80 Gardening
79.4 Machines agricoles Farm machinery 80.1 Jardin et activites du jardinier
charrue nf BrE plough AmE plow Garden and gardener's activities
tracteur nm tractor
jardiner {6} vi to do gardening
remorque nf trailer
jardinier, -niere n gardener
moissonneuse-batteuse nf combine harvester
jardinage nm gardening faire du jardinage to garden
creuser {6} vt and vi [obj: e.g. earth, hole] to dig
tondre {53} vt to mow
79.5 Cultures Arable farming desherber {6} vt and vi to weed
recolte nf 1 [what is harvested] crop une grosse recolte de
mauvaise herbe nf weed enlever les mauvaises herbes to
tomates a heavy crop of tomatoes 2 [process] harvesting
remove the weeds.
au moment de la recolte at the time of harvesting
semer {9} vt and vi to sow
recolter {6} vt 1 [have by way of crop] to grow 2 [collect.
planter {6} vt to plant
tailler {6} vt 1 [obj: e.g. tree] to prune 2 [obj: e.g. hedge] to
Obj: e.g. tomato, potato] to harvest
trim
moisson nf (wheat) harvest
elaguer {6} vt [obj: e.g. branch] to prune
moissonner {6} vi and vt to harvest
eclaircir {19} vt [obj: e.g. seedlings] to thin (out)
vendanges nf pi [in wine-making] grape-picking
vendanger {8} vi [in wine-making] to pick the grapes jardin nm garden
cueillette nf [of fruit, nuts and flowers. By hand] picking
pelouse nf lawn
fenaison nf hay-making
herbe nf grass
plate-bande nf, pi plates-bandes flowerbed
serre nf greenhouse
tuteur nm (supporting) cane
79.6 Cultures cerealieres Cereal crops compost nm, also terreau nm compost heap
cereale nf cereal crop tondeuse nf lawnmower
ble nm wheat
ma is nm [for animal feed] corn
orge nf barley 80.2 Ustensiles de jardinier Gardener's
avoine nf oats tools
seigle nm rye
foin nm hay beche nf spade
meule nf (de foin) haystack fourche nf fork
botte nf de foin bale of hay plantoir nm trowel
pa lie nf straw
i pioche nf pick
chaumes nm pi [after harvesting] stubble faire bruler les cisaille nf (pair of) shears
chaumes to burn the stubble secateur nm (pair of ) secateurs
binette nf hoe
rateau nm, pi -x rake
79.7 Productivity agricole Farm rouleau nm, pi -x roller
brouette nf wheelbarrow
productivity
terre nf land bonne terre fertile land terre maigre also
pauvre poor land 80.3 Le sol The soil
engrais nm fertilizer mettre de I'engrais (sur un champ) to
manure (a field)
sol nm 1 [emphasizes chemical make-up] soil un sol acide
acid soil 2 [refers to surface or area] ground Le sol era/f
engraisser {6} vt 1 [obj: e.g. land] to fertilize 2 [obj: e.g.
durci par le gel. Frost had hardened the ground.
cattle] to fatten
terre nf 1 [standard term] earth La biche retourne la terre.
purinnm [made by animals] liquid manure
The spade turns the earth over. 2 [like sol 1] soil une
fumier nm (animal) dung fas de fumier dung heap
bonne terre a rich soil
terrain nm [estate] land La maison est vendue sans le
terrain. The house is for sale without the land.
.
174 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Locution Idiom joueur, joueuse n player
avoir la main verte, also les doigts verts BrE to have partie nf game, match une partie de poker a game of
green fingers AmE to have a green thumb poker une partie d'echecs a chess match
jeu nm, pi -x informatique computer game
console nm de jeux video game (machine)
81 Relaxing, playing and
81.5 Jeux d'enfants Children's games
sport
jouet nm toy une cuisine en jouet a toy kitchen un petit
ramoneur en jouet a toy chimney sweep
81.1 Loisirs Leisure joujou nm [child's word] toy
poupee nf doll
see also 64.13 Repos et detente, 81.4 Jeux, 81.9 Sport maison nf de poupee doll's house
loisirs nm pi time devoted to these] leisure
[pursuits, bi He nf marble
Quelles sont vos activites de loisirs? What do you do with train nm electrique train set
your leisure time? pendant mes loisirs in my free time
a mes/tes/ses heures perdues in my/your/his/her spare
time
passe-temps nm inv pastime
81.6 Jeux de cartes Card games
violon nm d'lngres [implies unusual hobby ] carte nf card jouer aux cartes to play cards donner les
cartes to deal un jeu de cartes complet a complete pack of
cards
81.2 Loisirs de plein air Outdoor hobbies couleur nf (card) suit
donne nf [set of cards dealt] hand (of cards) une nouvelle
peche nf a la ligne angling donne a redeal
canne nf a peche (fishing rod ) pli nm trick faire un pli to take a trick
hamecon nm hook battre les cartes to shuffle the cards
appat nm (piece of) bait les sept families happy families jouer (au jeu des) sept
pecher {6} vt and vi to fish families to play happy families
camping nm 1 [activity] camping faire du camping sauvage
to camp in the wild 2 [site] camp(ing) site Les couleurs
tente nf tent The suits below are used in the singular form when
sac nm de couchage sleeping bag referring to suits in the plural: e.g. Tu as du trefle? Have
camper {6} vi to camp you got any clubs?
campeur, -peuse n camper pique nm spades
bivouaquer {6} vi [overnight or for a short while, usu in a coeur nm hearts
group, outside of designated camp(ing) sites] to camp trefle nm clubs
filetnm a papillons butterfly net carreau nm diamonds
attraper {6} vt [obj: e.g. fish, butterfly] to catch
valet nm de pique jack of spades
reine nf de coeur queen of hearts
81.3 Aires dejeu et fetes foraines Parks roi nm de carreau king of diamonds
as nm de trefle ace of clubs
and funfairs joker nm joker
jardin nm public park
aire nf de jeu play area
fete nf foraine funfair 81.7 Jeux de societe Board games
marchand, e n de glaces ice cream seller
barbe nf a papa BrE candy floss AmE cotton candy jeu nm de societe board game
manege nm merry-go-round echiquier nm chessboard
attraction nf [in funfair] ride damier nm BrE draughtboard AmE checkerboard
diseuse nf de bonne aventure fortune teller echecs nm pi chess Echec et mat! Checkmate!
balancoire nf swing tour nm move A toi le tour! It's your move!
balancoire nf a bascule seesaw pion nm pawn
toboggan nm slide tour nf castle
bac nm a sable sandpit cavalier nm knight
cage nf a poules climbing frame roi nm king
banc nm (public) park bench reine nf queen
tourniquet nm carousel fou nm bishop
81.4 Jeux Games 81.8 Jeux d'argent et de hasard
Gambling and games of chance
jouer {6} vt and vi to play youer a la balle to play ball youer
a la marchande to play shops youer au docteur to play jouer {6} vi to gamble
doctor(s) youer aux echecs to play chess joueur, joueuse n gambler
jeu nm. pi -x 1 [activity] game une famille passionnee de parier {6} vi to bet parier sur un cheval to bet on a horse
jeux de cartes a family that loves card games 2 [object or casino nm casino
objects] un jeu de dominos a set of dominoes un jeu de loterie nf lottery loterie nationale national lottery
sept families [card game] a game of happy families
81 Relaxing, playing and sport
175
81.9 Sport Sport 81.14 Jeux de ballon et de volant Racket
see also 25.1 Habillement and ball games
sport nm [any activity involving the development of the
body] sport faire du sport to go in for sport
tennis nm tennis
badminton nm badminton
gymnastique nf 1 [movements for muscle-building and
ping-pong nm table tennis
endurance training. Can be a competitive sport]
gymnastics 2 [informal. Movements aimed at keeping
football nm BrE football AmE soccer
fit]
rugby nm rugby
exercise
basket nm basketball
volley(ball) nm volleyball
81.10 Faire du sport To go in for sport
jouer {6} vt and vi to play Je joue au tennis. play tennis. I
81.15 A thletisme Athletics
Tu joues au football? Do you play football?
pratiquer {6} vt [more formal than jouer. Sometimes
athletisme nm athletics epreuves d'athletisme athletics
events
translated by an English verb indicating the particular
athletique adj athletic
sport being discussed] to play, to do Je pratique le rugby. I
athlete n athlete
play rugby, lis pratiquent la musculation. They do weight
course nf (running) track race
training. Tu pratiques I'aviron? Do you row? J'ai un peu
courir {33} vi and vt to run courir le cent metres to run the
pratique le ski, quand j'etais jeune. did a little skiing
I
hundred metres
when was young.
I
coureur, -reuse n runner
faire {62} vt [informal for pratiquer] to play, to do Je fais
marathon nm marathon
du badminton. play badminton. Nous faisons de la
I
haie nf hurdle le cent metres haies the hundred metres
natation ensemble le mardi. We go swimming together on
hurdle
Tuesdays.
sprinter nm sprinter
marquer {6} vi and vt to score marquer un but to score a
footing nm jogging Je vais faire un petit footing. I'll go for
goal
a little jog.
score nm score
tour nm lap tour d'honneur lap of honour
faute nf foul II y a faute. It's a foul.
saut nm jump saut en longueur long jump saut en hauteur
tacler {6} vi to tackle
high jump saut a la perche pole vault
taclenm tackle faire un tacle to tackle
javelot nm javelin
but nm goal
disque nm discus
corner nm corner
poids nm shot
surface nf de reparation penalty area
marteau nm hammer
lancer nm throw le lancer du javelot throwing the javelin
le lancer du poids shot putting
81.11 Les sportifs Sports people
sportif, -tive n 1 [competitive athlete] sportsman,
sportswoman 2 [person who likes sport] sports enthusiast 81.16 Sports nautiques Water sports
concurrent, e n competitor
natation nf swimming faire de la natation to swim
equipe nf team
nager {8} vi and vt to swim
equipier, -piere n team member
brasse nf breast stroke
arbitre n 1 [in football] referee 2 [in tennis] umpire
crawl nm crawl
juge n de ligne [in tennis] linesman
dos nm crawle back stroke
juge n de touche [in rugby, football] linesman
nage nf stroke nage indienne side stroke nage papillon
butterfly stroke
plongeon nm dive
81.12 La competition Competition plonger {8} w'to dive
plongeoir nm diving board
competition nf 1 [general word for playing to win]
f lotter {6} vi to float
competition, competitiveness avoir I'esprit de competition
faire la planche to float
to be competitive 2 [event] contest
disputer disputer un match to play in a match
{6} vt
disputer une competition to take part in a competition
tournoi nm [in tennis] tournament 81.17 Quelques sports de gymnase Some
match nm, pi matchs also matches match un match de gymnasium sports
rugby a rugby match
partie nf [friendly match] game une partie de tennis a musculation nf weight training
game of tennis aerobicnm aerobics
yoga nm yoga
81.13 Endroits ou I'on fait du sport Places
81.18 Arts martiaux Martial arts
where sports are played
boxe nf boxing
stade nm stadium boxeur nm boxer
piste nf track
ring nm ring
couloir nm [on a track or in a swimming pool] lane
gant nm de boxe boxing glove
terrain nm BrE pitch AmE field terrain de football BrE foot-
catch nm (professional) wrestling
ball pitch AmE soccer field
sumo nm sumo wrestling
court nm [in tennis, badminton] court
176 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
judo nm judo 81.23 Sports de tir Target sports
karate nm karate
escrime nm fencing tir nm
shooting
exercices nm pi de tir target practice
arc nm bow
fleche nf arrow
81.19 Quelques sports de plein air Some
cible nf target
outdoor sports archer, -chere n archer
flechettes nf pi darts
cycliste n cyclist
flechette nf dart
cyclisme nm cycling
cible nf (pour flechettes) dartboard
planche nf a roulettes skateboard fairs de la planche a
centre nm de la cible bull's eye
roulettes to do skateboarding
tir nm (au fusil) (rifle) shooting
patin nm a roulettes roller-skate fake du patin a roulettes
tirer {6} vi and vt to shoot
to roller-skate
cible nf target
patin nm en ligne roller-blade
81.20 Randonnees et escalade Walking 81.24 Boules et billard Bowls and billiards
and climbing boules nf pi BrE bowls AmE lawn bowling
tirer {6} vi and vt to bowl
Voyages et deplacements
see also 6.2 cochonnet nm jack
randonnee nf [similar to excursion but involves walking, billard nm billiards
or the use of a bicycle, canoe or horse] trip faire une queue nf de billard billiard cue
randonnee pedestre to go rambling faire une randonnee table nf de billard billiard table
equestre also a cheval BrE to go for a hack AmE to go
horseback riding faire une randonnee a (dos de) poney to
go for a pony ride faire une randonnee cycliste to go for a
bicycle tour
81.25 Sports equestres Equestrian sports
randonnee nf (pedestre) walking equitation nf [refers to the hobby aspect of the sport] BrE
randonneur, -nneuse n walker horse riding AmE horseback riding faire de /'equitation to
escalade nf [general term] climbing go horse riding
escalader {6} vt [general term] to climb monter {6} vi and vt [refers to the technical aspect of the
grimpeur, -peuse n [general term] climber sport] to ride Tu sais monter (a cheval)? Can you ride (a
varappe nf [on cliff faces] rock-climbing faire de la varappe horse)? Ce matin, vous allez monter Jocrisse. You'll be
to go rock-climbing riding Jocrisse this morning, monter a cru to ride bareback
varappeur, -ppeuse n [on cliff faces] rock-climber monter en amazone to ride sidesaddle
alpinisme nm [on high mountains] mountaineering cavalier, -Mere n rider
alpiniste n [on high mountains] mountaineer a cheval on horseback
descente nf en rappel BrE abseiling AmE rappelling cheval nm, pi -vaux horse
chaussure nf de marche walking shoe selle nf saddle
etrier nm stirrup
bride nf bridle
81.21 Sports d'hiver Winter sports rene nm rein
culotte nf de cheval, also jodhpurs nm pi BrE jodhpurs
ski nm de fond cross-country skiing
1 [activity] skiing le ski AmE riding breeches
le ski alpin downhill skiing 2 [piece of equipment] ski jockey nm jockey
baton n de ski ski stick
chaussure nf de ski ski boot Horses at different speeds
patinage nm skating allure [of a horse, like trotting, cantering, etc] speed
patin nm a glace ice skate aller au pas to walk
patineur, -neuse n ice skater trotter to trot
patinoire nf ice rink aller au petit trot to canter
luge nf 1 [as competitive sport] toboggan piste de luge galoper to gallop
toboggan run 2 [for children] sledge faire de la luge to go
sledging
bob also bobsleigh nm bobsleigh
81.26 Evenements equestres Equestrian
events
81.22 Sports aeriens Aerial sports
saut nm d'obstacles showjumping
parachute nm parachute faire du parachute to go obstacle nm obstacle franchir un obstacle to clear a jump
parachuting un saut en parachute a parachute jump dressage nm dressage
parachutiste n parachutist gymkhana nm gymkhana
aile nf libre, also deltaplane nm hang-glider faire du turf nm horseracing
deltaplane to go hang-gliding turf iste n racegoer
liberiste n hang-glider course nf (de chevaux) race frequenter les courses to go
ULM also ultra-leger nm motorise microlight to the races regularly
montgolfiere nf hot air balloon faire de la montgolfiere
to go ballooning
82 The media and performing arts
177
piece nf (de theatre) play
82 The media and the scene nf 1 [place] stage entrer en scene to come on (stage)
2 [part of play or film] scene
performing arts cinema nm 1 [form of entertainment] le cinema the
cinema 2 [place] cinema
cine nm [informal synonym for cinema 1 and 2] cinema Si
82.1 Journalisme Journalism on allait au cine? Do you want to go and see a film?
filmnm film
presse nf 1 [newspaper] the press lire la presse to read the ecran nm screen Elle passe bien a I'ecran. She looks good
press la presse ecrite the newspapers la presse parlee the on screen, sur grand ecran on the big screen
radio 2 [journalists] the press La presse ne nous laisse pas plan nm shot
un instant de repit. The press won't leave us alone. premier plan nm foreground
media(s) nm pi the media premiere nf first night J'ai toujours le trac les soirs de
mediatique adj geared to the media une campagne premiere. always suffer from stage fright on
I
first nights.
electorate mediatique an electoral campaign fought in the
media Locutions Idioms
journal nm, pi -naux newspaper journal televise television jouer la comedie 1 [in the theatre] to play 2 pejorative.
news journal d'opinion [giving analysis as well as news] Pretend] to put on an act
quality newspaper faire son cinema [informal] 1 [pretend] to put on an act
quotidien nm daily (newspaper) 2 [be fussy] to make a great scene about it
hebdomadaire nm weekly (magazine)
journaliste n journalist
nm article article de fond in-depth article
article
nm editorial
editorial
82.3 Television et radio Television and
magazine nm [general interest or specialized] magazine radio
revue nf 1 [usu special interest, and sold through
television nf also televiseurnm 1 [broadcasting system]
subscription] magazine 2 [academic] journal
colonne nf 1 column 2 [symbolizes the news-
[on the page]
television Qu'est-ce qu'il ya
a la television ce soir? What's
on television tonight? 2 [channel] (television) station
paper itself] dans nos colonnes within these pages
routes les televisions ont diffuse ces images. These pictures
titre nm 1 [phrase printed above an article] headline gros
titre main headline tres gros titre banner headline 2
were shown on all the channels. 3 [receiver] television (set)
Dans le coin, une television braillait. In the corner a
[journalist's term, referring to a newspaper] newspaper Ce
television was blaring.
soir tous les titres ont une photo des sextuples en
tele nf [informal] TV
premiere page. Tonight all the newspapers have a picture
of the sextuplets on the front page.
chatne nf channel
etre a la une [on page one] to be headline news
rembobiner {6} vf to rewind
canard nm [slang, often used affectionately] paper Passe- avance nf rapide fast-forward Appuie sur avance rapide.
Fast-forward it.
moi le canard. Pass the paper, please.
arret nm sur image BrE freeze frame AmE pause
feuille nf de chou [pejorative. Worthless paper] rag
radio nf 1 [broadcasting system] radio Je I'ai entendu a la
radio. heard it on the radio. 2 [channel] (radio) station
I
une radio de quartier a local radio station 3 [receiver]
82.2 Theatre et cinema Theatre and radio
cinema poste nm set poste de television television set poste de
radio radio set
jouer (6) vt and an actor, a musician, an entertainer]
vi [as
transistor nm (transistor) radio
to play jouer la comedie to be an actor chiffre(s) nm (pi) d'ecoute ratings
spectacle nm [any type] show emission nf programme emission televisee television
donner un spectacle [used of a troupe or a person programme emission de radio radio programme
performing in a one-man-show] to put on a show emettre {56} vt to broadcast Nous emettons sur 657m
music hall nm variety entertainment un spectacle de music ondes moyennes. We broadcast on 657m medium wave.
hall a variety show serie nf televisee television series
varietes nf pi easy-listening music un chanteur de varietes
a singer of popular songs
public nm [in general, people being entertained. Also,
people in a particular auditorium] audience
82.4 Acteurs Actors
studio nm [for making a film, a television or a radio acteur, -trice n actor, actress
programme] studio comedien, -dienne n [more prestigious than acteur. Can
metteur nm en scene director Elle est metteur en scene be theatre or cinema, but implies a solid theatrical
depuis cinq ans. She's been a director for five years. background] actor, actress
programme nm programme Demandez le programme! vedette f also star f star
Programme, Sir?/Madam? comique n [usu telling gags to cabaret or studio
art nm dramatique [form of expression] drama audiences] comedian
etablissement d'enseignement d'art dramatique drama rdle nm part Dans 'Le Cid', iljoue le role principal. He plays
school the title role in 'Le Cid'.
auteur nm dramatique playwright doublure nf understudy
tragedie nf tragedy tragique adj tragic trac nm stage fright avoir le trac to suffer from stage fright
comedie nf 1 [theatre play] comic play 3 [in the cinema] lesmechants et les gentils [used humorously] the bad
comic film 2 [genre] comedy guys and the good guys
comique adj comic
theatre nm theatre 1 [form of entertainment] le theatre
the theatre 2 [place] theatre, playhouse
178 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
82.5 Dame Dance 82.9 Ensembles musicaux Musical
see also 25.1 Habillement ensembles
danse nf dance faire de la danse dassique to do ballet
dancing danses de salon ballroom dancing
les
orchestre nm orchestra orchestre symphonique symphony
orchestra orchestre de chambre chamber orchestra
danser {6} vt and vi to dance Elle a danse dans Xoppelia'.
She danced in 'Coppelia'. Je sais encore danser le tango.
chef nm d'orchestre conductor Elle est chef d'orchestre
I
depuis quatre ans. She's been a conductor for four years.
can still dance the tango.
baguette nf (du chef d'orchestre) (conductor's) baton
danseur, -seuse n dancer une danseuse etoile a prima
ballerina
groupe nm [usu modern music] group groupe de rock rock
group
claquettes nf pi tap-dancing faire des daquettes to tap-
fanfare nf [brass, usu associated with a town or a
dance
regiment] band
bal nm [indoors or outdoors] dance Quand j'etais jeune,
accompagner {6} vtto accompany
au bal le samedi soir. When was young,
j'allais I
used to
accompagnement nm accompaniment
I
go out dancing on Saturday nights.
discotheque nf disco
solo nm solo un solo de batterie a drum solo
soliste n soloist
botte nf [slang] On sort en boite ce soir. We're going to a
disco tonight.
duo nm duet
trio nm work, also players] trio
[a
quartette nm [players, mainly jazz] quartet
quatuor nm [a work, also players] quartet quatuor a
82.6 Musique Music cordes string quartet
musique nf music faire de la musique to play music
musical, e adj, mpl caux musical
musicien, -cienne n musician 82.10 Instruments de musique Musical
jouer {6} vt and vi (often followed by de + name of instruments
instrument) to playyouer de la guitare to play the guitar
De quel instrument joues-tu? Which instrument do you instrument nm (de musique) (musical) instrument
play? instrument a cordes stringed instrument
compositeur, -trice n composer instrument a vent woodwind instrument
composer {6} vt and vi to compose les cordes the strings
composition nf composition les instruments a went the woodwind section
les cuivres the brass section
les percussions the percussion section
soliste n soloist
82.7 Sortes de musique Types of music
la musique dassique also le dassique classical music Instruments a cordes Stringed instruments
la musique de chambre chamber music violon nm violin violoniste n violinist
le jazz jazz alto nm viola altiste n viola player
le rock [1950s and 1960s music] rock 'n' roll danser le rock violoncelle nm cello violoncelliste n cellist
to jive contrebasse nf double bass contrebassiste n double bass
le reggae reggae (music) player
la musique pop pop music guitare nf guitar guitariste n guitarist
la musique folk also le folk folk music harpe nf harp harpiste n harpist
le blues the blues archet nm bow
corde nf string
82.8 Caracteristiques de la musique Instruments a vent Woodwind instruments
hautbois nm oboe hautboiste n oboist
Aspects of music clarinette nf clarinette clarinettiste n clarinettist
flute nf flute flutiste n flautist
melodie nf [implies popular music] tune
melodique adj 1 [as an appreciation] tuneful 2 basson nm bassoon joueur nm de basson bassoonist
[technical
term] melodic la ligne melodique the melodic line
saxophone nm saxophone saxophoniste n saxophonist
air nm 1 [melody] tune 2 [in opera] aria
Cuivres Brass instruments
rythme nm [technical and general term] rhythm
cadence nf [general term] rhythm Frappez dans vos mains trompette nf trumpet trompettiste n trumpeter
en cadence. Clap your hands in rhythm. trombone nm trombone tromboniste n trombone player
cor nm French horn joueur nm, joueuse nf de cor French
rythmique adj rhythmic
horn player
mesure nf 1 [between two bar lines] bar les premieres
mesures sont fortissimo. The opening bars are fortissimo.
tuba nm tuba joueur nm, joueuse nf de tuba tuba player
2 [shown by conductor's baton] beat Recommencez, en
Percussions Percussion instruments
mesure. Start again, following the beat, battre la mesure
percussionniste n percussionist
to mark the beat 3 [unit of time] Dans lepremier
timbales nf pi timpani timbalier, -Here n timpanist
mouvement les mesures sont a trois temps. There are
three beats to the bar in the first movement.
tambour nm drum
harmonie nf harmony cymbale nf cymbal cymbalier, -Mere a.<c cymbaliste n
cymbalist
discordance nf clash
xylophone nm xylophone xylophoniste n vylophonist
Instruments a clavier Keyboard instruments
piano nm piano piano a queue grand piano pianiste n
pianist
83 The visual arts, arts and crafts 179
orgue nm organ organiste n organist 82.15 Musique enregistree Recorded
touche nf key
clavier nm keyboard music
pedale nf pedal enregistrement nm recording L'enregistrement realise en
1994 par Paul Muneau Paul Muneau's recording of 1994
disque nm record
82.11 Musique vocale Vocal music compact nm, also disque nm compact compact disc
CD nm CD
chanter {6} vt and to sing Wous avons chante
vi le Requiem
cassette nf cassette
de Mozart. We sang Mozart's Requiem.
album nm [usu implies popular music] album
chant nm 1 [activity] singing 2 [piece of music] song coffret nm boxed set
chanteur, -teuse n singer stereo nf stereo Je prefere ecouter le concert en stereo. I
chorale nf choir choral, e adj choral le chant choral choral prefer listening to the concert in stereo.
singing
hifi nf 1 [reproduction] stereo system quality sound
choriste n chorister 2 [goods] stereo system equipment
soprano nf [female singer] soprano soprano nm [boy magnetophone nm tape recorder
voice, score, instrument] soprano
minicassette nm [registered trademark] cassette recorder
contralto nf, also alto nf [female singer] alto alto nm tourne-disque nm, pi tourne-disques record player
[female voice, instrument] alto gramophone nm gramophone
tenor nm [singer, voice, instrument] tenor chaine nf (hifi) hi-fi system
baryton nm [singer, voice] baritone platine nf turntable
basse nf [singer, voice, score, instrument] bass casque nm (set of) headphones
haute-contre nm, pi hautes-contre countertenor voix de lecteur nm de cassettes cassette player
haute-contre countertenor voice lecteur nm de compacts CD player
opera nm opera chanteur nm d'opera opera singer air nm mini-chaine nf small stereo system
d'opera operatic aria
82.12 Evenements musicaux Musical 83 The visual arts, arts
events
and crafts
concert nm concert concert de rock rock concert
comedie nf musicale musical
recital nm recital 83.1 Peinture et dessin Painting and
drawing
82.13 Oeuvres musicales Musical works artiste(-peintre) n, pi artistes-peintres artist
artistique adj artistic artistiquement adv artistically
symphonie nf symphony peintre n painter
concerto nm, pi concertos also concerti concerto un peindre {57} vt and vi to paint
concerto pour violon a violin concerto illustrateur, -trice n illustrator
ouverture nf overture illustrer {6} vtto illustrate
chanson nf song tableau nm, pi -x [work] painting
morceau nm, pi -x piece (of music)
Travaux artistiques et manuels Arts and crafts
see also 26.1 Textiles
82.14 Solfege Music theory
beaux-arts nm pi [refers mainly to painting, drawing and
solfege nm 1 [subject of study] music theory 2 [book]
sculpture, sometimes includes architecture] art
music theory book poser {6} vi [subj: e.g. painter's model, sculptor's model,
note nf note photographer's model] to pose
portee nf stave pose nf pose prendre une pose to strike a pose
gamme nf scale la gamme de do majeurthe scale of C
major
la nm A
sinm B 83.2 Fournitures pour artistes Artists'
do nm C materials
re nm D
peinture nf paint peinture acrylique acrylic paint peinture
mi nm E
a I'huile oil paint
fa nm F
sol nm G
pinceau nm, pi -x paintbrush
couleur nf colour couleurs pour aquarelle watercolours
de sol treble clef
clef nf
palette nf palette
toile nf [material] canvas
de fa bass clef
clef nf
armature nf key signature chevalet nm easel
accord nm chord fusain nm charcoal crayon
octave nm octave pastel nm pastel crayon
diese nm sharp
bemol nm flat
180 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
83.3 Oeuvres artistiques An artist's work tricotnm 1 [activity, also work in progress] knitting As-tu
finiton tricot? Have you finished your knitting? 2
peinture nf painting [garment] jumper
toile nf [more formal term than peinture] painting tricoter {6} vt and vi to knit
fusain nm charcoal drawing maille nf maille a I'endroit knit stitch maille a I'envers purl
pastel nm pastel drawing stitch
portrait nm portrait brinnm de laine length of yarn
dessin nm [picture, also activity] drawing machine nf a coudre sewing machine
croquis nm sketch aiguille nf needle
caricature nf (caricaturist's) cartoon bobine nf de fil BrE reel of cotton AmE spool of thread
illustration nf 1 [picture] illustration 2 [activity] pelote nf a epingles pincushion
illustrating broderie nf embroidery
premier plan nm foreground tambour nm a broder embroidery frame
arriere-plan nm background crochet nm crochet hook
perspective nf perspective aiguille nf a tricoter knitting needle
ceuvre nf work (of art) pelote nf (de laine) ball of wool
bouton nm button
83.4 Photographie Photography
photo nf photo prendre une photo de qqch also prendre
qqch en photo to photograph sthg
photographique adj photographic
photogenique adj photogenic
photographe n photographer
photographie nf 1 [activity] photography 2 [image]
photograph
photographier {6} vt to photograph
appareil-photo nm, pi appareils-photos [for still pictures
only] camera
objectif nm lens objectif grand-angle wide-angle lens
teleobjectif nm telephoto lens
pellicule nf (roll of) film
negatif nm negative
diapositive nf slide
chambre nf noire darkroom
labo nm photo [informal] photographic lab
developper {6} vt [obj: e.g. film, picture] to develop
agrandir {19} vtto enlarge
agrandissement nm enlargement
83.5 Sculpture Sculpture
sculpture nf 1 [object) sculpture 2 [activity] sculpting
sculpteur nm sculptor une femme sculpteur a woman
sculptor
sculpter {6} vt and vi to sculpt
statue nf statue
potier, -tiere n potter
tour nm (de potier) potter's wheel
poterie nf 1 [activity] pottery 2 [object] pot
terre nf glaise (potter's) clay
83.6 Travaux d'aiguille Needlework
coudre {73} vt and vi to sew
couture nf 1 [activity] sewingJ'ai horreur de faire de la
couture. hate sewing. Elle faitde la couture a domicile.
I
She takes in sewing. 2 [two pieces of cloth together] seam
3 [work] needlework Apporte-moi ma couture, elle est
dans le panier. Bring me my sewing, it's in the basket.
patron nm pattern
coton nm, also fil nm (a coudre) BrE cotton AmE thread
laine nf wool
enf iler (6) vt to thread
point nm stitch point avant front stitch point arriere back
stitch point de feston blanket stitch
crochet nm (d'art) crochet faire du crochet to crochet
crocheter (12) vtto crochet
Money, worth, economy
84.3 Prets et emprunts Lending and
84 Money and business borrowing: nouns
dette nf debt avoir une dette/des dettes to be in debt
84.1 Banque et operations bancaires regler une dette to pay a debt
endettement nm falling into debt
Banks and banking
echeance nf [when in debt] date of repayment
banque nf bank avoir de I'argent en banque also a la remboursement nm 1 [sum] repayment effectuer un
banque to have money in the bank Quelle est votre remboursement de 1.000 francs to repay 1,000 francs
banque? Who do you bank with? 2 [process] repaying J'ai la possibilite d'etaler le
compte nm account compte en banque also compte remboursement de dette sur dix ans. can repay the
la I
bancaire bank account compte courant current account debt over a period of ten years.
compte de depot deposit account avoir un compte compte-credit nm, pi comptes-credits [in a large store]
crediteurldebiteur to have an account in credit/debit store account
employe, e n de banque bank clerk creancier, -ciere n creditor
banquier, -quiere n banker saisie nf[of a house, a yacht, etc] repossession
bancaire adj bank references bancaires banker's references huissier nm bailiff
agence nf (bancaire) branch (of the bank) reechelonner {6} vt [obj: e.g. debt] to reschedule
guichetier, -tiere n BrE (bank) cashier AmE teller
guichet, also distributeur nm automatique cash
dispenser, cash point 84.4 Verbes exprimant les prets et
emprunts Verbs of lending and
84.2 Documents et transactions borrowing
Documents and transactions emprunter {6} vt to borrow Je voudrais t'emprunter ta
voiture. I'd like to borrow your car. // m'a emprunte
carnetnm de cheques, a. so chequier nm cheque book beaucoup d'argent. He borrowed a lot of money from me.
cheque nm cheque II m'a fait un cheque sans provision. He preter [{6} vt to lend Peux-tu me preter ton dictionnaire?
wrote me a cheque that bounced. Could you lend me your dictionary? // a prete cent francs a
talon nm de cheque cheque stub Robert. He lent Robert 100 francs.
agio nm bank charge devoir {42} vt to owe devoir de I'argent a qqn to owe sb
traite nf bancaire bank draft money
prelevement nm automatique banker's order rembourser to pay back Je te prete
{6} vt 1 [obj: creditor]
virement nm transfer faire un virement de 5.000 francs sur 1.000 francs mais tu me
rembourses avant le week-end. I'll
un compte to transfer 5,000 francs to an account lend you 1,000 francs as long as you pay me back before
position nf [state of one's account at a given time] balance
the weekend. 2 [obj: debt, money, sum] to repay Je ne
Quelle est ma position? What is my current balance? peux lui rembourser que 500 francs par semaine. can only I
solde nm (bancaire) [amount on account after debit and (afford to) repay her 500 francs a week.
credit have been computed. Term used in statements]
hypothequer {10} vtto mortgage
(bank) balance s'endetter {6} v refl to fall into debt
decouvert nm overdraft avoir un decouvert (de 5.000
francs) to be overdrawn (by 5,000 francs)
economies nf pi savings faire des economies to save
economiser {6} vi to save 84.5 Faire des affaires To do business
releve nm de compte bank statement commerce nm [buying and selling goods] trade, trading le
commerce des vinslde I'agro-alimentaire the wine/food
Bank cards trade lis font le commerce des peaux. They trade in animal
The most widespread Switch-type card, debiting money hides.
directly from a current account, is called la carte bleue. It
affaires nf pi [trade] business Les affaires vont bienlmal
can be used at a cash dispenser, or to pay for a purchase Business is good/bad. faire des affaires to do (good)
in a shop. You give it to the salesperson, and he or she
business Elle est dans les affaires. She's in business, rendez-
asks you to punch your PIN into a mini-keyboard. They vous/reunion d'affaires business appointment/meeting
turn away from you as you do so, to make sure they do homme d'affaires businessman femme d'affaires
not see the keys which you are punching. International businesswoman
credit cards and shopping scheme cards issued by some concurrent, e n competitor
chain stores are called cartes de credit. When paying by concurrence nf] [rivalry] competition 2 [rivals]
cheque in France you are not usually asked to produce a competitors
card to guarantee your cheque. s'associer avec {6} v refl 1 [referring to two people] to set
up in association with 2 [referring to one person] to take
on as an associate
partenariat nm partnership
association nf professionnelle trade association
exposition nf commerciale trade fair
exporter {6} vt and vi to export
182 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
importer {6} vi and vt to import perte nf loss de grosses pertes heavy losses pertes et profits
import-export nm international trading etre dans profits and loss account faire passer qqch par pertes et
I'import-export to be in the import-export business profits to write sthg off
exportateur, -trice n exporter f raisnm pi expenses avoir beaucoup de frais to have a lot
importateur, -trice n importer of expense frais generaux overhead(s) remplir une note de
marque nf trademark // commercialise son miel sous la frais to fill in an expenses claim
marque 'Avidor'. He sells his honey under the trademark benefices nm pi profit faire des benefices to make a profit
'Avidor'. marque deposee registered trademark beneficiaire adj [describes: e.g. operation, company]
nom nm commercial registered trademark profitable marge beneficiaire profit margin
budget nm budget inscrire qqch au budget to budget for
sthg
84.6 Les societes Companies action nf share actionnaire n shareholder
placement nm [investing money or shares ] investment un
see also 37.2Ceux et celles qui controlent bon placement a sound investment
entreprise nf company monter une entreprise to set up a capital nm capital
company interet nm interest taux d'interet interest rate acheter
societe nf [same meaning as entreprise] company societe qqch par traites a un taux d'interet de 10% to buy sthg at
a responsabilite limitee also SARL limited liability an credit interest rate of ten per cent
company Reverdex SARL Reverdex Ltd analyste n en placements investment analyst
chef nm d'entreprise, also entrepreneur nm company investissement nm 1 [spending money on buildings,
director equipment etc] investment 2 [as placement] investment un
directeur nm commercial, directrice nf commerciale investissement rentable an investment with a good return
business manager investir {19} vtand vi to invest
ecole nf de commerce business school courtier nm broker un courtier en assurances an insurance
raison nf sociale company name broker
inventaire nm BrE stocklist AmE inventory faire
I'inventaire BrE to stocktake AmE to take inventory
84.7 Le commerce Commerce ristourne nf, also remise nf, also rabais nm discount
bilan nm balance sheet
commerce nm 1 [place) BrE shop AmE store J'ai mon
commerce dans rue Remouvier. My shop is
la in Remouvier
Street. 2 [trading] trade // a un commerce de
84.9 Acheter et vendre Buying and
maroquinerie. He has a leather goods shop.
commercant, e n 1 [owner] shopkeeper Les commerqants selling
de s'opposent a I'ouverture de la nouvelle grande
la ville
acheter {12} vt and vi 1 [general term] to buy J'ai achete
surface. The town's shopkeepers are opposed to the
un poulet pour ce soir. bought a chicken for tonight, lis
I
opening of a new supermarket. 2 [person in a shop]
ont achete des actions Eurotunnel. They bought some
shopkeeper J'ai demande a un commercant de me dire ou Eurotunnel.
shares in
etait I'hopital. asked a shopkeeper to tell me where the
to be available from Certains produits
I
s'acheter v refl
hospital was.
dietetiques s'achetent uniquement en pharmacie. Some
marchand, e n 1 [in a market. Old-fashioned word] stall
health products can be bought only at the pharmacy.
holder/ouer a la marchande to play shops 2 [in a larger
concern] trader lis sont marchands de vins de pere en fits.
Acheter quelque chose a quelqu'un
They've been in the wine trade for generations.
Beware of the two meanings of this construction, i.e.
negociant, e n [like marchand] trader gros negociant en
buying something for someone, or from someone. For
fourrures fur trader with a large company
example, J'ai achete un jouet a ma fille. bought a toy I
representant nm (de commerce) [selling door to door]
for my daughter. J'ai achete du poisson au marchand qui
sales rep, salesman un representant en aspirateurs a
est sous la halle. bought fish from the fishmonger in the
I
vacuum cleaner salesman
covered market.
concessionnaire n [with a franchise] dealer votre
concessionnaire Peugeot/Moulinex your Peugeot/Moulinex
achat nm purchase payer un achat en liquide to pay cash
dealer
for a purchase alter faire des achats to go shopping
promotion nf 1 [article] special offer poires en promotion
acheteur, -teuse n [private or professional] buyer
pears on special offer 2 [action] offering as a special deal
pouvoir nm d'achat purchasing power
faire une promotion sur les articles de sport to do a special
prix nm
d'achat purchase price
offer on sports goods
racheter {1 2} vt 1 [to repurchase an object which one had
stocker {6} vt to stock had previously sold] to buy back Je vais lui racheter sa
stock nm stock Desole, je n'ai pas cet article en stock. This
voiture. I'll buy his car back from him. 2 [when the original
article is not in stock, I'm afraid.
purchase is inadequate, lost or broken, or when a further
entrepot nm warehouse purchase is needed] to buy another // a grandi, il faut que
entreposer {6} vt to warehouse
je lui rachete des chaussures. He's grown, I'll have to buy
bail nm, pi baux [usu three years in duration] lease bail a
him another pair of shoes. II faut que tu allies racheter du
ceder lease for sale
pain et du lait. You must go and buy some more bread
and milk. 3 [remove someone's financial interest in
something] to buy out Je te rachete ta part de /'heritage.
84.8 L'argent et les placements Money I'll buy you out of your share of the inheritance.
and investment rachat nm [in company dealings] buyout
client, e n customer
chiffre nm d'affaires, also C.A. turnover compte nm client store account
exercice nm courant current trading year clientele nf customers
vendre {53} vt and vi to sell vendre son affaire BrE to sell
up AmE to sell out
84 Money and business 183
se vendre v refl to sell Les cremes solaires se vendent bien acheter quelque chose chat en poche to buy a pig in a
en ce moment. Suntan lotions are selling well at the poke
moment. L'immobilier se vend mal. Property sales are Les conseilleurs ne sont pas les payeurs. [proverb] It's
sluggish. all very well to give advice when you don't have to pay.
vente nf sale vente aux encheres auction (sale)
prix nm de vente selling price
vendeur, -deuse n 1 [of house, company] seller 2 [in shop]
84.12 Argent Money
salesperson
prix n de vente selling price argent nm money Je n'ai plus d 'argent. have no money I
solder {6} vt [in shops, for clearance; also in company left, argent liquide cash argent de poche pocket money
dealings] to sell at a sale price I'argent du contribuable the taxpayer's money
marchander {6} vt to bargain monnaie nf change de la petite monnaie small change
marchandage nm bargaining faire de la monnaie to change a note (into small change)
payer {16} vt and v/'to pay Vous pouvez me faire de la monnaie s'il vous plait? Could
paiement nm payment you change this note, please? Vous m'avez rendu ma mon-
versement nm [partial] payment, instalment naie? Did you give me my change?
verser {6} vt [in instalments, or as fee, gift, etc] to pay, to fric nm [informal]- dough Rends-moi mon fric! Let's have
donate J'ai verse 1.000 francs a Amnesty International. I my dough back!
donated 1,000 francs to Amnesty International. masse nf monetaire money supply
regler {1 0} vt and vi [refers to choice of cash, cheque or deniers nm pi publics taxpayers' money
credit card] to pay Vous reglez comment? How are you numismatique nf 1 [hobby] coin and medal collecting
going to pay for this? 2 [area of expertise] numismatics
reglement nm paying faire un reglement par cheque/par
carte to pay by cheque/with a credit card en reglement de
votre facture in payment of your invoice 84.13 Les devises Currencies
mauvais payeur nm bad debtor
franc nm franc franc beige Belgian franc franc Suisse Swiss
franc
84.10 A la Bourse On the Stock Exchange centime nm (French) centime
livre nf pound sterling
marche nm market marche des titres stock market marche lire nf (Italian) lira
demandeur buyer's market marche vendeur seller's mark nm mark
market peseta nf peseta
marchand, e n de titres BrE dealer AmE broker drachme nm drachma
cours nm du marche market price florin nm guilder
valeur nf en Bourse market value dollar nm (American) dollar
acheter et vendre des actions to deal in shares changer {8} vt to change changer de I'argent to change
money Pouvez-vous me changer 1.000 francs? Could you
change 1,000 francs for me?
84.11 Couts et preuves d'achat cambiste n 1 [place] bureau de change 2 [person] money
changer
Expenditure and receipts euro nm euro
cout nm cost taux nm de change rate of exchange
couter {6} vt to cost Le manteau bleu coute 1.500 francs.
The blue coat costs 1,500 francs, couter une fortune to
cost a fortune 84.14 Les objets associes a I'argent
depenses nf pi expenditure faire des depenses to spend Money and containers
money faire des depenses inconsiderees to spend money
like water billet nm bank note le billet vert the American dollar
depenser {6} vi and vt to spend coupure nf [usu with banknote
large denomination]
tarif (s) nm (pi) price, price Je n'ai pas augmente mes
list piece nf coin
tarifs depuis I'an dernier. I haven't increased my prices piecette nf [small in value] coin Donne-lui quelques
since last year. piecettes. Give him a few pennies.
ticketnm de caisse (till) receipt porte-monnaie nm inv BrE purse AmE change purse
recu nm receipt porte-f euille nm inv wallet
facture nf invoice etablir une facture to make out an tirelire nf BrE money box AmE piggy bank
invoice cochon-tirelire nm, pi cochons-tirelires piggy bank
facturer {6} vt to invoice Je ne vous ai pas encore facture sac nm banane BrE bum bag AmE fanny pack
les rideaux. I haven't invoiced you for the curtains yet.
gratuit, e adj free gratuitement adv for free
liquide nm, also especes nf pi cash payer qqch en liquide 84.15 Comptabilite Accounting
also especes to pay cash for sthg Tu as du liquide sur toi?
Do you have any cash (on you)? comptabilite nf 1 [figures] accounts Montrez-moi votre
comptabilite. Show me your accounts books. 2 [area of
Locutions Idioms expertise] accounting
avoir du mal a boucler ses fins de mois also avoir des comptable n accountant
fins de mois diff idles to have trouble making ends expert-comptable nm, pi experts-comptables BrE
meet chartered accountant AmE Certified Public Accountant
(a se vend comme des petits pains. It's selling like hot une femme expert-comptable a chartered accountant
cakes. comptes nm pi accounts faire, also tenirses comptes to do
one's accounts
livre nm de comptes (accounts) ledger
184 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Locutions Idioms
On en a pour son argent! You get your money's worth!
Nouveau riche
aux frais de la princesse [in a bar] on the house [in other In French, there are two way of
referring to newly made
situations] at someone else's expense
fortunes: nouveau nm riche <pl nouveaux riches)
implies recently acquired wealth, but does not say
Un sou est un sou. Money is money.
faire des comptes d'apothicaire [pejorative and
whether it has been earned or inherited, whereas
humorous] to count every penny parvenu, e adj and n, is a word expressing contempt,
rendre la monnaie de sa piece a qqn to pay sb back (in and refers to wealth acquired in possibly illegal or at
least unscrupulous ways.
kind)
fortune nf fortune faire fortune to make a fortune
fortune, e adj [owning a fortune] wealthy
84.16 Peu cher Cheap impot nm sur les grandes fortunes wealth tax
bon marche 1 (used as an adjective, invariable) cheap Les
coureur nm de dot fortune hunter
jupes etaient bon marche. The skirts were cheap. 2 (used moyens nm pi (financial) means avoir de gros moyens to
as an adverb) cheap(ly) acheter qqch bon marche to buy
be well off
sthg cheap
bonne affair good deal J'ai fait une bonne affaire. I got a
Locutions Idioms
avoir le portefeuille bien garni to be well off
good deal
etre riche a millions/riche comme Cresus [informal] to
peu cher (used as an adj) cheap des produits d'entretien
be rolling in it
peu chers cheap cleaning products
etre plein aux as [slang] to be filthy rich
pas cher 1 (used as an adjective) [slightly informal] cheap
s'en mettre plein les poches [informal] to line one's
des vetements pas chers cheap clothes 2 (used as an
pockets
adverb) Tu I'as eue pour combien, ta voiture? - Je I'ai eue
pour pas cher. How much did you pay for your car? - got I
it cheap.
camelote nf something cheap and of poor quality Cest de 84.19 Pauvre Poor
la camelote, ton fer a repasser, il est tout neuf et deja en
pauvre adj (after the noun) [describes: e.g. person,
panne. Your iron is a piece of junk, it's brand new and it's
country, company] poor parent pauvre poor relation
already broken.
pauvre n poor person les pauvres the poor nouveau pauvre
Locutions Idioms
new poor tronc des pauvres poor box
pauvresse nf [old fashioned term] poor woman
Cest une occasion! It's a bargain!
indigent, e adj [very poor] destitute
Cest donne! [informal] It's dirt cheap!
necessiteux, -teuse adj and n [slightly old-fashioned]
de pacotille (used as an adjective) cheap and of poor
needy
quality
miserable adj poverty-stricken
pauvrete nf poverty en-dessous du seuil de pauvrete
below the poverty line
84.17 Cher Expensive ruiner {6} vt [cause someone to lose his/her livelihood] to
ruin
cher, chere adj [always follows the noun] expensive des
fruits chers expensive fruit se ruiner v refl 1 [lose all one's money] to be ruined
cher adv payer qqch cher to pay a lot of money for sthg lis 2 [repeatedly overspend] to spend all one's money on Elle
s'est ruinee en appareils electromenagers. She spent a
le vendent trop cher. They're asking too much (money) for
fortune on domestic gadgets.
it.
couteux, -teuse adj costly
cherte nfdearness la cherte de la vie the high cost of living Locutions Idioms
dispendieux, -dieuse adj [formal. Describes: e.g. habit, pauvre comme Job poor as a church mouse
extravagant
lifestyle]
etre sur la paille to be penniless
onereux, -reuse adj [formal] expensive mettre qqn sur la paille to ruin sb
etre sans le sou to be penniless
exorbitant, e adj [describes: e.g. price, cost] astronomical
etre dans le besoin to be in need des families dans le
besoin families in need
Locutions Idioms
tirer le diable par la queue to struggle to make ends
Ca vaut de Tor. It's worth a lot of money.
couter la peau des fesses [informal] to cost an arm and a
meet
leg
Cest de I'arnaque. [slang] It's a rip-off.
85 Worth
84.18 Riche Rich
riche adj wealthy un riche heritier a rich heir riche n rich 85.1 Valeur Value
person
richesse nf wealth La reine possedait des richesses valoir {47} vt to be worth La bague vaut 300 francs. The
inimaginables. The queen possessed unimaginable riches. ring is worth 300 francs. Le boitier est beau mais le mecan-
enrichir {19} vt to make rich // est mort dans la misere mais isme ne vaut rien. The case is beautiful but the mechanical
parts are worth nothing. Les aquarelles de Jean Blot
ses droits d'auteur ont enrichi ses descendants. He died
destitute but his royalties made his descendants rich. valent cher. Jean Blot's watercolours are worth a lot.
s'enrichir v refl to get rich D'apres moi ton idee ne vaut rien. don't think much of
I
your idea.
precieux, -cieuse adj precious
86 The economy and taxes 185
prix nm 1 [money] price 2 [value] worth
de prix, \isc de valeur valuable de grand
prix, also de 86 Economy
grands valeur very valuable
valeur nf value un bijou d'une valeur marchande de 10.000
francs a jewel worth 10,000 francs on the open market
86.1 L'economie The economy
C'est un objet qui a une grande valeur sentimentale pour
moi. This object has considerable sentimental value for economie nf 1 [of a country] economy L'economie va mal.
me. prendre/perdre de la valeur to go up/down in value The economy is in poor shape, une economie mixte a
sans valeur worthless mixed economy 2 [study, subject area] economics
rapport nm qualite-prix value for money C'est d'un bon economique adj 1 [belonging to economics] economic
rapport qualite-prix. It's good value for money. selon tous les indicateurs economiques according to all
appreciation nf increase in value economic indicators 2 [cheap] economical C'est plus
depreciation nf depreciation economique d'acheter en gros. It's more economical to
evaluer {6} vtto value Le bijoutier a evalue mon emeraude buy wholesale.
a 40.000 francs. The jeweller valued my emerald at 40,000 economiste n economist
francs. econome adj [usu in the context of someone's
s'elever a {9} v refl [subj: e.g. fortune, damage] to be housekeeping qualities] thrifty
worth Ses biens personnels s'elevent a 3 millions. Her rendement nm 1 [extent of productiveness] productivity 2
personal possessions are worth three million. [volume of production] output
tresor nm 1 [precious objects] treasure Les archeologues rentable adj 1 describes: e.g. land, factory] profitable
[
ont ouvert tombe et decouvert un tresor. The
la
archaeologists opened the tomb and discovered a
treasure. 2 [administrative and journalistic term] le Tresor 86.2 La taxation The system of taxation
the Treasury
impot nm tax impot sur le revenu income tax
Locutions Idioms taxe nf tax
J'y tiens comme a ia prunelle de mes yeux. It's worth
more than my life to me. Tax
Ca (en) vaut la peine. It's worth it. We te mets pas en While the term impot covers all forms of tax, including
colere pour un petit oubli, ca n'en vaut pas la peine. Don't income tax, taxe refers particularly to money levied on
get in such a state about a little oversight, it's not worth goods and services.
it.
fisc nm
BrE inland revenue AmE Internal Revenue (Service)
e adj. mpl -caux fiscal, tax (as adj)
fiscal,
85.2 Gaspiller To waste contributions nf pi [slightly more technical term] tax
contributions directes/indirectes direct/indirect taxes
see also 32.5 Ordures, 91.6 Defaire et casser imposition nf level of taxation tranche d'imposition tax
gaspiller {6} vt [obj: e.g. natural resources, materials, bracket
money] to waste N'appuie pas si fort sur le tube, tu imposable adj taxable
squeeze the tube so hard, you're
gaspilles la colle! Don't declaration nf d'impots tax form
wasting glue! abattement nm tax allowance
gaspillage nm (often + de) waste lutter contre le redressement nm fiscal tax adjustment
gaspillage des ressources de notre planete to fight the degrevement nm d'impots tax deduction
waste of our planet's resources lis ont tout laisse dans leur percepteur nm tax collector
assiette, c'est du gaspillage! They left all their food on fraude nf fi scale tax evasion
their plates, what a waste! contribuable n taxpayer
gacher {6} vt [similar to gaspiller, but applies to resources
and materials lost, not to money] to waste Le tiers provisionnel
gachis nm [applies to natural resources, materials, money] In France, a taxpayer has to pay tax each year, based on
waste an estimate of his/her earnings the previous year. The
sum is divided into three equal parts or tiers. Thus, one
pays le premier tiers provisionnel, then le second tiers
85.3 Gaspiller I'argent To waste money provisionnel, etc. Dates are set nationally by which these
sums must be paid, with reminders to the public,
depensier, siere adj [who spends their money] broadcast on the media. The sum is adjusted the
extravagant 2 [who spends huge sums] big-spending following year to take account of possible increases or
jeter I'argent par les fenetres to throw money out the decreases in one's level of income.
window
depenser sans compter [spend without a thought for the
consequences] to throw one's money around
86.3 La crise The recession
Locution Idiom There's a
crise nf 1 [slump] recession C'est la crise!
C'est un panier perce Money burns a hole in his/her
recession on! 2 [difficult situation] (economic) crisis Le
pocket.
taux d'inflation actuel risque de provoquer une crise. The
current rate of inflation could cause an economic crisis.
inflation nf inflation inflation galopante galloping
inflation
relance nf (economique) reflation
Abstract terms to describe the world
87.3 Ce qui se produit Events and
87 Existence, presence circumstances
and absence evenement nm [general term for anything that happens,
simple or complex, happy or not] event
circonstance nf [one of the particulars of an event] detail
87.1 Etre et exister To be and to exist On n'a pas elucide toutes les circonstances de /'accident.
The full details of the accident are not known.
eternel -nelle adj 1 [religious] everlasting 2 [pejorative]
cas nm [event typical of some trend or general rule] case
endless Popeye et ses eternels epinards! Popeye and his
On a releve des cas de typhoide dans la region. There have
endless spinach!
been cases of typhoid in the area.
infini, e adj 1 [philosophical] infinite 2 [great] boundless
occasion nf [good thing that happens, to be grasped and
avec une tendresse infinie with boundless love
made the most of] opportunity. C'est /'occasion de
devenir {23} vi 1 [talking about the fate of people] to
montrer ce que tu sais faire. It's your opportunity to show
become Qu'est-ce que tu deviens? How are things with
what you're capable of. J'ai saisi I'occasion. grabbed the I
you? // est devenu coiffeur. He became a hairdresser.
chance (while could). I
2 [subj: esp colours, moods] to turn // est devenu tout
incident nm [less grave than accident, never used of
rouge. He turned bright red.
fatalities] incident
existence nf 1 [philosophical] (the fact of) existing 2 [in
arte nm [involves a human cause] action etre responsable
common usage] life Dans /'existence, on ne fait pas
de ses actes to be responsible for one's actions
toujours ce que I'on veut. You can't always do what you
want in life.
identite nf identity carte d'identite identity card
vie nf life a vie for life sans vie dead 87.4 Comment sont les choses The way
vivre {76} vi 1 [biological sense] to live 2 [to experience things are
events] to live Elle a beaucoup vecu. She has lived an
eventful life. etat nm 1 [durable way of being] state un pays en etat de
vivre vtto go through Je viens de vivre des moments guerre a country in a state of war 2 [of a patient] state of
difficiles. I've just been through a difficult time. health Son etat s'ameliore depuis hier. She's been better
presence nf 1 [attendance] (fact of) being there la since yesterday, dans un etat grave seriously ill
presence dejeunes dans I'auditoire ce soir the fact that situation nf 1 [set of circumstances] situation Tenez-moi
there are young people in the audience tonight au courant de la situation. Let me know how the situation
2 [personal impact] presence Elle a beaucoup de presence. develops. 2 [personal circumstances, esp one's job]
She has a great presence. position avoir une bonne situation to have a good
present, e adj 1 [in attendance] here Le coupable est position Sa situation est difficile depuis qu'il est a son
present parmi nous. The culprit is here in our midst. compte. He's been in a difficult (financial) situation since
Verdier? - present! Verdier? - here! 2 [having impact] he's been self-employed.
influential Elle est tres presente aux reunions. She's rather
influential at meetings. Locutions Idioms
les choses etant ce qu'elles sont also dans I'etat
. . . ,
des choses [cliche implying powerlessness in the face
. . .
of things] things being what they are
87.2 Se produire To happen . . .
Ce sont des choses qui arrivent. These things happen.
arriver {6} vi 1 [with II or qa, cela. Subj: esp infrequent or Un malheur also un accident est si vite arrive!
unpredicted things] to happen // arrive que nous ne [remark made when trying to prevent a dangerous
soyons pas d'accord. We sometimes happen to disagree. situation from developing] It's so easy to have an
2 [subj: period, season, esp something that has been accident!
eagerly awaited or dreaded] to come quand les vacances en tout etat de cause in any case
arrivent come the holidays Le jour de I'examen est arrive.
The day of the exam came.
se passer {6} v refl [happen over time, move towards 87.5 Absence Absence
completion] to go. Sa premiere journee d'ecole s'est bien
passee. Her first day at school went well. Son mal de absence nf\ [non-availability] absence en /'absence de
gorge ne se passait pas. His sore throat wouldn't go away. preuve the absence of any proof 2 [in common usage.
in
avoir lieu [esp when a particular place or time is Defaulting on a commitment] being away II y a combien
envisaged] to take place Le manage aura lieu en I'eglise d'absences ce matin? How many people are away this
Saint-Joseph a onze heures The marriage ceremony will morning?
take place at Saint-Joseph's church at 1 1 a.m. absent e adj 1 [in common usage. Not in attendance]
se trouver {6} v refl [subj: esp chance happenings] to away // etait absent de I'ecole hier. He was away from
happen Wous nous sommes trouves ensemble dans la salle school yesterday. 2 [not concentrating. In this sense the
d'attente. We happened to meet in the waiting room. // adjective can be qualified] distracted f//e est tres absente
s'est trouve qu'elle habitait dans la meme rue que mo/'. en ce moment. She's often a these days.
bit distracted
She happened to live in the same street as me. absent e n [absent person] y a un absent? Is somebody
II
tomber {6} vi [informal. Stresses the coincidence of the missing? II y a combien d'absents? How many people are
event with a date or other event] to fall Cette annee Noel missing?
tombe un lundi. This year Christmas falls on a Monday.
.
88 Truth, reality arc 187
absenteisme nm 1 [neutral term] absenteeism 2 [absence veridique adj [describes words, speeches, stories] true
from work for spurious health reasons] malingering authentique adj 1 [not altered since it was made]
manque nm lack Nous sommes confrontes a un manque de authentic un authentique fauteuil XVIIIeme a genuine
personnel qualifie. We are faced with a lack of qualified 18th-century armchair Les cuisines du chateau ont ete
staff. modernisees, mais les robinets sont authentiques. The
pas la [informal, spoken] not around Je (ne) serai pas la ce kitchens of the chateau have been modernized, but the
soir. BrE I shan't be around tonight. AmE won't be there
I taps are genuine originals. 2 [in commerce and
tonight. advertising. Describes: e.g. leather, cashmere] genuine
ailleurs adv elsewhere Elle a I'esprit ailleurs. Her mind is 3 [representing truthfully one's inner feelings] authentic
elsewhere. Le film represente les emotions des survivants du massacre
de facon authentique. The film portrays the emotions of
Locutions Idioms the survivors in an authentic way. 4 [not a lie] true une
Les absents ont toujour* tort [saying by which one histoire authentique a true story
justifies criticizing or contradicting people in their fait nm fact
absence] Those who weren't there can't have a say.
briller par son absence [humorous] Le repas etait copieux Locutions Idioms
mais les hons vins brillaient par leur absence. There was C'est trop beau pour etre vrai. It's too good to be true.
plenty of food but fine wines were conspicuous by their Jurez de dire la verite, rien que la verite, (et) toute la
absence. verite. Swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and
II est aux abonnes absents, [humorous reference to the nothing but the truth.
telephone list of subscribers temporarily not in residence] Toutes les verites ne sont pas bonnes a dire. There are
You can never get hold of him. things which (although true) are better left unsaid.
Elle m'a fait faux bond, [to let sb down, e.g. by not La verite sort de la bouche des enfants. [often used
turning up] She left me in the lurch. ironically when an adult has blurted out a truth] Out of
II m'a pose un lapin. [informal. To fail to turn up for an the mouths of babes and sucklings . .
appointment, usu in a love affair] He stood me up. dire ses quatre verites a qqn to tell somebody exactly
on s'en passers. We'll do without it. what one thinks of them.
C'est la verity vraie! [informal. To emphasize one's
sincerity] It really is true.
88 Truth, reality and
illusion 88.3 Mensonges Lies
faux, fausse adj (before the noun) [not true] untrue C'est
faux, je n'etais pas chez moi le soir du crime! It's not true, I
88.1 Qui dit la verite Truthful wasn't at home on the night of the murder! faire une
fausse declaration to make a false statement
sincere adj [voicing inner feelings and thoughts truthfully]
faussement adv falsely faussement accuse de viol wrongly
sincere
accused of rape
sincerite nf sincerity
mensonge nm lie dire un mensonge to tell a lie mensonge
franc, franche adj [permanent character trait or behaviour
pieux white lie
on a particular occasion Speaking out, even in adverse
mentir {25} vi to lie Ne me mens pas! Don't lie to me!
circumstances] frank
menteur, -teuse n and adj liar C'est une menteuse. She's a
franchise nf truthfulness
liar. // est menteur. He's a liar.
candide adj [slightly pejorative. Truthful through
mensonger, -gere ady [describes : e.g. statement,
inexperience] naive
advertisement] misleading
candeur nf [slightly pejorative] naivety
bobard nm [slang synonym for mensonge] fib raconter
des bobards to tell fibs
Locutions Idioms
contre-v6rite nf [euphemism for mensonge] lie proferer
ll/Elle a son franc-parler a.so ll/Elle ne mache pas ses
des contre-verites to be economical with the truth
motsHe/she calls a spade a spade.
Il/elle joue franc-jeu also ll/elle joue cartes sur tables
Locutions Idioms
He/she plays fair.
C'est vrai, ce mensonge? [jocularly said to children to
II est franc/Elle est franche comme Tor. He/she is
encourage them to admit to a small lie, or to confirm a
always straight with you.
truth] So, was it true, what you said?
Elle ment comme elle respire, [is a habitual liar] She'll
88.2 Verite The truth swear that black is white.
IIment comme un arracheur de dents. He's a
see also 88.7 Reel consummate liar.
vrai, e ady 1 [describes: e.g. statement, story] true C'est vrai parler la langue de bois [typically, politicians evading
que tu te manes?
true that you're getting married? 2
It it embarrassing questions] to resort to political cliches
(often before the noun) [describes: e.g. nature, intentions]
real On n'a jamais connu les vraies raisons de son depart.
We never knew the real reasons why he left.
88.4 Cacher To hide
vrai merit adv truly
verite nf the truth dire la verite to
1 [true facts] la verite see also 33.1 Couvert
tell the truth 2 [remark encapsulating the truth] truth cacher [general term. Intentional or accidental] to
{6} vt
C'est une verite qui va lui faire de la peine. He'll be hurt hide L'animal creuse des galeries pour y cacher ses
by rt but it's the truth provisions d'hiver. The animal digs underground burrows
avere, e ady [formal. Which has been shown to be true] where it hides its winter food supply.
proven Sa culpabilite est maintenant averee. It's now been
proven that he's guilty.
The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
se cacher v refl to hide Le petit Paul s'etait cache sous le Cachez ce sein que je ne saurais voir! [Moliere's famous
lit. Little Paul was hiding under the bed. line, spoken by Tartuffe in the play of that name to
dissimuler {6} vt [mostly implies intention to deceive] to symbolize his hypocrisy as he leers at Elmire's cleavage]
hide J'essayais de leur dissimuler ma fatigue. was trying I Cover this breast which must not see!
I
to hide from them how tired was. I
camoufler {6} vt [similar to dissimuler but implies a cover
or a cover-up] to hide portait des cols montants pour
//
88.7 Reel Real
camoufler les cicatrices qu'il avait au cou. He wore high
collars to hide the scars on his neck, camoufler un crime en see also 88.2 Verite
suicide to disguise a murder to look like suicide realite nf [the world as often implicitly compared to
it is,
masquer {6} vt [involves a screen or something screening what we expect or would it to be] reality Oui, mais la
like
what you want to see] to conceal Je vais poser une tenture realite c'est qu'il ne viendra pas. Yes, but the fact is, he's
pour masquer la porte qui mene au garage. I'll put up a not coming. En realite, c'est elle qui decide In fact, she's
curtain to conceal the door to the garage. the one who makes the decisions.
voiler {6} vt [literary. Evokes a thin veil or gauze] to veil reel, reelle adj real 1 [not imaginary] real Elle a un reel tal-
Une brume doree voilait les bosquets. A golden mist hung ent. She has real talent. 2 [not inadequate] considerable
like a veil over the shrubbery. Pour reussir, il faut une reelle experience du metier. You
se voiler v refl [literary] se voiler une verite to hide a truth need considerable job experience in order to succeed.
from oneself vraisemblable adj 1 [appearing possible] convincing
occulter {6} vt [put something disturbing out of sight or Invente une excuse, mais il faut qu'elle soit vraisemblable.
out of mind] to blank out J'avais occulte tout son passe Make up some excuse, but be sure it's convincing.
troublant. had mentally blanked out his dubious past.
I 2 [probably true] likely // est vraisemblable qu'il nous a dit
planquer {6} vt [slang synonym for cacher. Often implies la verite. It is very likely that he told us the truth.
illegality] to hide concret, -crete adj [not vague. Describes e.g.: plan, idea]
se planquer v refl [slang. Subj: e.g. criminal, refugee] to be tangible, positive On parte de divorce, mais il n'y a encore
in hiding rien de concret. There's talk of a divorce, but nothing
en cachette de without the knowledge of E lie sort la nuit positive yet.
en cachette de ses parents. She goes out at night without concretement adv in actual fact Concretement, qu'avez-
her parents' knowledge. vous a proposer? What do you suggest, in (actual) fart?
cachette nf hiding-place en fait adv [contrasts what has just been said with what is
cache nf [for dirty money, illegal drugs, weapons] cache about to be said] in fart Elle avait dit vingt minutes mais
planque nf [slang] hiding-place en fait elle est arrivee deux heures plus tard. She'd said
cache-cache nm inv hide and seek On fait une partie de twenty minutes but in fact she arrived two hours later.
also on joue a cache-cache? Shall we play hide-and-seek?
usage
88.5 Choses cachees Secrets reellement adv and effectivement adv
Reellement stresses that something is not imaginary,
mystere nm mystery e.g.: J'ai reellement mal a la tete. really do have a
I
secret nm secret C'est un secret de Polichinelle. It's an open headache. Effectivement confirms a previously
secret. mentioned fart, or a fart which others may have at first
arriere-pensee nf, pi arriere-pensees [hidden reason] doubted, e.g.: // se plaignait de la tete et effectivement
ulterior motive C'est sans arriere-pensee que je lui avais on lui a decouvert une tumeur. He complained of
offert de I'emmener en voiture jusqu'a Nice. had no I headaches and indeed they found he had a tumour.
ulterior motive for offering to give her a lift to Nice.
Locutions Idioms
Ne prends pas tes desirs pour des realites. Don't
88.6 Choses qui cachent d'autre choses indulge in wishful thinking, [the set phrase is in the
Hiding things negative, but it was subverted by students in May 1968
and became a rallying cry for the libertarian movement:
paravent nm (folding) screen Prenez vos desirs pour des realites! Art out your
cache nm 1 [for artists, designers, photographers] mask fantasies!]
2 [to cover part of a text] mask(ing) card La realite depasse la fiction, [a comment made when
cache-sexe nm inv G-string 'real life' events are felt to border on the fantastic) Truth
cache-prise nm inv socket protector is stranger than fiction.
cache-pot nm inv potted plant holder
code nm (secret) secret code un message en code a coded
message
88.8 Irreel Unreal
Citations Quotes see also 88.9 Apparance
Pour vivre heureux, vivons caches, [from 17th-century faire semblant (often + de + infinitive) to pretend Ne fais
fabulist Florian. Used ironically to stigmatize the pas semblant! Don't pretend! faire semblant de dormir to
cowardliness of those who fear political or social pretend to be asleep
commitment] It's always better to avoid sticking one's neck imaginer {6} vt and vi to imagine
out. imagination nf imagination
Attention, un train peut en cacher un autre. Take care, imaginaire ad) imagined
one train may hide another, [sign found at old-fashioned irreel, -reelle adj [evokes the supernatural. Describes e.g.:
railway crossings. Now used humorously to indicate the light, landscape] unreal
need to be doubly cautious in some circumstances] chimerique adj [colourful and unrealizable. Describes e.g.:
plan, ambition] fanciful
, reality and illusion 189
illusion nf illusion. Je n'ai also ne me fais aucune illusion to appear to be sthg Elle fait figure de victime mais c'est
la-dessus. I have no illusions about this. elle qui a tout manigance. She appears to be the victim
illusoire adj [unrealisable though convincing] illusory La but it was she who set up the whole thing.
veritable democratie est illusoire. True democracy is an jeter {1 1} vt, also lancer {7} vt de la poudre aux yeux
illusion. [impressing with brilliance, fame, etc] Avec ses relations
fantoche nm and adj [political contexts] puppet un dans Ie spectacle elle nous jetait de la poudre aux yeux.
gouvemement fantoche a puppet government She used her show business connections to impress us.
paraitre {64}, also sembler {6} vi to seem
Locutions Idioms paraTtre vi [pejorative. Implies snobbery] to be seen to be
C'est une vue de I'esprit. [expresses polite scepticism] All doing well lis s'attachent beaucoup a paraitre. It matters a
that is rather theoretical. lot to them how they appear to the outside world.
IIplane completement. [very informal] He's in a world of apparaitre {64} vi [formal. Expresses a judgment. No idea
own.
his of deceptive appearances] to appear L'idee apparait
Elle se fait des idees also illusions. It's all in her mind. (comme) excellente. This idea does appear to be an
Des chateaux en Espagne // batit des chateaux en excellent one.
Espagne. He builds castles in the air. Tout ca, ce sont des
chateaux en Espagne. All that's just (his) imagination. usage
Il/elle prend des vessies pour des lanternes. [imagines
that things are much better than they really are] He/she apparaitre, paraTtre and sembler
can't recognize things for what they are. ParaTtre and sembler are less formal than apparaitre
but have the same meaning. L'idee semble, also parait
excellente. It seems to be an excellent idea. [Both imply
88.9 Apparence Appearance that the impression received is mistaken, particularly
when the verb is in a past tense] La soiree semblait, also
see also 88.8 Irreal paraissait finie. To all appearances, the evening was at
apparence nf 1 [pejorative. Implies intention to deceive] an end.
show II t'a bien accueilli mais ce n'est qu'une apparence. Because sembler and paraTtre express a personal
He gave you a fine welcome but it's all put on. Les impression, use them when toning down a statement,
apparences sont trompeuses. Things aren't always what e.q.Ju sembles, also parais (etre) contrarie. You seem
they seem, pour sauver les apparences to keep up (to be) upset. For a more informal synonym, use avoir
appearances 2 [outward features, not necessarily I'air, e.g.: Tu as I'air (d'etre) contrarie. You look (as
deceptive] look A son age, il conserve encore une belle though you are) upset.
apparence. He still looks good for his age.
aspect nm 1 [general visible features] look Le vieux voilier
a un bel aspect. The old yacht looks impressive.
L'insecticide se presente sous /'aspect d'un comprime. The 88.10 Magie Magic
insecticide comes in tablet form. 2 [suggests
deceptiveness. Net necessarily pejorative] angle Tout
magie nf [phenomenon, technique] magic par magie
depend de I'aspect sous lequel tu presentes la chose. It all magically comme par magie as if by magic magie noire
black magic un tour de magie a magic trick
depends on the way you present the idea, sous un aspect
flatteur in a flattering light
magique adj 1 [describes: e.g. powers, formula] magic
apparent, e adj 1 [noticeable. In this sense, the adjective 2 [in names of products] encre magique invisible ink
magicien, -cienne n [entertainer or in fairy tale] magician
can be qualified] obvious Son mecontentement est (tres)
apparent. He is (very) obviously angry. 2 [obvious but
baguette nf magique (magic) wand d'un coup de
baguette magique by waving a wand
deceptive] apparent Son mepris apparent de I'argent
sort nm spell jeter un sort sur qqch to cast a spell on sthg
cache un temperament calculateur. Her apparent
jeter un sort sur qqn to cast a spell on sb
contempt for money conceals her calculating character.
air nm [less formal than apparence. Often refers to the
true nm (magic) trick
face] look un air malheureux a look of misery We prends
pas cet air! Don't look like that! (+ adj m) Elle a I'air dequ.
She looks disappointed. (+ de + n) Tu as I'air d'un clown. 88.11 Etres magiques Magic beings
You look like a clown. (+ de + infinitive) // a I'air de se
fee nf fairy conre de fees fairy tale au royaume des fees in
fatiguer. He looks as though he's getting tired.
fairyland
facade nf [pejorative] outward show Sous sa facade
d'homme du monde, c'est un goujat. Despite his outward
gnome nm gnome
lutin nm elf
show of urbanity, he's a lout, de facade superficial
sorcier, -ciere n wizard, witch la mechante sorciere the
semblant nm [pejorative. Feeble attempt at deceiving]
wicked witch
semblance un semblant de courage a semblance of
bravery un semblant d'espoir a glimmer of hope
faux-semblant nm [very pejorative. Calculated to deceive]
pretence 88.12 Le surnaturel The supernatural
impression nf [personal perception of things. Not
esprit nm spirit
necessarily mistaken] feeling Elle donne /'impression
fantome nm ghost On dirait que tu viens de voir un
d'avoir beaucoup souffert par Ie passe. She gives the
fantome. You look as if you've just seen a ghost.
impression of someone who has suffered a lot in the past.
revenant, e n ghost (of a dead person)
La maison donne une impression de vide. The house feels
banter {6} vt to haunt
empty.
occultisme nm occult practices
figure nf [the way people or things present themselves to
occulte adj occult
observers] faire bonne figure to create a good impression
faire triste also pietre figure to cut a sorry figure faire
belle figure to cut an attractive figure faire figure de qqch
190 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
adapter {6} vt (often + a) to adapt Nous devons adapter
89 Transformation and nos modes de pensee a la nouvelle situation. We must
adapt our ways of thinking to the new situation.
imitation s'adapter v refl (often + a) to adjust lis ont eu des triples et
II que toute la famille s'adapte. They had triplets
a fallu
and the whole family had to adjust.
89.1 Substituer To substitute modifier {6} vt [change only slightly] to modify
modification nf modification
remplacer {7} vt 1 [put or use instead of to substitute ]
reformer{6}vt [obj: e.g. law, policy, religion] to reform
Remplacez le sucre par du miel. Substitute honey for sugar reforme nf reform
2 [subj: e.g. person] to substitute for C'esf vous qui me varier {6} 1 vi to vary Son emploi du temps quotidien ne
remplacerez pendant Noel. You will stand in for me varie jamais. His daily schedule never varies. 2 vt [change
during the Christmas break. 3 [obj: esp things needing in different ways, usu for pleasure] to vary J'essaie de
renewing to replace Je vais devoir remplacer les essuie-
]
varier les menus. I try to vary the menus.
glaces. BrE I'll have to replace the windscreen wipers. AmE se metamorphoser (often + en) to undergo a
{6} v refl 1
I'll have to replace the windshield wipers.
change La grenouille s'est metamorphosee en prince. The
se remplacer v refl to substitute for each other frog changed into a prince. 2 [positive or negative
prendre la place de [similar meaning to remplacer 1] to changes to looks or personality] to change drastically
take the place of Apres la naissance de son fils il s'est metamorphose. He
substituer {6} vt [slightly more formal than remplacer 1. changed drastically after the birth of his son.
Always + a] substituer quelquechose a autre chose to metamorphose nf drastic change.
substitute something for something else Pour peindre les
mobiliers d'enfants substituez les laques sans plomb aux Locution Idiom
laques traditionnelles. When painting children's furniture, retourner qqn comme une crepe to force sb to make a
replace traditional glosses with lead-free ones. complete U-turn
de substitution alternative des energies de substitution
alternative forms of energy
usage 89.3 Amelioration Improvement
see also 57.7 Progres
People replacing one another in their jobs ameliorer {6} vt to improve ameliorer les rendements to
The person who deputizes for the public prosecutor is le improve productivity amelioration nf improvement
substitut du procureur. A mayor's replacement is le Aucune amelioration n'est a prevoir pour la fin de la
maire-adjoint. Both phrases are masculine even when semaine. No improvement is forecast for the weekend.
referring to a woman. When directly addressing a s'ameliorer v refl to improve Son travail en classe s'est
woman holder of such posts say Madame le substitut (du ameliore. His school work has improved.
procureur), Madame le maire-adjoint. A person sent to progres nm improvement Tu en es a la page 345, il y a du
represent a group is a delegue, e n: e.g. Le syndicat a progres! You're up to page 345, that's better! faire des
envoye cinq deleguees. The union sent five women progres to improve Tu as fait des progres en musique.
delegates. A representant, e n stands in for a political, You've improved in music.
administrative or commercial group: e.g. Les II y a du mieux. [informal. Often when discussing sb's
representants des principaux groupes automobiles health] Things are a bit better.
etaient la. Representatives of the main car
manufacturers were in attendance. A male or female
secretary standing in for another is un or une
89.4 Copier To copy
interimaire, a temp. A male or female actor
substituting for another is une doublure, an copier {15} vt 1 [neutral term] to copy 2 [at school.
understudy. Pejorative] to crib
copie nf [neutral term] copy
imiter {6} vt [neutral term. Suggests more skill than
copier] to imitate
89.2 Transformer To transform imitation nf 1 (neutral term] imitation 2 [commercial. Not
pejorative] imitation Le manteau n'est pas en lapin, c'est
changer {8} vi 1 to change Les temps changent. Times are
une imitation. The coat is not made of rabbit fur, it's
changing. Tu as change! [looks] You look very different!
imitation. 3 [pejorative] forgery Mefiez-vous des
[personality] You've changed!
imitations. Beware of forgeries.
changer vt 1 [vary] to alter. Changez la disposition des
faux nm [pejorative] forgery
tables selon I'activite pratiquee par la classe. Alter the
faux, fausse adj (before noun) forged faux passeport
arrangement of the tables to suit what the children are
forged passport un faux nom an alias
doing in class. 2 [replace with a new or different one. Obj:
faussaire n 1 [making money] forger 2 [imitating branded
e.g. spark plug] to change 3 (always + en), [in magic]
goods] pirate
changer qqnlqqch en to change sb/sthg into
reproduction nf 1 [of painting] reproduction 2 [of statue,
changement nm change Un changement d'air me fera du
temple, cave paintings] replica
bien. I'll benefit from a change of environment. y a eu
II
reproduire {82} vt to reproduce
beaucoup de changements dans ma societe. There have
fabrique, e adj [describes: e.g document, coin, bill) forged
been a lot of changes in my company.
contrefait e adj [describes: e.g. signature] forged
transformer {6} vt [may indicate greater changes then
postiche adj [describes: e.g. hair, beard] false
changer] to transform L'informatique a transforms notre
postiche nm 1 [hair] wig 2 [beard] false beard
vie. Computers have transformed our lives.
plagiat nm [in art, especially literature] plagiarism
transformation nf transformation
plagiaire n plagiarist
pastiche nm [implies art and skill in the imitation of a
style. Usu for comic effect] pastiche un pastiche de Kafka a
pastiche of Kafka
91 Whole and fragmented 191
89.5 Copier les gens et leurs 90.4 Vide Empty
comportement Copying people and their vide adj [describes: e.g. bottle, room, drawer] empty a
behaviour moitie vide half empty C'est triste de rentrer le soir dans
une maison vide. It's sad to come home to an empty house
imitateur, -trice n impersonator at night. La piece etait vide, les cambrioleurs avaient tout
mouton nm (de Panurge) [pejorative] sheep Les gens sont emporte. The room was bare, the burglars had taken
des moutons (de Panurge). People behave like sheep. everything away.
se faire passer pour qqn to pretend to be sb vider {6} vt 1 [obj: e.g. cupboard, pocket, vehicle] to empty
(out) 2 [in order to dispose of it. Obj: water, liquid] to
pour out Vide ton verre dans I'evier. Empty your glass into
the sink. 3 [drink] vider son verre to drain one's glass.
90 Full and empty se vider v refl 1 [lose its contents. Subj: e.g. tube, bottle] to
empty La citerne se vide dans le tuyau. The cistern empties
into the pipe. 2 [become depopulated. Subj: e.g. office,
90.1 Plein Full street, village] to empty, to become deserted La piece s'est
videe. The room emptied.
plein, e adj (often de + noun) full Son verre est plein. Her desert, e adj also deserte, e adj [lacking a human
glass une cuvette pleine a ras bord a basin full to
is full, presence. Describes e.g. office, town, village] deserted
the brim un cartable plein de livres a schoolbag full of decharger {8} vt [obj: vehicle] to unload
books a moitie plein half full A/e parte pas la bouche creux, creuse adj [with a dip or a cavity hollow des
]
pleine. Don't talk with your mouth full. assiettes creuses soup plates
remplir {19} vt [obj: e.g. suitcase, cupboard] to fill creux nm hollow J'ai un creux. I'm hungry.
se remplir v refl [subj: e.g. bottle, bath] to fill up vierge adj [not yet filled. Describes: page, cassette, film]
combler {6} vt [fill until there is no room left. Obj: hole] to blank
fill in
comble adj [so full that it feels crowded. Describes: e.g. Choses creuses ou vides Things that are hollow or empty
room, hotel] full cadavre nm (de bouteille) empty Les cadavres
complet, -plete adj [with no spare capacity. Often found s'accumulent dans les poubelles apres une fete. The
on signs in hotel windows] full (up) empties pile up in the waste bins after a party.
carie nf [in a tooth] hole
double fond nm [in a suitcase] false bottom
90.2 Remplir une cavite To fill a hole double paroi nf [in a wall, for insulation] cavity
double vitrage nm BrE double glazing AmE storm
boucher {6} vt [fill a hole that should not be there. Obj: windows
hole] to fill (in)
plomber {6} vt [in dentistry] to fill
Locution Idiom
mastiquer {6} vt 1 [obj: e.g. window, glass pane] to seal La nature a horreur du vide. Nature abhors a vacuum.
with putty 2 [obj: e.g. join, gap] to fill (with filler).
rembourrer {6} vt [obj: e.g. quilt, pillow] to stuff
91Whole and
90.3 Trop plein Overfull
fragmented
bonde, e adj [describes: e.g. room, station, train, bus]
completely full
bourre, e adj (often de + noun) [describes: e.g. bag,
drawer] completely full (with), stuffed full with un placard
91.1 Entier Whole
bourre de medicaments a drawer completely full with entier, -tiere adj 1 [not broken, divided or adulterated]
medicines whole Tu boiras un verre entier de jus de fruits? Will you
bourrer {6} vt 1 [pejorative] to overfill 2 [obj: pipe] to fill drink a whole glass of fruit juice? £s-tu sur de manger ce
se bourrer de v refl [pejorative] to stuff oneself with Tu gateau entier? Are you sure you'll eat this whole cake? // a
vas grossir si tu te bourres de chocolats. You'll put on avale un abricot tout entier. He swallowed an apricot
weight if you stuff yourself with chocolates. whole, faire entiere confiance a qqn to trust sb wholly
2 [in mathematics] un nombre entier a whole number
usage entierement adv wholly
complet, -plete adj [comprising all the parts required]
Having your petrol tank filled complete la collection complete des oeuvres de Balzac the
Because self-service petrol stations are less numerous in complete works of Balzac completement adv completely
rural areas of France than in the UK, you will often have plein, e adj [containing as much as it is possible to contain]
to ask for petrol when travelling. Here's how to do it: full une carafe pleine a full carafe a temps plein full time
Le plein s'il vous plait! her up please!
Fill la pleine lune the full moon
Le plein de super, s'il vous plait! Fill her up with plenier, -niere adj [describes: meeting] plenary
four-star please! integral, e adj, mpl -aux [describes esp record collections]
complete la collection integrate des enregistrements de
Pavarotti the complete collection of Pavarotti recordings
Locution Idiom been broken or broached.
intact, e adj [which has not
On a fait salle comble. 1 [at a party, a show or a
Describes: e.g. vase, car after an accident] intact
function] The place was full to bursting. 2 [in the theatre]
indemne adj [describes esp person after an accident]
It was a full house.
unharmed
.
192 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
total, e adj, mpl -aux [affecting the whole of something] 91.4 Inclusion Inclusion
total avec une concentration totale with total
concentration totalement adv totally inclure {71} vt[a formal or scientific word] to include Les
en tout (all) in all Ca fait combien en tout? How much is it vertebres incluent les reptiles. Vertebrates include reptiles.
in all? inclus, e adj included Les piles ne sont pas incluses.
Batteries are not included.
ci-inclus, e adj enclosed Le bon de commande ci-inclus
91.2 Suffisant Sufficient vous permettra de faire votre achat sans attendre. The
enclosed order form will enable you to complete your
suff isant, e adj 1 [when referring to quantities] enough purchase without delay.
Deux citrons ne sont pas suffisants. Two lemons aren't ci-joint, e adj 1 [with a stapler or a clip] attached 2 [in
enough. 2 [in logic] sufficient une condition necessaire et same letter] enclosed
suffisante a necessary and sufficient condition comprendre more neutral synonym for inclure]
{54} vt [a
suffire {81} vi (often preceded by me, te, lui, etc) to be to include La maison comprend quatre chambres et deux
enough Un coup de telephone suffira. A phone call will be de bain.
salles The house includes four bedrooms and two
enough, qa suffit! enough! Deux sacs en plastique,
that's bathrooms.
qa te suffit? \N\\\ two plastic bags be enough for you? compris, e adj [describes: e.g. prices, rates, fees] included
il suff it de 1 (+ infinitive) // suffit d'envoyer une enveloppe Nous sommes tous alles faire une promenade en
timbree. Just send a stamped envelope. 2 (+ noun) II suffit montagne, enfants et chiens compris. We all went off for
parfois d'un moment d'inattention pour changer une vie. a walk in the mountains, children and dogs included.
Sometimes you let your mind wander for a moment and y compris included lis ont licencie tout le personnel, y
it's enough to change your life. compris la direction. They sacked the entire staff,
suffisamment adv enough On t'a suffisamment prevenu. including the management.
You've had enough warning. comporter {6} vt to comprise Les mathematiques
limiter {6} vt (often + a) to limit limiter les naissances to component plusieurs branches, dont I'algebre et la
limitthe number of births (in a population) geometrie. Mathematics comprises several branches
se limiter a v refl to be limited Entre nos deux families, les including algebra and geometry.
echanges se limitent a des cartes de Nouvel An. Contact dont rel pron of which, included within which J'ai quatre
between our two families is limited to exchanging New enfants dont deux sont installes a I'etranger. have four I
Year's cards. children, including two who have settled abroad.
constituer {6} vt la monarchie
to constitute L'abolition de
Locutions Idioms a constitue un element essentiel de pensee politique
la
a chaque jour suffit sa peine sufficient unto the day . . francaise moderne. The abolition of the monarchy
J'en ai assez! I've had enoughl constituted one of the founding principles of modern
J'en ai ras-le-bol! [informal] I'm sick to death of it. French political thought.
II se suffit a lui-meme. [psychologically] He doesn't need etre constitue, e de to be made up of L'eau est constitute
other people. d'oxgene et d'hydrogene. Water is made up of oxygen
and hydrogen.
faire partie de to belong to Je fais partie d'un groupe de
91.3 Incomplet Incomplete defense des consommateurs. belong to a consumer
I
protection group.
partie nf [neutral. Also scientific term] part etre, also faire partie integrante de to be part and
morceau nm, pi -x piece parcel of Ce sont des responsabilites qui sont partie
bout nm [informal. Can be pejorative] bit un bout de integrante de votre charge. These responsibilities are an
ficelle a bit of string un vieux bout de fromage an old integral part of your job.
piece of cheese
section nf [of things that have been cut neatly] section
quartier nm [of the moon] quarter 91.5 Exclusion Exclusion
troncon nm section un nouveau tronqon d'autoroute a
new section of motorway sauf adv except
complement nm extra bit un complement d'information excepte, e adj (before or after noun. Agrees with the noun
some extra information if placed after) [slightly more formal than sauf] except
parcelle nf (small) piece une parcelle de terrain a small Rangez tous les livres par ordre alphabetique, excepte les
plot of land une parcelle de mineral a fragment of ore dictionnaires also les dictionnaires exceptes. Place all the
inacheve, e adj unfinished La symphonie inachevee the books in alphabetical order except for the dictionaries.
Unfinished Symphony omettre {56} vt [slightly formal term] to omit Dans la liste,
a peine ebauche 1 [drawing] only sketched out 2 [project] quelqu'un a omis leurs noms. Someone omitted their
embryonic names from the list. Elle a omis de me prevenir. She
morcele, e adj [describes esp land] divided up omitted to let me know.
manquer {6} 1 vi to be missing Un bouton manquait. A
button was missing. // manque un nez a ton bonhomme Expressions servant a designer /'exclusion d'une personne
de neige. Your snowman is missing a nose. 2rt(+ de) to par une autre Phrases for expressing social exclusion
lack Ton explication manque de precisions. Your ne pas faire attention a qqn [often when sb is attention
explanation lacks precise details. seeking] to ignore sb
faire semblant de ne pas voir qqn to pretend not to see
Locutions Idioms sb
II ne fait pas les choses a moitie. BrE He doesn't do faire comme si qqn n'etait pas la to ignore sb's
things by halves. AmE He doesn't go halfway. presence
des morceaux choisis an anthology mettre qqn en quarantaine [as punishment, for example,
finiren queue de poisson [to end without going social misbehaviour] to send sb to Coventry, to ostracize sb
through the expected final stages] La piece finit en queue
de poisson. The play doesn't have a proper ending.
91 Whole and fragmented 193
91.6 Defaire et casser To undo and to 91.9 Abimer en appuyant To crush
break etouffer {6} vt [stop from breathing] to smother
see also 91.11 Couper ecraser {6} vt 1 [press down vertically on] to crush 2 [with a
vehicle] to run over
casser [cause to be no longer functioning. Obj: e.g.
{6} vt 1
clock, machine] to break 2 [cause to be no longer whole. cabosser {6} vt [obj: car body] to dent
Obj: e.g. glass, stick] to break 3 [remove from its main
part. Obj: e.g. lid, branch] to break off
briser {6} vt [same meanings as casser. This term is used 91.10 Abimer expres To damage
less, except in some parts of France] to break
deliberately
abimer {6} vt [to impair the condition of sthg, often
through carelessness] to damage Des shampooings trop saboter {6} vt 1 [damage for malicious reasons] to
frequents abiment les cheveux. Washing your hair too sabotage 2 [do badly and too fast] to bungle
frequently damages it. vandaliser {6} vt [damage gratuitously] to vandalize
s'abfmer {6} v refl [deteriorate over a period of time] to gacher {6} vt [cause something to be less good than it
get damaged could have been] to waste Ne gache pas les plus belles
endommager {8} vt [more formal than abimer. Can be annees de ta vie. Don't waste the best years of your life.
wilful, and stresses the loss of value of the affected object] gater {6} vt [cause natural things like fruit, vegetables, a
to damage Des vandales ont endommage la statue. person's beauty, to be destroyed] to ruin Les pluies ont
Vandals damaged the statue. gate les recoltes. Rain has ruined the crops.
defaire {62} vt [take apart. Can be reversed] to undo Les
coutures n'etaient pas au bon endroit, j'ai tout defait. The Locutions Idioms
seams were not in the right place, undid them all.
I etouffer qqch dans I'oeuf to nip sthg in the bud
demonter {6} vt as defaire, but with obj: esp mechanism,
[ aller de mal en pis to go from bad to worse
construction to dismantle Pour faire passer le piano, il
] tomber de Charybde en Scylla [a common phrase, in
vous faudra demonter la porte. You'll have to take down spite of learned appearance] to jump out of the frying
its
the door to get the piano through. pan into the fire
degats nm pi damage Les degats se montent a trois
millions. Three millions' worth of damage has been
caused. 91.11 Couper To cut
couper {6} vt 1 [divide] to cut (up) Je coupe mes vieux
91.7 Detruire completement ou presque tabliers pour en faire des chiffons. I cut up my old aprons
to make rags. 2 [make shorter] to cut couper les
To destroy ongleslcheveux d'un enfant to cut a child's nails/hair
3 [remove] to cut (off) couper un fil qui pend to cut off a
detruire {82} vt [general term. Implies irreversible damage]
dangling thread
to destroy L'helicoptere a ete entierement detruit. The
helicopter was completely destroyed.
demolir {19} vt 1 [for a reason, good or bad] to destroy lis
voulaient demolir la vieille ville. They wanted to destroy 91.12 Coupures sur le corps Cuts to the
the old part of the city. 2 [ for no good reason] to wreck // body
demolit tous sesjouets. He wrecks all his toys.
demolition nf [used of buildings or ships only] demolition coupure nf [always accidental] cut
destruction nf destruction assister a la destruction de son egratignure nf [superficial] graze
pays to watch one's country being destroyed amputer to amputate
{6} vt [surgical only]
ravager {8} vt [wreak havoc on, ravage. Obj: esp country, sectionner {6} vt [surgical, or by accident. Implies clean cut,
features, crops] to devastate with no possibility of repair] to cut (through) Le fragment
aneantir {19} vt [reduce to nothing. Obj: e.g. fortified de verre lui a sectionne le doigt. The glass shard cut
place, hopes] to annihilate, wreck through her finger.
pulveriser {6} vt [reduce to powder through an enormous poignarder {6} vt [with knife or dagger. The object of the
shock. Obj: e.g. window, meteorite] to smash to verb is always a person, never a part of the body] to stab
smithereens lis avaient poignarde le gardien de nuit. They had stabbed
effondrer {6} vt [make flat] to cause to collapse // etait trop the night watchman.
lourd et il a effondre le transat. He was too heavy and the decapiter {6} vt [as punishment, or in accident] to
deckchair collapsed under him. decapitate
trancher {6} vt [savage cut, which separates at one blow]
to slash. On lui avait tranche la gorge. He'd had his throat
slashed.
91.8 Abimer la surface To damage avec un instrument contondant [in descriptions of
surfaces murders or assault] with a blunt instrument
erafler {6} vt [very slight damage] to scratch slightly
ecailler {6} vt [cause to come off in layers] to flake (off)
griffer {6} vt [with nails or claws] to scratch 91.13 Couper de la nourriture To cut
rayer {1 6} vt [cause grooves or lines to appear of the food
surface of] to scratch
accroc nm 1 [in a garment] hole 2 [in tights] BrE ladder decouper {6} vt 1 [in preparation, by butcher or cook
AmE run Implies skill. Obj: e.g. chicken, piece ofraw meat] to cut
degrader {6} vt [obj: e.g. monument] to deface up 2 [at table] to carve
hacher {6} vt [into shreds. Obj: e.g. meat, onions] to mince
.
194 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
entamer {6} vt [remove the first slice from a loaf, a portion To be gradually destroyed
Etre detruit petit a petit
of cheese, etc] to start on On entame le pain de seigle? user [through age or use] to wear out
{6} vt
Shall we start on the rye bread? s'user v refl to wear out La pile s'use. The battery is
wearing out.
usure nf wear and tear
91.14 Couper des materiaux durs To cut erosion nf [scientific term] erosion
s'eroder {6} v refl [scientific term] to erode
hard objects pericliter {6} vi [lose one's power. Subj: e.g. society,
system] to decline
fendre {53} vt [cut through the thickness of an object, usu
into two pieces, with great force] to split fendre des buches
deperir {19} vi [lose one's vitality. Subj: living beings] to
fade away
pour le feu to split logs for the fire
percer {7} vt 1 [make a hole or holes in] to pierce Ne pas
percer I'aerosol. Do not pierce the aerosol can. Percer le
couverde de la bofte en deux endroits. Pierce two holes in
the lid of the can. 2 [obj: tunnel] to bore 92 Certainty, probability
scier {1 5} vt [subj: esp person with saw, also rodent with
teeth] to saw (off)
and possibility
cisailler {6} vt [with scissors, usu implies a botched result.
Obj: e.g. cable, metal sheet] to hack (at)
tronconner {6} vt [cut a long object into several chunks] to 92.1 Possible Possible
cut up
see also 92.4 Probable, 37.13 Autorisation; opposite
92.3 Impossible, 92.5 Improbable, 37.14 Interdiction
Locutions Idioms
pouvoir {43} vt to be able to Je ne peux pas vous accorder
couper les cheveux en quatre to split hairs
cette autorisation am not able to grant you permission in
I
se ferait couper en rondelles pour moi. He/she'd
ll/elle
this instance.
do anything for me.
possible ad] 1 [which can be done] possible si possible if
se mettre en quatre pour quelqu'un to go to great
possible autant que possible as far as possible f lie nous a
trouble for sb
oppose tous les arguments possibles et imaginables. She
a couper au couteau [very thick. The phrase is used in
listed every possible reason why not. 2 [which potentially
these two contexts] brouillard a couper au couteau thick
exists] possible dans le meilleur des mondes possibles in
fog accent a couper au couteau very strong accent/an
the best of all possible worlds 3 [in the following informal
accent you could cut with a knife
phrases, to express surprise] Cest pas possible! It can't be!
Je donnerais ma tete a couper que ... I'd bet my life
C'est pas Dieu possible! It simply can't be true! possibility
that . .
nf possibility
faisable ad] [slightly informal] feasible Paris-Nantes en
trois heures, c'est faisable par le TGV. Paris to Nantes in
91.15 Deterioration Deterioration three hours is feasible if you use the TGV.
viable ad] [likely to endure despite adverse conditions.
see also 57.10 Mechant et mauvais
Describes: e.g. project, financial operation] viable
deterioration nf1 [worsening] decline II y a eu une
realisable ad] [constituting a practical possibility]
deterioration des rapports de confiance qui s'etaient
achievable
etablis entre nos deux nations. There's been a decline in
permettre {56} vt [cause to become possible) to allow On
trust between our two nations. 2 [implies a loss of
fera un pique-nique si le temps le permet We'll have a
something that was once good] damage Les
picnic, weather permitting. Mon salaire ne me permet pas
deteriorations dues a la tempete n'ont pas encore ete
des vacances tous les ans. My income doesn't allow me to
chiffrees. Storm damage has not yet been evaluated yet.
take a holiday every year.
deteriorer {6} vt [make worse by impairing the qualities or
peut-etre adv possibly Vous viendrez?' 'Peut-etre, je ne
effectiveness of. Intentional or accidental] todamage La
suis pas sur.' 'Will you come?' 'Possibly, I'm not sure'
lumiere du soleil a fini par deteriorer les tranches des
livres. Sunlight eventually damaged the spines of the
books.
usage
se deteriorer {6} v refl to decline
on peut
aggravation nf [going from bad to worse] worsening Nous
The simplest way to express a general possibility is to use
craignons /'aggravation du conflit. We fear the conflict
pouvoir in the indeterminate on form: e.g. On peut faire
will get worse.
tenir 120 voitures sur le pont du ferry. It is possible to fit
aggraver {6} vt to make worse N'aggravez pas votre cas en
120 cars on the ferry deck. On ne peut pas prevoir
mentant. Don't make things worse for yourself by lying.
I'avenir. It's not possible to predict the future. The same
s'aggraver v refl [subj: e.g. situation, illness] to get worse,
applies to practical possibilities: e.g. On ne peut pas
to worsen
copier une disquette protegee. You can't copy a
empirer {6} vi [synonym for s'aggraver] to worsen Son etat
protected disk.
n'a fait qu'empirer depuis ma derniere visite. His condition
has become steadily worse since I last visited him.
Locutions Idioms
Locutions Idioms Qui veut la fin veut les moyens. [proverb. If your desire
aller de mal en pis to go from bad to worse to achieve a particular outcome is great enough, you'll
Ca pourrait etre pire. It could be worse. have to use whatever means are necessary] He who wills
J'ai connu pire! [informal] I've known worse! the end wills the means.
II n'est pas donne a tout le monde de a. so &
n'importe qui de (+ infinitive). Not everybody can
(+ infinitive)
92 Certainty, probability and possibility
195
92.2 Le possible Things which are 92.5 Improbable Improbable
possible see also 92.3 Impossible; opposite 92.1 Possible, 92.4
Ce n'est pas/C'est du domaine du possible It's not
Probable
within/It's within the bounds of possibility
improbable adj [slightly formal] improbable
venir a bout de qqch to manage (to finish) sthg C'est un inconcevable adj unthinkable
gros roman maisj'en suis quand meme venu a bout. It's a douteux, -teuse ady unlikely. // est douteux qu'elle puisse
participer aux frais comme elle promts.
It's unlikely that
I'a
long novel but still managed to finish it.
I
she will be able to contribute to the expenses as she
etre en mesure de faire qqch also etre a meme de
promised.
faire qqch to be in a position to do sthg
risquer {6} vt (+ de) // ne risque pas de pleuvoir. There's no
chance of rain. Si tu telephones avant 22 heures, tu ne
Locution Idiom
Ce n'est pas la mer a boire. It's not asking the
risques pas de nous deranger. If you phone before 10
p.m., it's unlikely you'll disturb us.
impossible.
II y a peu de chances que (+ subj) There's little chance
that
92.3 Impossible Impossible
see also 92.5 Improbable, 37.14 Interdiction; opposite 92.6 Certitude Certainty
92.1 Possible, 92.4 Probable, 37.13 Autorisation
see also 41.6 Evident
impossible adj [describes: e.g. event, deal, project]
certain, e adj 1 (always after noun) [which will happen]
impossible Pour moi, mai est impossible, je suis en
certain promis a une mort certaine facing certain death 2
vacances. can't possibly make it in May, I'm on holiday.
I 'II
[having no doubt about sthg] certain Je suis certaine que
estjaloux.' 'Ca n'est pas impossible.' 'He's jealous.' 'Could
c'est son it's her brother. Tu es certain
frere. I'm certain
well be.' si par impossible il vous contactait if against all
likelihood he were to contact you d 'avoir ferme Are you certain that you locked up?
a cle?
certitude nf 1 [quality of things which are not in doubt]
impossibility nf impossibility Je suis dans I'impossibilite de
assurance se prononcer avec certitude to say something
vous recevoir demain. It will not be possible for me to see
with assurance 2 [belief] certainty // n'y a pas de certitudes
you tomorrow.
en ce monde. There are no certainties in this world.
sur, e adj 1 [same meaning as certain 2, but less
Locutions Idioms
Cest exclu! also Cest hors de question! It's out of the
categorical] sure Je suis sur que c'est vrai. I'm sure it's true.
2 [feeling able to rely on] sur de qqn sure of sb Un
question!
A ('impossible nul n'est tenu. [proverb] Nobody can be
journaliste doit etre sur de ses sources.A journalist must
expected to work miracles. be able to rely on his sources.
Impossible n'est pas francais. There's no such thing as garantie nf\ [promise] guarantee 2 [given by
manufacturer, shop] warranty
'can't'.
garanti, e adj 1 [informal. Which can be stated as certain]
Quand lespoules auront des dents [postpones the
Tu auras fini demain?' 'C'est pas garanti.' 'Will you have
realization of whatever is being discussed to a future time
finished by tomorrow?' wouldn't swear to it. Si tu ne
'I
that will never come] Ton argent, tu le reverras quand les
leur telephones pas pour les prevenir, c'est la panique
poules auront des dents. Get your money back? You'll get
garantie! If you don't phone them to warn them they'll
it back when pigs can fly!
panic, sure as eggs are eggs! 2 [in commercial contexts]
guaranteed fraicheur garantie guaranteed fresh
categorique ady 1 [expressing an opinion with certainty]
92.4 Probable Probable definite. Je ne peux pas etre categorique la-dessus. can't I
see also 92.1 Possible; opposite 92.3 Impossible, 92.5 be definite about it. 2 [leaving no room for doubt.
Describes: answer, refusal] definite
Improbable
probable adj probable probablement adv probably formel, -melle ady positive 'Tu es sur que c'est lui?"
'Formel!' 'Are you sure it's him?' 'Positive!'
concevable adj conceivable // a peut-etre desherite ses
enfants. - Cest a peine concevable! He may have
disinherited his children. - It's barely conceivable!
Exprimer une opinion convergente To concur
surement, also certainement adv [implies a small Cest certain! also Cest sur! quite right!
element of doubt] (very) probably II sera surement Cest sur et certain! [stronger than certain or sur on
d'accord. He's almost certain to agree.
their own] absolutely right!
a rigueur demander Certes! also Assurement! [used in writing or in careful
la if l/you/we, etc, have to Tu peux lui
de s'occuper des enfants une matinee, a la rigueur, mais speech] (Yes) indeed!
un dimanche entier, non. You could ask her to look after Sans (aucun) doute! also Ca ne fait aucun doute!
Certainly!
the children for a morning if you have to, but certainly
not for the whole of Sunday.
etre pret(e) a parier que to be ready to bet that
risquer {6} vt (+ de) II risque de pleuvoir. It's likely that it 92.7 Verbes exprimant la certitude Verbs
will rain. Tu risques de ne trouver personne au bureau. It's
for expressing certainty
likely that you'll find that there's no one in the office.
II y a toutes les chances que (+ subj) There's every assurer {6} vt [cause to believe in the certainty of] to assure
possibility that // nous a assures de sa bonne foilqu'il etait de bonne foi.
He assured us he was acting in good faith.
s'assurer v refl 1 [satisfy oneself that something is the
case] to check Je veux m'assurer que tout est en ordre
pour la reunion. want to check that all is in order for the
I
meeting. 2 [make sure that something will happen.
196 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Slightly formal] to ensure Assurez-vous que tous vos obligatoire adj [required by law or regulation] compulsory
passagers portent une ceinture de securite. You must La ceinture de securite est obligatoire. Wearing a seat belt
ensure that every one of your passengers wears a seat is compulsory.
belt. avoir besoin de 1 [experience a need] to need J'ai besoin
garantir {19} vt [vouch for the quality of something. Often de dormir. need to get some sleep. 2 [be subjected to a
I
in commercial contexts) to guarantee Vous garantissez la requirement] to need Tu as besoin d'avoir tes papiers sur
frakheur de cette viande? Can you guarantee that this toi tout le temps. Make sure you have your identity papers
meat is fresh? with you at all times. La lettre n'a pas besoin de timbre.
certifier {6} vt [in official contexts] to certify Ce tampon The letter doesn't need a stamp.
certifie que toutes les betes ont ete vaccinees. This stamp incontournable adj [which cannot be avoided. Describes:
certifies that all the animals have been vaccinated. e.g. obstacle, idea, principle] unavoidable Pour un homme
politique, savoir utiliser la television, c'est incontournable.
Locutions Idioms It is essential for a politician to be able to handle
J'en mettrais ma main au feu. would bet my life on I it. television appearances.
C^a ne va pas faire un pli. [informal] It's a foregone
conclusion. usage
il faut and faut
s'il le
92.8 Incertitude Uncertainty // faut + infinitivean extremely common phrase which
is
expresses every nuance of necessity, from practical need
incertain, e ad] 1 [which cannot be known for sure but the to compulsoriness: e.g. Nous sommes dans la mauvaise
implication is that it may be bad. Describes: future, result] direction, il faut faire demi-tour We're facing the wrong
uncertain Le temps est incertain. The weather's unsettled. way, we have to turn round. Equally common is the
2 [a rather formal term. Hesitant] uncertain Elle etait construction il faut que: e.g. // faut que tu te depeches si
incertaine des decisions a prendre. She was unsure which tu veux attraper ton bus. You have to hurry up if you
decisions she should take. want to catch your bus. S'il le faut is the usual way of
incertitude nf uncertainty etre dans /'incertitude to be expressing 'if necessary'. J'ecrirai a ton professeur s'il le
uncertain. faut maisje saurai la verite. I'll write to your teacher if
douteux, -teuse adj [which may well not exist or not be necessary but will find out the truth.
I
true] doubtful On en Palestine mais le
dit qu'il s'est enfui
fait est douteux. He's said to have fled to Palestine but
some doubt remains. Locutions Idioms
dubitatif, -tive adj [showing scepticism. Describes: e.g.
faire de necessite vertu to make a virtue of necessity
answer, look] doubting Necessite fait loi. [proverb] Needs must . . .
indecis, e adj [having not taken a decision] undecided C'est force, also oblige! [informal. The matter being
discussed is considered to have an inevitable outcome] Elle
Allthe adjectives above belong to a slightly formal ne dort pas, alors elle ne sait plus ce qu'elle fait, c'est
force! She doesn't sleep, so she doesn't know what she's
register and are used in writing or in careful speech.
doing any more, no wonder!
Il/Elle ne peut pas s'en passer. He/she can't do without
doute nm 1 [state of mind] doubt etre dans le doute to be
it.
in doubt 2 [doubting thought] doubt D'un seul coup, j'ai
eu un doute. Suddenly was doubtful. I
douter {6} vt 1 [philosophical or religious] to experience
doubt 2 (always + de ) [suspect sb of not being as good or 93.2 Superflu Superfluous
as trustworthy as they seem to be] douter de qqn to have
see also 57.11 Negligeable; opposite 93.1 Necessite et
doubts about sb Je n'ai jamais doute de toi. have never I
obligation
doubted you.
superflu, e adj [over and above what is required]
superfluous
Locutions Idioms
When superflu nm [things which are over and above what we
Dans le doute abstiens-toi. [proverb] in doubt . . .
need] surplus Donnez-nous votre superflu, et nous le
don't do it.
vendrons au profit des sans-abri. Give us things which you
ne pas savoir sur quel pied danser [rather informal] to
don't need and we'll sell them to get money for the
be in a quandary
homeless.
redondant, e adj [describes: words, sentences] superfluous
gratuit, e adj [added patently for effect alone] gratuitous
J'ai trouve ses sarcasmes tout a fait gratuits. felt that
93 Necessity there was absolutely no need for him to be sarcastic.
I
luxe nm [can be used ironically] du luxe luxury C'est du
luxe! What luxury! Va te laver la figure, ce ne sera pas du
93.1 Necessite et obligation Necessity and luxe! Go and wash your face, it badly needs it!
obligation n'avoir pas besoin de to be in no need of Vous n'avez
pas besoin de payer avant le 31 decembre. There is no
see also 54.4 Serieux; opposite 92.3 Superflu need for you to pay before the 31st of December.
necessaire adj necessary
necessite nf necessity en cas de necessite if necessary
indispensable adj (often + a) [needed usu for practical
reasons. Describes: e.g. gadget, tool] required Pour se
deplacer d'un bout de la ville a I'autre, la voiture est
indispensable. It's vital to have a car if you want to go
across town. Void la liste des fournitures indispensables
aux eleves du cours preparatoire. Here is the list of school
materials required by reception class pupils.
.
95 Usual and unusual 197
mesaventure nf [implies inconvenience or a setback, but
94 Chance not tragedy] misfortune
Locutions Idioms
94.1 Chance et malchance Luck and bad C'est (de) la faute a pas de chance, [informal] It's
nobody's fault, just bad luck.
luck faire contre mauvaise fortune bon coeur to put a brave
face on it
see also 106 (Gambits)
II est ne/Elle est nee sous une mauvaise etoile. He/She
was born under an unlucky star.
Hoping for good luck
These phrases are used when hoping for good luck:
Je touche du bois, also Touchons du bois. Touch
wood.
Je croise les doigts (pour vous/elle, etc). I'm keeping 95 Usual and unusual
my fingers crossed (for you/her, etc).
Said in order to ward off ill-luck when someone is about
to take an exam, attend a job interview, etc, sometimes 95.1 Normal Normal
ironically: Je te dis 'merde'. Break a leg!
normal, e adj, mpl normaux 1 [in accordance with what
the speaker expects things to be. Contains a strong value
hasard nm
chance un heureux hasard a piece of good
judgment] right, understandable Les gens ne veulent pas
fortune un hasard malheureux a bit of bad luck
avoir la bonne fortune de 1 [good] to be fortunate
payer un supplement, c'est normal. People don't want to
have to pay an excess charge, it's understandable. Tu
enough to J'ai eu la bonne fortune de la rencontrer en
trouves ca normal qu'il soit tout le temps devant la
personne. was fortunate enough to meet her in the
I
television? Do you (really) think it's right for him to be in
flesh. 2 [bad] to be unfortunate enough to Elle a eu la
front of the television all the time? 2 [unexceptional]
mauvaise fortune de perdre son travail trois fois de suite.
She was unfortunate enough to lose her job three times in
normal Vous faites des repas normaux ou vous grignotez
a row.
beaucoup? Do you eat normal meals or do you nibble a
lot? Sa temperature est normale. His temperature is
a la fortune du pot [used when impromptu lunch or
normal, /'evolution normale de la maladie the normal
dinner guests are welcomed but warned that the meal will
course of the illness 3 [routine] normal Pour moi, une
be whatever is in the larder at the time] taking pot luck Si,
seance de travail normale dure trois heures. For me, a
si, venez ce soir, mais ce sera a la fortune du pot, hein . .
routine work session lasts three hours.
Yes, do come tonight, but it will be just pot luck, OK?
destin nm [implies that things are preordained throughout
normalement adv normally
life] fate Je vous predis un destin glorieux. see a gloriousI
en temps normal normally En temps normal, nous
fate awaiting you. Elle a eu un destin tragique. She had a
demandons un preavis de quatre semaines, mais dans
votre cas nous accepterons une quinzaine de jours.
tragic fate.
Normally we ask for four weeks' notice but in your case a
fortnight will be fine.
revenir a la normale to return to normal
94.2 Chance Good luck naturel, -relle adj [which feels right, as nature intended]
chance nf favourable events, or absence of natural // a pleure, c'est une reaction bien naturelle. He
1 [succession of
cried, it's a very natural reaction.
disasters (good) luck Quelle chance! What luck! Vite, le
]
train n'est pas encore parti, on a de la chance! Quickly, the
ordinaire adj [which has nothing special about it. Can be
slightly pejorative, or strongly pejorative if preceded by a
train's still here, we're in luck! Je n'ai jamais eu de chance
dans ma vie. never had any luck in my life. 2
I
modifying adverb] ordinary Dans une semaine ordinaire je
fais 45 heures de travail. In an ordinary week do 45
[opportunity] chance C'est ta chance, ne la laisse pas
I
passer. It's your chance, don't miss it.
hours' work. J'ai paye 320 francs pour un repas tres
ordinaire. paid 320 francs for a very average meal.
chanceux, -ceuse ad] lucky I
veine nf [informal] (good) luck // a eu de la veine de s'en banal, e adj, mpl banals [without originality. Describes:
e.g. script, story, reaction] banal, unoriginal Un mari qui
tirer avec six mois. He was lucky to get away with six
quitte sa femme pour une jeunesse, c'est
months' imprisonment.
veinard, -narde adj [informal] lucky veinard, -narde n malheureusement tres banal. A husband leaving his wife
for someone younger, sadly it happens all the time.
[informal] lucky sod
aubaine nf [implies a find of something very valuable, or caracteristique adj [representative] typical paysage
a
caracteristique de la Bretagne typical Breton landscape
very good opportunity] windfall, godsend
porter chance to bring luck Un trefle a quatre feuilles! moyen, -yenne adj 1 [like the majority, often implying not
quite good or interesting enough] average A ce prix, vous
Peut-etre que ca va me porter chance. A four-leaved
clover! Maybe it'll bring me luck.
avez une qualite moyenne. For that sort of price, you get
average quality, le Francais moyen the average French
person 2 [between two extremes] average La note
moyenne est 12. The average mark is 12.
94.3 Malchance Bad luck juste milieu nm happy medium J'essaie de trouver un also
le juste milieu entre mes devoirs de mere et ma vie
malchance nf [any degree of intensity, from inconvenience
professionnelle. try to find a happy medium between my
to tragedy] bad luck par malchance through ill-luck I
malchanceux, -ceuse adj unfortunate duties as a mother and my professional life.
pas de chance luck C'est pas de chance! What
ill terrible mediocre adj [pejorative. Describes: e.g. pupil,
performance, hotel] poor un vin tres mediocre a very poor
luck!
Il/Elle de chance. He's/She's unlucky. Vous n'avez pas
n'a pas wine
de chance, elle vient de partir. Bad luck, you've just missed
her.
198 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
95.2 Inhabituel Unusual
drole adj strange Swaadoyk, quel drole de nom!
Swaadoyk, what a strange name! C'est drole, qu'il soit
rentre si tot! How strange, for him to have come home so
early!
rare adj 1 [which is difficult to find or not often found]
unusual C'est une maladie rare de nos jours. That disease
is rare nowadays.
unique adj [describes: e.g. opportunity, visit] unique
etrange adj 1 [slightly pejorative. Unusual and alarming]
odd Elle avait une etrange lueur dans les yeux. Her eyes
shone with an odd gleam. 2 [unusual, for good or bad]
strange Je me trouvais transports dans un paysage
etrange, plein de lumieres et de couleurs. I found myself
transported to a strange land, full of light and colour.
bizarre adj [similar to etrange 1, though less alarming,
and sometimes slightly amusing] unusual Trouvant le
comportement de cet eleve un peu bizarre, j'ai demande
un rendez-vous a ses parents. thought this pupil's
I
behaviour was rather unusual so asked to see his parents.
I
2 [unusual and slightly unsettling] bizarre J'ai cru voir une
forme bizarre derriere ma fenetre. thought saw a weird
I I
shape outside my window.
extraordinaire adj [implies something greater than most
others of its kind, good or bad] extraordinary C'est une
femme extraordinaire. She's a very impressive woman. Elle
etait d'une mechancete extraordinaire. She was
extraordinarily nasty.
curieux, -rieuse adj [implies that the speaker is intrigued
by the thing described] odd Tiens, c'est curieux, pourquoi
tourne-t-il ainsi autour de ma voiture? Why is he going
round and round my car, how odd!
exceptionnel, -nelle adj 1 happening only once]
[
exceptional, special Les Octets donneront un concert
exceptionnel samedi a la Salle Rouvet. The Octets will give
a special concert on Saturday at the Salle Rouvet. 2
[unusually good or interesting] exceptional une annee
exceptionnelle pour les bourgognes an exceptionally good
year for Burgundy wines Nous assistons a des evenements
exceptionnels. We're witnessing something quite
exceptional.
extravagant, e adj 1 [theatrical and extreme in behaviour.
Can also apply to tastes, style, remarks, etc) eccentric Elle
organisait des soirees folles, ou ses invites venaient dans
des tenues extravagantes. She held wild parties, to which
her guests wore very eccentric clothes. 2 [pejorative.
Implies exaggerating to the point of lying] wild // a
raconte des choses extravagantes dans sa biographie de
Marilyn. He wrote some crazy things in his biography of
Marilyn.
anomalie nf [slightly formal term] anomaly
anormal, e adj, mpl anormaux [often pejorative, implying
too much or too little compared to the usual) abnormal
C'est une temperature anormale pour la saison. [low] The
temperature is way below the seasonal average, [above]
The temperature is way above the seasonal average. Le
chien avait une soif anormale. The dog was abnormally
thirsty.
Locutions Idioms
L'exception conf irme la regie. The exception proves the
rule.
Ca ne se trouve pas sous le pas, also sous le sabot
d'un cheval. [can refer to any rarity, from stamps to
stylish clothes, reliable friends, trustworthy politicians, etc)
You don't come across this/those every day of the week.
tous les trente-six du mois once in a blue moon
i
Ways of communicating
96.4 Parler en public To speak publicly
96 Communicating with
discours nm [monologue] speech faire un discours to make
voice and body a speech // fait toujours de longs discours. He's always
speechifying.
commentateur, -trice n [in journalism] commentator
96.1 Parler To speak porte-parole nm inv (often + de) spokesperson Elle est le
porte-parole des sans-abri. She speaks on behalf of the
See also 96.8 Dire, 96.18 Discussion, 40.6 Converser homeless.
parler {6} vi 1 [use one's voice] to speak Parlez plus fort, ye s'adresser a {6} v refl [direct one's words to. Often in a
ne vous entends pas. Please speak louder, can't hear you. I
rally, classroom, television studio, etc] to speak (directly)
2 [have a conversation or to have one's say] to talk, to to Je m'adresse a vous ce soir pour pousser un cri
speak Tu as parte au directeur? Did you speak to the d'alarme. I'm speaking to you (directly) tonight to sound a
manager? Laissez-moi parler! Let me speak! lis parlent note of warning.
trop vite. They're talking too fast. 3 (+ de) [put across as a
message] to talk, to tell Wous avons parte du passe. We
talked about the past. Parle-lui de moi. Tell him about me
96.5 Parler a partir d'un texte To speak
parler vt [have as a language] to speak parler
allemand/espagnol/hindi to speak German/Spanish/Hindi from a text
parole nf 1 [faculty] speech Les humains sont dotes de la
lire {77} vt to read (out) lire tout haut also lire a voix haute
parole. Human beings are endowed with speech. 2
to read aloud
[instance of this faculty] word
reciter {6} vt [subj: e.g. schoolchild, actor] to recite Je vais
vous reciter un poeme. I'll recite a poem for you.
citer {6} vt to quote
96.2 S'exprimer To express oneself dieter {6} vtto dictate
dictee nf dictation Les enfants font une dictee. The
raconter {6} vt [explain something as a story] to tell Viens
children are doing a dictation. J'ai note les details sous la
me raconter ce qui t'est arrive. Come and tell me (all
dictee. took the details down verbatim.
I
about) what happened to you. raconter une legende a un
enfant to tell a child a folk tale Le film raconte la guerre
d'Algerie. The film tells the story of the Algerian war. Je
vais vous raconter celle du croque-mort qui arrive au 96.6 Facons individuelles de parler
I'll tell you the one about the undertaker who
paradis. Individual ways of speaking
turns up at the Pearly Gates.
declarer {6} vt [say in a definite way, often officially] to voix nf voice J'ai entendu des voix dans le jardin. heard I
state // a declare n'avoir jamais eu connaissance de ce voices the garden, a voix haute aloud a voix basse
in
versement. He stated that he'd never been aware of that quietly parler d'une voix de fausset to speak in a falsetto
payment. voice
declaration nf statement faire des declarations devant les accent nm 1 [in France] (local) accent parler avec /'accent
journalistes to make statements to the press du Midi to speak with a southern French accent 2 [outside
exprimer {6} vt [put across] to convey un poeme qui France] (foreign) accent Elle ne perdra jamais son accent
exprime le desespoir de la jeunesse a poem conveying the anglais. She'll never lose her English accent.
despair of youth Je tiens a vous exprimer toute notre prononcer {7} vt 1 [articulate] to pronounce Elle prononce
gratitude. I'd like to convey our heartfelt thanks to you. bien I'allemand. Her German pronunciation is good.
s'exprimer v refl [put one's message across, either in 2 [make audible] to utter A peine eut-elle prononce ces
words only or in other ways] to express oneself Elle sait mots qu'elle les regretta. Hardly had she uttered the
parfaitement s'exprimer. She's very articulate. words when she began to regret them.
traduire {82} vt [a slightly literary synonym for exprimer] se prononcer v refl to be pronounced Comment ca se
to express Le film a su traduire I'angoisse de toute une prononce? How do you pronounce it?
generation. The film succeeds in conveying the angst of a begayer {16} v/and vt [through disability) to stutter, to
whole generation. stammer
bredouiller {6} vi and vt [through nervousness] to stutter,
to stammer
anonner {6} vt and vi [through inexperience or ill-
96.3 Parler brievement To speak briefly
preparedness] to read aloud laboriously Apprends a
remarquer {6} vtto remark mettre /'intonation au lieu d'anonner. Learn to use the
remarque nf 1 [observation] remark Je lui en ai fait la right intonation when you read, instead of droning on.
remarque. I pointed it out to him. 2 [pejorative. Reproach] grasseyer {16} vi [denotes a working-class Parisian accent,
criticism faire une remarque a qqn to make a critical as in characters played by, e.g. Jean Gabin] to pronounce
comment to sb one's Rs the Parisian way
observation nf (passing) remark rouler les R to roll one's Rs
mentionner {6} vtto mention (in passing) zezayer {16} vi, also zozoter {6} v/'to lisp
mention nf (passing) reference faire mention de to
mention (in passing)
200 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
96.7 Faqons peu audibles de parler annoncer {7} vt [state officially. Obj: e.g. results, death,
appointment] to announce
Whispering annonceur, -ceuse n [on radio or TV] (commercial)
chuchoter and [implies necessity to be discreet] to
sponsor
{6} vt vi
whisper
murmurer {6} vt and vi 1 [implies discretion or tenderness.
Subj: person] to whisper 2 [poetic. Subj: e.g. brook, 96.9 Dire ce qui se passe To report
fountain] to babble
susurrer {6} vt [tenderly or hypocritically] to whisper
temoigner {6} vi 1 [before a court of law] to be a witness
2 (often + de) [report in a semi-official capacity] to bear
witness to Je suis devant les cameras ce soir pour
Locutions Idioms
temoigner de la lachete de nos gouvernements dans cette
couper la parole a qqn to interrupt Ne coupe pas la
guerre. stand in front of the cameras tonight to bear
I
parole a ton pere! Don't interrupt your father!
witness to the cowardice of our governments in this war.
donner la parole a qqn 1 [informally] to let sb have a say
rapporter {6} vt and vi 1 [convey information for official or
2 [formally] to give sb the floor
technical purposes] to report 2 [pejorative. Subj: child] to
avoir un cheveu sur la langue to have a lisp
tell, BrE to sneak AmE to snitch // a tout rapporte a la
Ne perds pas ta salive! Don't waste your breath!
maitresse. He sneaked to the teacher.
Tu parles!/Vous parlez! [expresses scepticism. Informal]
rapport nm [information for an official body] report
You must be joking!
rapport d'expert expert report
reportage nm [in journalism] report
96.8 Dire To tell
The difference between parler and dire
96.10 Dire avec vigueur To speak
While parler, to speak, is to make something known by forcefully
means of speech, dire to tell, specifies the content of the
apostropher {6} vt [shout to gain someone's attention and
message. The difference is illustrated in phrases like
address the person forcefully] to shout at // m'a
parler pour ne rien dire, literally: to speak and say
apostrophe pour m'accuser d'incompetence. He shouted
nothing, to be full of hot air.
at me and accused me of being incompetent.
The two verbs also differ in construction. Dire is
assener {9} vt [reveal something shocking. Obj: e.g. news,
the objects are expressed thus: dire quelque
transitive, so
truth, judgment] assener qqch a qqn to let fly at sb with
chose a quelqu'un to tell somebody something. Parler,
sthg // est convalescent, ce n'est pas le moment de lui
on the other hand, is used intransitively, thus: parler de
assener la verite. He's convalescing, now's not the time to
quelque chose a quelqu'un to talk to somebody about
confront him with the truth.
something. The English verbs 'to speak' and 'to talk' can
raler {6} vi [informal] to moan, to grumble
often be used to translate parler.
Locutions Idioms
dire {78} vt1 [give as information] to tell Dis a ma mere
avoir le dernier mot to have the last word
que je serai en retard. Tell my mother that I'll be late. Dis-
parler d'or to talk good sense
moi ton nom. Tell me your name. Je vous ai deja dit que je
en dire des vertes et des pas mures [informal] to come
n'avais pas le temps de m' occuper de ce probleme. told I
out with some pretty strong language
you before that don't have time to sort out this problem.
I
sonner les cloches a qqn BrE to give sb a good telling off
2 [recite for effect. Obj: e.g. poem, lie] to speak, to tell
Pour dire son texte il faut se mettre dans la peau du
AmE to tell sb off good
II va/lls vont m'entendre! (informal] He hasn't/They
personnage. You need to get inside the character to speak
haven't heard the last of this!
your lines. 3 [order] to tell Je vous ai dit de ne pas y
toucher. told you not to touch it. Tu lui diras qu'il vienne
I
demain. Tell him to come tomorrow.
informer {6} vt and vi [fairly formal] to inform // ne nous a 96.11 Exprimer son opinion To express
pas informe de ses intentions. He didn't inform us of his opinions
intentions. La famille a-t-elle ete informee de /'accident?
Have the next of kin been informed about the accident? d'apres also selon lui/elle according to him/her
MGH 329, la radio qui vous informe 24 h sur 24! MGH 329, a mon/son avis in my/his (or her) opinion
the radio station that keeps you informed round the a mon/son point de vue in my/his (or her) view
clock!
information nf 1 [individual item of public or private
import] piece of news 2 [on TV and
radio] informations 96.12 L'opinion publique Public opinion
news ecouter informations to listen to the news lis ont
les
dit aux informations que le pape etait gravement malade. I'homme de la rue the man in the street
They said on the news that the Pope was very ill. sondage nm d'opinion (opinion) poll
infos nf pi [informal synonym for information 2] news Tu sonde, e n person surveyed 30% des sondes pensent
as pris les infos? Did you catch the news? que 30% of those surveyed think that
. . . . . .
message nm 1 [note]message ./e regrette, elle n'est pas la. sans opinion nm [in a poll] don't know 23% de sans
- Alors, je peux laisser un message? I'm sorry, she's not in. opinion 23% of people indicated 'don't know'
- In that case may leave a message? 2 [substance of what
I
is said] content II s'est exprime tres diplomatiquement
mais son message est clair, il n'y aura pas de reductions 96.13 Expliquer Jo explain
d'impots. He spoke very diplomatically but the message
was clear, there will be no tax cuts. see also 55.10 Specifique
messager, -gere n messenger expliquer {6} vt and vi to explain expliquer qqch a qqn to
explain sthg to sb Explique-moi pourquoi tu as menti.
.
96 Communicating with voice and body 201
Explain to me why you lied. Vo/7a, je vais vous expliquer. beugler {6} vt and vi [more inarticulate than brailler
Right, you all about it.
I'll tell often implies crying or slurring] to bawl
explication nf 1 [clarification] explanation /.'explication vociferer {10} vi [use words, fast and loud, in anger] to
est simple: je n'ai pas assez d'argent. The explanation is a shout (abuse)
simple one: don't have enough money. 2 [as a result of
I
a quarrel] confrontation // va falloir qu'on ait une Using verbs for shouting in a narration
explication, nous deux! We're going to have to have a All the verbs listed below can be used as part of a
little talk (together), you and I! narration, to convey what someone said and the forceful
definir {19} vtto define Le dictionnaire definit 'globe' par way in which they said it, e.g.: 'Voleuse, voleusel'
'corps spherique. The dictionary defines 'globe' as a glapissait la vieille. 'Thief, thief screeched the old
'spherical object'. Comment definissez-vous le bonheur? woman. 'Mon argent!' rugit-il en brandissant la boite
How do you define happiness? vide. 'My money!' he roared, brandishing the empty box.
decrire {80} vt to describe Le temoin a decrit I'homme avec
beaucoup de precision. The witness described the man in
great detail. Decrivez un paysage que vous aimez.
Describe a favourite landscape. 96.15 Protester To protest
traduire {82} vt and vi [put into another language, in
protester {6} vi [speak against something which is
writing] to translate
perceived as unfair] to protest protestation nf protest
traduction nf translation
se plaindre {59} v refl 1 [address one's protest to an
traducteur, -trice n translator
authority] to complain se plaindre de quelque chose to
interpreter {10} vt and vi 1 [convey someone's thoughts,
complain about something se plaindre a quelqu'un to
with some modifications usu to ensure better
complain to somebody 2 (always + de) [express as a
understanding] to interpret 2 [put into another language
symptom] to complain about Elle se plaint de maux de
orally] to act as interpreter
tete. She complains about headaches. 3 [pejorative.
interprete n 1 [professional linguist] interpreter 2 [of
Express misery, not always truthfully] to moan Arrete de
songs] singer, performer 3 [of plays] actor, actress
te plaindre, ce n'est pas de ma faute s'il pleut! Stop
performer 4 se faire I'interprete de qqn to speak for sb
moaning, can't help it if it's raining!
I
interpretariat nm [profession] interpreting
plainte nf 1 [official] complaint deposer une plainte to
interpretation nf [putting someone's thoughts across]
lodge a complaint porter plainte contre qqn to bring a
interpreting Je recuse /'interpretation qui est faite de mes
lawsuit against sb 2 [gentle sound expressing pain] moan
paroles. object to the interpretation that has been put
I
critiquer {6} vt and vi [speak against something, analysing
upon my words. its faults] to criticize
jeremiades nf pi endless moaning J'en ai assez d'entendre
Phrases utilisees pour expliquer Phrases used in order to
ses jeremiades sur /'injustice du sort. I've had enough of
explain
his moaning on about how unfair life is.
c'est-a-dire (que) that is to say (that)
helas [used in everyday speech and in narration, to preface
il faut savoir que . . . what you have to remember is
the announcement of bad news] alas, sadly Les secours
that . .
sont arrives en quelques minutes, helas il etait deja trop
ilva sans dire que ... it goes without saying that . . .
tard. Help arrived within a few minutes, sadly it was
ce qui explique que . . . which accounts for the fact that
already too late.
96.14 Cris et exclamations Shouts and 96.16 Questions Questions
exclamations
see also 103, 108.6, 110.1, 115.1, 121, 127.2, 129.1,
see also 96.8 Dire 130.1, 140.3 (Gambits)
crier {1 5} vt and vi [in pain, in anger or as a warning] to question nf poser une question to ask a question C'est une
shout bonne question! That's a good question! La question n'est
cri nm shout pas la! That's not the question.
s'exclamer {6} v refl, also s'ecrier {1 5} v refl [say questionner {6} vt [implies slight insistence] to put
something brief but forceful] to exclaim 'Pas possible!' questions to
s'exclama-t-elle, also s'ecria-t-elle 'I don't believe it!' she interrogation nf\ [by police] interrogation 2 [doubt]
exclaimed. question Une interrogation subsiste: est-il aussi innocent
exclamation nf exclamation qu'il le dit? The question remains as to whether he is as
appeler {1 1} vt and vi [raise one's voice to make contact ] blameless as he says.
to call Appelle ta soeur et venez manger. Call your sister demande nf 1 [question. Implies that the person asking
and come and eat. J'ai eu beau appeler, le chien n'est stands to benefit from the question being answered
jamais revenu. I called and called but the dog never came positively] request La demande avait de quoi surprendre: il
back. voulait emprunter ma voiture pour un mois. His request
appel nm call was somewhat unexpected: he wanted to borrow my car
Hurler {6} vt and vi [stronger and more emotional than for a month, a la demande on request 2 [written
crier] to yell, to scream hurler de rage to scream with rage document addressed to a department, an official]
hurler de douleur to scream with pain application faire une demande to put in an application
hurlement nm yell, scream faire une demande d'emploi to apply for a job 3 (often +
rugir {19} vt and vi [in fierce anger] to roar de + noun) [psychological] emotional need demande
glapir {19} vtand vi [high-pitched and unpleasant] to d'affection need for love Dans notre couple, c'etait lui qui
screech etait en demande. In our life together, he was the one
brailler {6} vt and vi 1 [cry. Subj: e.g. baby, toddler] to howl with the greatest emotional need.
2 [informal and pejorative. Shout] to yell one's head off demander {6} vt to ask (for) demander qqch a qqn to ask
Pas besoin de brailler comme ca! There's no need to make sb (for) sthg Demande du pain au garcon. Ask the waiter
such a noise about it! forsome bread, demander I'heure a qqn to ask sb the
time demander des nouvelles de qqn to ask after sb
202 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
se demander v refl 1 [often implies scepticism] to wonder 96.18 Discussion Discussion
Je me demande si elle a bien reflechi a ce qu'elle va faire
en I'epousant. wonder whether she's really thought
I see also 96.1 Parler, 96.8 Dire, 40.6 Converser
through the consequences of marrying him. 2 [search discussion nf [implies a debate, rather than
issues, ideas,
one's heart or mind] to ask oneself Demande-toi si tu as simple chat] discussion, talk // va falloir que j'aie une
vraiment besoin de cet argent. Ask yourself whether you discussion avec elle. I'll have to have a talk with her.
really need this money. discuter {6} vi (often + de) [speak with another or others.
solliciter {6} vt [formal. Seek to obtain: e.g. help, May imply debating, or simply chatting] to talk Qu'est-ce
protection, interview] to ask for que vous faites la vous deux? - Rien, on discute What are
se renseigner {6} v refl 1 (often + sur) [look for a specific you two doing here? - Nothing, just talking. On a un peu
piece of information] to make inquiries Je vais me discute de ce qu'il y a a faire. We talked a little about
renseigner sur formules de pret proposees par ma
les what has to be done.
banque. I'll make about the loan schemes
inquiries discutailler {6} vi 1 [pejorative. Subj: one person] to be
available from my bank. 2 [in a general way] to ask argumentative 2 [pejorative. Subj: two or more people] to
around argue (fruitlessly)
supplier {15} vi [strongly emotional] to beg Je t'en supplie, disputer {6} vi (+ sur) to debate Nous disputions souvent
ne me quitte pas! beg you, don't leave me!
I sur des themes religieux. We often discussed religion.
reclamer {6} 1 vt [ask insistently for] to demand Les
employes reclament des horaires plus souples. The
employees are demanding more flexible working hours. 96.19 Insistance Insistence
2 vi [make strong protests] to complain II n'y avait pas de
chauffage dans la chambre d'hotel, alors j'ai reclame. insistance nf 1 [implies courteous determination to
There was no heat(ing) in the hotel room, so complained. I
influence someone] insistence avec beaucoup d'insistance
with great insistence Elle a voulu que j'accepte son aide et
elle y a mis beaucoup d'insistance. She was determined
that accept her help and she was very insistent about it.
96.17 Reponses Answers I
insister {6} vi 1 (with a negative) [convey something
reponse nf answer donner une reponse to give an anwer repeatedly or forcefully] to persist Apres cet echec, elle n'a
N'insiste pas, la reponse est non. Not another word, the plus insiste. After that failure, she didn't persist. Je t'ai dit
answer is no. que je n'irai pas, n'insiste pas. told you wouldn't go,
I I
repondre answer // a repondu
{53} vt 1 [give as a reply] to don't go on about it. 2 [used as a polite entreaty] to insist
oui/non. He answered yes/no. 2 (+ a) [make a response to] Je n'ose pas venir, j'ai peur de vous deranger. - Si, si
to answer Repondez a la question qui vient de vous etre j'insiste! I'm not sure can come, I'm worried
I might be in I
posee. Answer the question which has just been put to your way. - Not at all, please DO come! 2 [put the
you. Les candidats doivent repondre aux questions B et C emphasis on] insister sur to stress lis ont insiste sur la
en anglais. Candidates must answer questions B and C in necessite d'un engagement ecrit. They stressed the need
English. Excuse-moi de n'avoir pas repondu a ta lettre. I'm for a written commitment.
sorry didn't answer your letter.
I exageration nf [statement] Ce serait une exageration de
repondre vi 1 [act in response] to answer Anne, repond au dire que ... It would be overstating the case to say that . .
telephone! Anne, answer the phone! Ca sonne mais .Sans exageration, II y avait bien 3000 personnes. There
personne ne repond! It's ringing but there's no answer. were at least 3,000 people there, and that's no
2 [pejorative. Reply rudely] to talk back We reponds pas! exaggeration.
Don't talk back! Elle repond a ses parents. She is cheeky to exagerer {10} vi 1 to overdo it Nous mettre de garde deux
her parents. week-ends de suite, cette fois-ci ils exagerent'. Put us on
repondeur nm answering machine duty two weekends in a row, this time they've gone too
permanence nf telephonique 1 [for routine information] far! 2 vt [make something seem more important than it is]
(24-hour) answering service 2 [for emergencies] hotline to exaggerate // a exagere son role dans I'histoire. He gave
repliquer {6} vt and vi [implies quick and sharp response] an exaggerated account of the part he played in the story.
to answer, to retort Oh 'du sang partout' n'exagerons rien! Come on there
. . .
replique nf 1 [in a conversation] sharp answer 2 [in the wasn't 'blood everywhere'; don't get carried away!
theatre, words given in answer] (next) line J'oublie
toujours cette replique. always forget that line, donner
I la Locutions Idioms
replique aqqn to play opposite sb mettre I'accent sur to put the emphasis on
retorquer {6} vt and vi [stronger than repliquer] to retort Mets-toi/Mettez-vous bien ca dans le crane, [used
somewhat aggressively] Get this into your (thick) head.
Locutions Idioms T'exageres! [informal expression of frustration that
ll/Elle a reponse a tout. He's/She's never at a loss for an someone is taking liberties] You're pushing your luck!
answer.
repondre du tac au tac a qqn to answer sb tit for tat
C'est la reponse du berger a la bergere. [stresses appro- 96.20 Repetition Repetition
priateness as well as finality of reply] There's no arguing
with that, then. repetition nf] [in a conversation, a text] repetition 2 [in
faire une reponse de Normand [based on the supposed the performing arts] rehearsal
unwillingness on the part of the typical Normandy farmer repeter {10} vt 1 [obj: e.g. word, phrase, gesture, act] to
to commit himself] to answer neither yes nor no // m'a fait repeat 2 [in the performing arts] to rehearse
une reponse de Normand. didn't get a straight answer
I
refaire {62} vt to redo, to do again
out of him. redire {78} vt to retell, to tell again Je te le redis, c'est moi
renvoyer la balle a qqn to put the ball back into sb's qui paie! I'm telling you again, I'm paying!
court recommencer {7} vt [obj: e.g. piece of work, sentence] to
start again Je recommencerai! I'll do it again!
96 Communicating with voice and body 203
radoter {6} vi [very pejorative] to repeat oneself Tu me I'as Locutions Idioms
deja dit, tu radotes! You've told me already, stop toucher un mot a qqn de qqch to have a word with sb
repeating yourself! about sthg
rabacher {6} vt [pejorative] to keep harping on tailler une bavette avec qqn [informal] to have a chat
echo nm [aural effect, also reiteration of an idea] echo Je with sb
me feral I'echo de ce que vous avez dit. I'll echo what you a la langue bien pendue. also ll/Elle n'a pas sa
ll/Elle
said. langue dans sa poche. He's/She's quite a talker.
bis nm encore Bis! Bis! Encore! Encore! une conversation a batons rompus [casual, and
bisser {6} vt to give an encore to Le public a bisse l"Hymne somewhat aimless] a general chat
a la Joie'. The audience encored the 'Ode to Joy'. tenir le crachoir also la jambe a qqn [informal] to talk
endlessly to sb
Locutions Idioms et patati et patata [indicates continuous talking] on and
C'est toujours la meme chanson! [the same comment or on Elle m'a raconte son operation, les points de suture et
complaint is always being expressed] It's always the same patati et patata She told me all about her operation,
. . .
old story! Oh, arrete, c'est toujours la meme chanson! Oh, the stitches and so on and so forth
. . . . . .
for God's sake, change the record! C'est un vrai moulin a paroles. He's/She's a real
On efface tout et on recommence! Back to the drawing chatterbox.
board!
96.23 Rumeur Rumour
96.21 Blasphemes etjurons Profanity and
rumeur nf rumour la rumeur publique what people say La
swearwords rumeur enfle. The rumour is spreading.
jurer to swear
ragot nm, also cancan nm, also potin nm [informal. Idle
{6} vi
juron nm
swearword and often malicious] piece of gossip
sacrer {6} v/to swear sacrer et pester BrE to eff and blind bruit nm (de couloir) [usu about politics or management]
rumour, whisper
AmE to cuss and swear
pester {6} vi to curse Je I'entendais qui pestait contre le commerage nm [malicious rumour, often attributed to
patron/le mauvais temps. could hear him cursing the
I
women] piece of (malicious) tittle-tattle
boss/the bad weather.
medisance nfslur
blaspheme nm piece of blasphemy
blasphemer {1 0} vi to blaspheme Locutions Idioms
Ce sont des 'on These are things that people are
dit'.
Some swearwords saying (but there no proof that they are true).
is
con, -nne n bastard sale con dirty bastard
apprendre quelque chose par le telephone arabe to
hear something on the grapevine
connard nm bastard
Les ragots also cancans vont bon train. Tongues are
connasse nf bastard
la barbe! [very mild] drat! wagging.
nom de Dieu! [strong] (for) God's sake!
merde! [can cause offence] shit!
bordel (de merde)! [can cause offence] fucking hell! 96.24 Langage Language
langage nm 1 [human faculty for using linguistic
structures] language Wous sommes des etres doues de
Locutions Idioms
also du langage. We are creatures endowed with the
en entendre des vertes et des pas mures [euphemism]
ability to use language. 2 [any code for communicating. A
to hear colourful language being used Quand Papa s'est
human language may be thus described, if it is unfamiliar
pince le doigt dans la portiere, on en a entendu des vertes
to the describer] language le langage des abeilles the
et des pas mures. When Dad caught his finger in the car
language used by bees to communicate with one another.
door, the air turned blue.
Us parlaient un langage que je ne connaissais pas. They
les cinq lettres, also le mot de Cambronne [euphemism
spoke a language which didn't know. I
for merde] mot de Cambronne. He used the
// lui a dit le F
langue nf [any one of the linguistic varieties spoken or
word.
written by humans] language apprendre les langues
jurer comme un charretier to swear like a trooper
vivantes to learn (modern) foreign languages les langues
indo-europeennes Indo-European languages
96.22 Bavardages Chatting
see also 96.1 Parler, 96.8 Dire, 96.18 Discussion 96.25 Some major languages
conversation nf [socializing] conversation participer a la
Langues d'Europe European languages
conversation to take part in the conversation
allemand nm German
converser {6} vi [slightly formal term] to converse Wous
anglais nm English
conversions ainsi le soir apres notre journee de travail.
basque nm Basque
Thus we used to converse in the evening after our work
bulgare nm Bulgarian
was done.
danois nm Danish
bavarder {6} vt and vi [implies informality and more friend-
espagnol nm Spanish
liness] to chat
f innois nm Finnish
bavardage nm [friendly. Can be used pejoratively]
francais nm French
chat(ter) Arretez vos bavardages, au fond de la classe! You
grec nm Greek
at the back of the class, stop chattering!
hollandais, also neerlandais nm Dutch
papoter {6} vi [informal] to have a natter
204 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
hongrois nm Hungarian phrase nf sentence
italiennm Italian pluriel, -rielle adj plural pluriel nm plural
norvegien nm Norwegian plus-que-parfait nm pluperfect (tense)
polonais nm Polish preposition nf preposition
portugais nm Portuguese present nm present (tense)
roumain nm Romanian pronom nm pronoun pronom relatif relative pronoun
russe nm Russian pronominal, e adj, mpl -naux 1 [relating to pronouns]
suedois nm Swedish pronominal 2 [relating to verbs] reflexive un verbe
tcheque nm Czech pronominal a (French) reflexive verb
turc nm Turkish singulier, -Here adj singular singulier nm singular
subjonctif nm subjunctive
Autres langues beaucoup parlees dans le monde Other sujet nm subject
widely spoken languages temps nm tense les temps du passe the past tenses les
afrikaans nm Afrikaans temps composes the compound tenses
arabe nm Arabic verbe nm verb.
bengali nm Bengali
chinois nm Chinese The form of words
hindi nm Hindi The words a and au are used to talk about gender,
japonais nm Japanese number, tenses and moods of words, e.g.:
malgache nm Malagasy L'adjectif 'vertes' est au feminin pluriel. The adjective
panjabi nm Punjabi 'vertes' is in the feminine plural. Mettez les verbes
persan nm (modern) Persian suivants au subjonctif present. Put the following verbs
somali nm Somali into the present subjunctive.
swahili nm Swahili
urdu also ourdou nm Urdu
96.27 Les sons des mots The sounds of
96.26 Termes grammaticaux Grammatical words
terms voyelle nf vowel
consonne nf consonant
adjectif nm adjective adjectif demonstratif demonstrative
syllabe nf syllable
adjective adjectif possessif possessive adjective
rime nf rhyme
adverbe nm adverb prononciation nf pronunciation
article nm article article defini/indefini definite/indefinite
intonation nf intonation lire un texte en mettant
article
/'intonation to read a text expressively
auxiliaire nm auxiliary (verb)
conditionnel nm conditional
conjonction nf conjunction
conjugaison nf conjugation 96.28 Orthographier les mots Spelling
conjuguer {6} vi and vt to conjugate words
feminin nm feminine (gender)
feminin, e ad/' feminine orthographe nf spelling avoir une bonne/mauvaise
futur nm future (tense) futur proche near future orthographe to be good/bad at spelling
genre nm gender orthographier {15} vi [more formal than epeler] to spell
grammaire nf grammar Comment orthographie-t-on 'sympathique'? How does
grammatical, e adj, mpl -caux grammatical one spell 'sympathique'?
imparfait nm imperfect (tense) epeler {1 1} vt [out loud] to spell Peux-tu m'epe'er ton
imperatif nm imperative (mood) nom? Can you spell your name for me?
indicatif nm indicative (mood) s'epeler v refl [out loud] to be spelled Comment ca
infinitif nm infinitive (mood) s'epelle? How's it spelled?
interrogatif nm interrogative form
interrogatif, -tive adj interrogatif usage
interrogation nf question form
inversion nf inversion inversion du verbe et du sujet Asking how to spell words
subject-verb inversion While Comment qa s'orthographie ? or Comment ca
irregulier, -Here adj irregular s'epelle? are both possible, an everyday way of asking
masculin nm masculine (gender) this question is to use the verb s'ecrire. e.g.: Comment ca
masculin, e adj masculine s'ecrit? How do you spell it?
mode nm mood
negatif, -tive adj negative negatif nm negative form alphabet nm alphabet
negation nf negation alphabetique adj alphabetical par ordre alphabetique in
nom nm noun alphabetical order
nombre nm number alphanumerique adj alphanumerical
objet nmobject objet direct/indirect direct/indirect object. majuscule nf capital (letter)
participe nm participle participe present present participle majuscule adj capital un A majuscule a capital A
participe passe past participle
minuscule nf lower case (letter)
partie nf du discours part of speech minuscule adj un 'a' minuscule a lower case 'a'
passe nm compose perfect (tense) une minuscule also un A minuscule a small a
passe nm simple past historic un A en majuscules d'imprimerie an upper-case A
personne nf (du verbe) person un a en minuscules d'imprimerie a lower-case a
97 Mailing and sending 205
96.29 Ponctuation Punctuation 96.32 Ecriture Writing
point nm full stop point d'interrogation question mark see also 59.18 La litterature
point d'exclamation exclamation mark ecrire {80} vt to write Je lui ai ecrit une lettre. wrote him a
I
virgule nf comma letter. Je vais lui ecrire pour le remercier. I'll write him a
point-virgule nm, pi points-virgules semi-colon letter of thanks.
deux points colon ecriture nf [a person's way of shaping letters] handwriting
apostrophe nf apostrophe Ellea une belle ecriture. She has beautiful handwriting.
accent nm accent accent aigu acute accent accent grave inscrire {80} vt 1 [write for some official purpose] to
grave accent accent circonflexe circumflex accent register 2 [write on hard material other than paper] to
trema nm umlaut inscribe
crochet nm square bracket entre crochets in square signer {6} vtto sign
brackets noter {6} vt to jot down
accolade nf curly bracket
parenthese nf (round) bracket entre parentheses in
brackets 96.33 Facons d'ecrire Ways of writing
calligraphier {6} vtto write (out) in a beautiful hand
96.30 Expressions utilisees lorsqu'on dicte gribouiller {6} vt to scrawl
gribouillis nm scrawl faire des gribouillis to scrawl
un texte Phrases used in dictation lisible adj legible
illisible adj illegible
plus loin new word
a la ligne new line, new paragraph pattes nf pi de mouche illegible scrawl
deux points colon en script in block letters
ouvrez les guillemets open inverted commas
ouvrez la parenthese open brackets
paragraphe suivant new paragraph
point final full stop, end of text 97 Mailing and sending
Locutions Idioms
mettre les points sur les i (a quelqu'un) to spell it out 97.1 Communications Communications
(for someone)
see also 142 (Gambits)
point final and that's final J'ai dit non, point final! I said
no and that's final! communiquer {6} 1 vi to communicate C'est quelqu'un qui
communiquer. She's a good communicator. Nous
sait
communiquerons par messagerie electronique. We'll
communicate by electronic mail. 2 vt (often + a ) [obj: e.g.
96.31 Signification Meaning message, letter, data, passion] to give Lui avez-vous
vouloir dire to mean Que veut dire le mot 'homme'? What communique notre adresse? Have you given him our
does the word 'homme' mean 7 Qu'est-ce que tu veux dire address? Sa mere lui a communique son amour de la
par 'egoiste' exactement? What exactly do you mean, musique. His mother passed on to him her love of music.
'selfish'? II y a des nuages has ce soir, qa veut dire qu'il va
toucher {6} vt [get in touch, usu for reasons connected
pleuvoir demain. There are low clouds in the sky tonight, with work] to contact Ou peut-on vous toucher pendant la
that means rain for tomorrow. 'Zrngjton', qa ne veut rien semaine? Where can you be contacted during the week?
dire. 'Zrngjton' doesn't mean anything. Us ont annonce
contacter {6} vt [synonym for toucher] to contact
une amnistie mais ca ne veut rien dire. They said there Contactez-moi au numero suivant. Call me at the
would be an amnesty, but it doesn't mean anything. following number.
sens nm meaning Le verbe 'faire' a des sens differents
selon le contexte. The verb 'faire' has different meanings
in different contexts,une phrase qui n'a pas de sens a 97.2 Choses que I'on envoie Mail, parcels
meaningless sentence Dans son sommeil, il disait des mots
qui n'avaient pas de sens. In his sleep, he uttered
lettre nf letter une lettre d'amour a love letter une lettre
meaningless words, au sens figure figuratively speaking de reclamations a letter of complaint une lettre
signification nf [slightly more formal than sens] meaning
d'embauche a letter of appointment
pli nm [synonym for lettre, used in some official contexts]
Quelle est la signification du mot 'porte'? What's the
letter, cover Je vous adresse copie de mes certificats sous
meaning of the word 'porte'?
pli separe. I'm sending copies of my certificates under
signifier {6} vt [slightly more formal than vouloir dire] to
separate cover.
mean Que signifie le mot 'girafe'? What does the word
'giraffe' mean? Que signifie cette remarque? What's the
paquet nm [packaged goods, for sending or other form of
handling] parcel
meaning of that remark?
colis nm [synonym for paquet, but for sending only]
package, parcel
Locutions Idioms
carte nf postale postcard
sans queue ni tete [describes: e.g. story, song] nonsensical
histoire a dormir debout [unlikely] tall story,
Poster des documents To post documents
[complicated] long, involved saga
enveloppe nf envelope
adresse nf address
timbre nm stamp
cachet nm de la poste postmark Le cachet de la poste
faisant foi. The postmark indicates the date.
code nm postal BrE postcode AmE zip code
206 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
adresse nf address mon adresse
personnelle/professionnelle my home/work address
Livret de famille
adresser document] to The de famille is a document given to each French
livret
{6} vt 1 [send. Obj: e.g. letter,
couple when they get married. In the livret, important
address Cette lettre ne t'est pas adressee. This letter isn't
information is recorded, such as the dates of births and
addressed to you. 2 [obj: e.g. envelope, label] to write an
deaths in the family.
address on
envoyer {18} ft to send envoyer une lettre a qqn to send
Being asked to produce documents
sb a letter
poste nf system] post (office) privatiser la
1 [distribution
A police officer asking a motorist Vous avez vos papiers?
wants to see the driver's licence, the vehicle registration
poste to privatize the Post Office 2 [place] post office Tu
vas a la poste? Are you going to the post office? mettre
document and the insurance certificate. If no vehicle is
involved, that same question means that the officer
une lettre a la poste to post a letter
wants to see a document identifying the person, i.e. an
poster {6} vt to post Votre commande a ete postee. BrE
identity card, a passport, or a permit authorizing
Your order is in the post. AmE Your order is in the mail.
residence on French territory. In France it is illegal to be
postal, e ad], mpl -taux postal camion postal (large) postal
without at least one of these forms of identification.
van services postaux post office services
courrier nm 1 [letters etc] post, mail Le courrier arrive a 8 h
30.The post/mail is delivered at 8.30 a.m. J'ouvre mon
courrier desque j'arrive au bureau. open my mail as soon
I
as get to the office. 2 [delivery] post au
I
premierldeuxieme courrier in the first/second post par
98 Communicating
retour de courrier by return of post/mail electronically
coursier, coursiere n [motorized messenger] courier 2 [
1
delivery] courier Les plis urgents sont envoyes par courrier.
Urgent letters are sent by courier. 98.1 Informatique Information
facteur nm postman la camionnette du facteur the postal
van technology
factrice nf postwoman see also 77.2 Equipement
prepose, e n (des postes) [official term] postman, informatique nf\ [area of knowledge] computing
postwoman 2 [practical skills in handling data] data processing
levee nf collection La derniere levee est a 17h. The last informaticien, -cienne n computer specialist
collection is at 5 pm.
assiste par ordinateur computer-assisted enseignement
frais nm pi de poste postage plus 32 francs pour frais de
assiste par ordinateur computer-assisted learning
poste plus 32 francs for postage conception assistee par ordinateur computer-assisted
design
virus nm virus
97.3 Documents Documents memoire nf memory Les nouvelles donnees sont en
memoire. The new data in the memory. // a combien de
is
texte nm text
memoire, ton ordinateur? What's your computer's
en-tete nm, pi en-tetes letterhead papier a en-tete
memory?
letterhead (stationery)
brochure nf[with several pages, often sewn or stapled]
brochure
depliant nm [usu for tourists. Folded] leaflet
98.2 Techniques informatiques Data
imprime nm [printed on documents delivered by mail] processing
printed matter
formulaire nm form charger {8} vt to load
tableau nm, pi -x table Remplissez toutes les colonnes du visualiser vtto display
{6}
tableau suivant. Fill in each column in the following table. modifier {6} vtto edit
sauvegarder {6} vtto save
formater {6} vtto format
survoler {6} vt [obj: e.g. text, document] to browse
97.4 Documents officiels Official
through
documents defiler {6} vi [subj: e.g. text, document] to scroll faire
defiler un texte to scroll a text
certificat nm certificat
selectionner {6} vtto select
carte nf d'identite identity card
faire une copie to copy
permis nm de sejour permit authorizing residence on faire un document de secours also faire une copie to
French territory
make a backup for a document
passeport nm passport
faire une edition to printout
visa nm visa
etre en ligne/hors ligne to be on-line/off-line
carte nf grise vehicle registration document
conversationnel, -nelle adj interactive
permis nm de conduire BrE driving licence AmE drivers'
license
assurance nf BrE certificate of motor insurance AmE
auto(mobile) insurance 98.3 Le logiciel Software
papiers nm pi [informal] (official) papers
logiciel nm 1 (as opposed to hardware] software 2
[product] software package
progiciel nm [same as logiciel 2] software package
ludiciel nm games package
98 Communicating and electronically 207
programme nm programme
nm file
fichier
menu nm menu menu derou/ant scrolling menu
icone nficon
98.4 Telecommunication Electronic
communications
see also 142 (Gambits)
telephone nm telephone Va voir a la porte, je suis au
telephone! Answer the door, I'm on the phone! Je I'ai eu
au telephone hier. spoke to him on the phone yesterday.
I
telephone portable mobile phone telephone cellulaire
cellular phone telephone de voiture car phone
telephoner {6} vi and vt to phone
combine nm handset
communication nf [slightly formal] call i'ai du mal a
obtenir communication pour Miami. I'm having trouble
la
getting through to Miami.
telecopie nf, also fax nm fax
telecopier {15} vt, also faxer {6} vtto fax
numero nm number numero de telephone telephone num-
ber numero de telecopie also de fax fax number faire un
faux numero to dial a wrong number
repondeur nm answer(ing) machine Son repondeur est
branche. His answering machine is on. laisser un message
sur un repondeur to leave a message on an answer
machine
Minitel nm information and network service accessible via
the telephone
courrier nm electronique e-mail (system)
message nm electronique e-mail message
Internet nm Internet sur Internet on Internet
charger {8} vt to download
moteur nm de recherche search engine
standard nm
switchboard
standardiste n operator
communiquer w {6} en reseau to network
communication nf en reseau networking
forum nm telematique teleconference
A Minitel system
1
Conversational gambits full list of contents
99 Introductions page 211 108.3 Declining the offer of service 214
99.1 Introducing oneself 211
108.4 Difficulty in obtaining what you want 214
99.2 Introducing others 21
108.5 Specifying what you want 215
108.6 Asking the price of goods and services 215
100 Forms of address 211 108.7 Deciding what you are going to buy 215
108.8 Paying 215
101 Greetings and leave-takings 211 108.9 Collecting and transporting goods 215
101 .1 Greetings 21
108.10 Checking in and out of a place 215
108.11 Ending a conversation 215
101.2 Welcoming people 212
101.3 Greetings after an absence 212
109 Thanking 215
101.4 Informal words for greeting 212
101.5 Leave-taking 212
110 Permission 216
101.6 Informal words for saying goodbye 212
1 10.1 Asking permission 216
101.7 People departingAravelling 212
110.2 Giving permission 216
102 Opening a conversation 212 110.3 Denying permission 216
102.1 Attracting attention 212
111 Offers 216
102.2 When you want to engage someone in
conversation 212
111.1 Making offers of help 216
111.2 Offering to pay 216
102.3 Introducing a topic of conversation 212
111.3 Accepting an offer 216
103 During a conversation 212 111.4 Declining an offer 217
103.1 Developing/Changing the topic 212
112 Invitations 217
103.2 Referring back to some earlier point in the
112.1 Extending invitations 217
conversation 213
1 12.2 Accepting an invitation 217
103.3 Supporting someone's point of view 000
1 12.3 Declining an invitation 217
103.4 Interrupting 213
103.5 Hesitating 213
113 Advice 217
104 Ending a conversation 213 113.1 Requesting advice 217
1 13.2 Offering advice 217
105 Asking for someone 213 1 13.3 Accepting advice 218
105.1 At the reception desk 213
114 Information 218
106 Expressing good wishes 213 114.1 Requesting information 218
106.1 For the future 213
114.2 When you are unable to give
information 218
106.2 To give someone your support before an exam,
test or interview 213
115 Instructions 218
106.3 When someone is facing a difficult situation or
115.1 Asking for instructions 218
an ordeal 214
115.2 Giving instructions 218
106.4 When someone is sick 214
106.5 Seasonal greetings 214 218
116 Directions
106.6 Birthdays and celebrations 214
116.1 Asking for directions 218
107 Expressing sympathy 214 116.2 Giving somebody directions 219
107.1 Commiserating 214 219
117 Warnings
107.2 Condolences 214
118 Promises 219
108 In shops/stores 214
108.1 Beginning a conversation 214 219
119 Agreeing to a date
108.2 Enquiring about the availability of goods/
1 19.1 Fixing times/dates, etc 219
services 214
1 19.2 Problems with dates/times, etc 219
210 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
120 Plans and intentions 220 133 Expressing surprise 223
120.1 Asking about someone's intentions 220
134 Expressing pleasure/displeasure 224
120.2 Explaining one's intentions 220
134.1 Expressing pleasure 224
121 Asking favours 220
134.2 Expressing displeasure 224
121.1 Small favours 220
135 Praises/compliments/congratulations 224
122 Apologies 220
135.1 Praises 224
122.1 Making apologies 220 135.2 Compliments 224
122.2 Accepting apologies 220 135.3 Congratulations 224
123 Reminding somebody of something 220 136 Announcements 225
124 Reassuring 221 137 Reacting to news 225
125 Complaints 221 138 Talking about the time 225
125.1 Making a complaint 221
139 Describing and reporting 225
125.2 Receiving complaints 221
139.1 Stories and anecdotes 225
126 Persuading 221
139.2 Jokes 225
127 Suggesting 221 140 Problems of communication 225
127.1 Making suggestions 221 140.1 Misunderstandings 225
127.2 Asking for suggestions 221 140.2 Problems with audibility/speed 226
140.3 Asking for help 226
128 Agreeing/disagreeing 222
140.4 Correcting one's mistakes 226
128.1 Agreeing 222
141 Written communication 226
128.2 Disagreeing 222
141.1 Personal letters: openings 226
129 Opinions 222
141.2 Personal letters: endings 226
129.1 Asking someone's opinion 222 141.3 Business letters: openings 226
129.2 Stating one's opinion 222 141.4 Business letters: endings 227
141.5 Applications 228
130 Preferences 222 228
141.6 Forms
130.1 Asking about someone's preferences 222 141.7 Postcards 228
130.2 Stating a preference 222 141.8 Signs and notices 228
131 Degrees of certainty 222 142 Post and telecommunications 228
131.1 Certainty 222 142.1 Mailing letters 228
1 31 .2 Doubt and uncertainty 223 142.2 On envelopes 228
131.3 Vagueness 223 142.3 Telephoning 229
131.4 Guessing and speculating 223 142.4 Other means of communication 229
132 Obligation 223
Comment dire . . . Ways of saying
have not yet been introduced to one another. It is also
99 Presentations customary to use these forms when addressing people with
whom the speaker maintains a formal relationship, often
Introductions including colleagues at work.
Madame or Mademoiselle?
There is currently no easy way of rendering Ms in French
99.1 5e presenter Introducing oneself as a written abbreviation. In conversation the word
Madame is often neutral as regards marital status. But if
When meeting somebody informally, the simplest way to the person looks very young, you may offend her by
introduce yourself to offer your hand and just say your
is
calling her Madame. Ask explicitly and wait for her to
name. The other person will respond with a handshake, supply her preferred form 'Eh bien, alors a demain
and will say his or her name. The other person may also say Madame c'est Madame ou Mademoiselle?'
. . .
enchante, or enchantee if a woman, meaning 'delighted (to Docteur may be used without the surname when
meet you)'. addressing a doctor of medicine, but is not so used when
Phrases such as Bonjour, je suis Claire Mounard . . .
'
Hallo, speaking to people with academic titles.
I'm Claire Mounard . .
.
' can be used when you are [Medical] 'Docteur, excusez-moi, je voudrais vous parler un
introducing yourself to a group of people, e.g., when you instant'. 'Excuse me Doctor, can have a word with you?'
I
are speaking at a conference. It is very rare to hear [Academic] 'Monsieur Guierrot, pourrions-nous nous voir
someone introducing themselves with Je m'appelle . . .
pour parler de ma these demain?' 'Doctor Guierrot, could
When meeting people in a work situation, you may add we discuss my thesis tomorrow?'
your job or position after your name, e.g. Alain Lombard, Other such as Professeur (i.e., medical consultant).
titles
chef de marche 'Hi, I'm Alain Lombard, the marketing Monsieur le Cure, mon Pere, mon Capitaine, etc. are
manager'. In a family gathering, you might hear people also normally only used without the surname in ordinary
introduce themselves by saying: Alain, le frere de Bernard. conversation.
'I'm Alain, Bernard's brother'. Monsieur, Madame and Mademoiselle are used without
the surname just as often as they are used with it. The
difference is not easy to gauge, but as a rough guide, the
99.2 Faire des presentations Introducing less well you know the person, the less likely you are to
use their surname.
others Bonjour Madame, c'est gentil d'etre venue. Hallo Mrs
Vous vous connaissez? Do you know each other? (whatever the name is), nice of you to come.
Vous vous etes deja rencontres? Have you met before? When making a public address (e.g. a speech) it is normal to
Je vous presente? May introduce you? I
begin with Mesdames, Mesdemoiselles, Messieurs
though in informal situations, people often simply begin
[informal] with Bonjour or Bonsoir.
Francois, Robert. Robert, Francois. Francois, this is
Robert. Robert, this is Francois.
[more formal] 101 Sa I uer et prendre
Francois, je te presente Robert. Francois, me
introduce Robert.
let
conge Greetings and
[very formal]
leave-takings
Francois, puis-je vous presenter Robert? Francois, may I
introduce Robert?
101.1 Sa/uer Greetings
Beware of the difference between Je vais te presenter how are
Bonjour, ca va? Hallo, how are you? Hallo,
fernand. 'I'll introduce Fernand to you' and Je vais te
things?
presenter a remand. 'I'll introduce you to Fernand'. when
When you want to say that things are going well, or
you simply want to be polite, you reply:
Je vous laise vous presenter tout seuls. I'll leave you to
Bien, merci, et toi? Fine, thank you, and you?
Introduce yourselves.
When things are neither especially good nor bad, normally
Je laisse a Luc le soin de faire les presentations. I'll
in informal situations:
leave it to Luc to do the introductions.
Oui, pas trop mal. Not so bad, thanks.
When things are not good:
Pas tres bien [followed by an explanation of what the
problem is ] Not so good, really.
100 For mules de politesse
Forms of address
In France, forms of address and titles are often used in
speech. Monsieur, Madame and Mademoiselle are used all
the time when addressing strangers, in the street, in shops,
on the telephone, or in meetings between people who
.
212 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
101.2 Souhaiter la bienvenue Welcoming
people
102 Entamer une
Phrases to do with welcoming are used in French only by
conversation Opening a
people whose job it is to welcome you (hotel receptionist,
doorman) or in the formal context of an introduction at,
conversation
for example, a seminar or a presentation.
Voici votre clef. Monsieur, chambre 33. Passez un bon
sejour Here's your key, sir, room 33. hope you enjoyI
102.1 Attirer I'attention Attracting
your stay. attention
Mesdames et Messieurs, permettez-moi de souhaiter
[In a street or public place] Pardon! Excuse me!
la bienvenue a nos collegues de Dijon, qui nous ont
fait I'amitie de venir ce matin participer a nos
Pardon Monsieur/Madame! Excuse me!
debats Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to welcome our Vous pouvez me renseigner, s'il vous plait! Could you
colleagues from Dijon, who have come to join us for this
help me please?
morning's discussions.
[If you need to attract the attention of a waiter or waitress,
or to be noticed by an official]
S'il vous plait! Excuse me!
Using Garcon! to attract the waiter's attention is now a
101.3 Saluer apres une absence Greetings little old-fashioned. If you want to be more polite, raise
after an absence your arm briefly and say (Monsieur) s'il vous plait! to a
waiter and (Mademoiselle or Madame) s'il vous plait!
Ca fait longtemps qu'on ne s'est pas vus! It's been a to a waitress.
long time!
Ca fait plaisir de vous revoir. (It's) nice to see you again.
[If you know the person well, you might say Ca fait plaisir
de te revoir.]
102.2 Faire la premiere approche When
you want to engage someone in
conversation
101.4 Mots familiers pour saluer Informal
On peut se voir un instant? Could we have a brief chat?
words for greeting J'ai quelque chose a vous demander. There's something
Salut! Hi!
wanted to ask you about.
I
J'ai besoin de vous parler. need to have a word with
?a va? Hiya!
I
you.
101.5 Prendre conge Leave-taking
102.3 Pour introduire un sujet de
Au revoir! Goodbye! conversation Introducing a topic of
A bientot! See you soon!
Bon, il faut que je m'en aille. Well, have to go now.
I
conversation
the person knows where you're going, you might say,
[If
II s'agit de . . . It's about . . .
more informally // faut que j'y aille, literally must go 'I
Voila, c'est . . . Well, about
it's . . .
there']
Le probleme est le suivant . . . The problem is as follows
Ravi(e) d'avoir fait votre connaissance. Nice to have
met you.
[This is rather formal, e.g. when taking leave of people in
professional or public situations.]
Tout le plaisir est pour moi. It's my pleasure.
[When responding to somebody who has just said that they 103 Au cours d'une
were pleased to meet you. A rather formal response.]
conversation During a
conversation
101.6 Mots familiers pour prendre conge
Informal words for saying goodbye
103.1 Amplifier un theme/changer de
Salut! Bye!
A la prochaine! Be seeing you!
theme Developing/Changing the topic
A tout a I'heure! See you later! A propos, ... By the way, . . .
En parlant de . . . Talking of . . .
Ca me rappelle That reminds me . . . . .
101.7 Partir en voyage People going [more formal] Allons un peu plus loin . . . Let's take this
a bit further . . .
away/travelling
Bon voyage! Have a good trip!
[to someone driving] Sois prudent! Drive carefully!
Fais attention en conduisant. Drive carefully.
Bon retour! Have a safe journey back!
Appelle-moi en arrivant. Call me when you get there.
. . . . . .
1 06 Expressing good wishes 213
103.2 Revenirsur un sujet precedent
Referring back to some earlier point in
105 Demander quelqu'un
the conversation Asking for someone
Comme je disais (tout a I'heure), ... As I was saying
[These phrases are appropriate for face-to-face and for
(before), . .
telephone inquiries]
Comme vous (le) disiez ... As you were saying . .
Bonjour, est-ce que Philippe est la s'il vous plait?
Pour revenir a Going back to . . . . . .
Hallo, is Philippe there, please?
Pour en revenir a ce que je disais, . . . Anyway, as I was
Bonjour, pourrais-je parler a Marc? Hallo, could speak I
saying, . .
to Marc?
[more informal] Salut, il est la, Joseph? Hi, is Joseph in,
please?
103.3 Pour soutenir /'argumentation de Je cherche Adeline, tu sais oil elle est? I'm looking for
quelqu'un Supporting someone's point of Adeline, do you know where she is?
[very informal] T'as pas vu Adrien? Seen Adrien
view anywhere?
Comme tu dis As you say
Je suis d'accord avec ce que tu dis/avec toi. agree I
with what you're saying/with you. 105.1 A la reception At the reception
[more formal] Je partage votre opinion. share your
desk
I
views.
Non seulement cela, mais . . . Not only that, but . .
Pourrais-je parler a Monsieur Berne? Could speak to I
J'ajouterais que ... I'd also say that . .
Mr Berne, please?
J'aimerais parler au directeur/a la directrice. I'd like to
speak to the Manager, please.
103.4 Interruptions Interrupting Bonjour, je voudrais voir Mademoiselle Scott. Hallo,
I'm looking for Miss Scott.
Desole(e) de vous couper la parole . . . Sorry to butt J'airendez-vous avec Monsieur Demesle. I've got an
in . .
appointment with Mr Demesle.
[rather formal] Excusez-moi de vous interrompre. Sorry Madame Verdier doit me voir ce matin. Mrs Verdier is
to interrupt you. expecting me this morning.
[When you you cannot get a word in, or someone is
feel
dominating the conversation] (Vous) permettez! Hang
on (a minute)!
Laissez-moi parler! Let me speak!
Laissez-mo" terminer! Let me finish!
106 Souhaiter quelque
[when a child is trying to interrupt you] Je parte! I'm chose a quelqu'un
talking!
Vous n'avez pas repondu a ma question! You didn't Expressing good wishes
answer my question!
106.1 Pour I'avenir For the future
103.5 Hesitations Hesitating when making a speech, at retirement party]
[formal, eg.
C'etait . . . voyons ... en 1994. It was . . . let's see ... in Tous mes voeux pour une retraite heureuse I'd like to
1994. offer you my best wishes for a happy retirement.
Je rencontre
I'ai (voyons ) que je me rappelle . . . . . . .
[at a wedding] Tous mes voeux de bonheur. May offer I
a Toulouse. met him ... let me think ... in Toulouse
. . I
you my very best wishes for your future happiness.
Je suis libre attends mardi I'll be free wait a . . . . . . . . .
Use Tous nos voeux if you're speaking on behalf of others.
minute ... on Tuesday
106.2 Pour encourager quelqu'un avant
une epreuve To give someone your
104 Terminer une
support before an exam, test or interview
conversation Ending a Bonne chance pour ton (test/examen, etc). Good luck
conversation with your (test/exam, etc).
Bonne chance pour mardi! Best of luck for next Tuesday!
Je croise les doigts pour toi. I'll keep my fingers crossed
Bon . . . Right . . .
for you.
[very informal] Bon, allez, c'est pas tout ca . . . Right,
It is customary to wish people luck by saying Merde!, often
got to get on
stage whisper, to indicate that, reluctant though one
. . .
in a
[slightly more formal] Bon, je crois qu'on s'est tout dit.
might be to use such words, the occasion warrants it. Using
Well I think that about covers it.
an insult instead of a wish is a way of warding off bad
[When matters can be left till another occasion. Formal]
luck. There is an equivalent superstition in the English
Restons-en la. Let's leave it at that, shall we?
phrase 'Break a leg!'
214 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
106.3 Quand quelqu'un est dans une
situation difficile When someone is facing
108 Dans les magasins In
a difficult situation or an ordeal shops/stores
J'espere que ca va bien se passer. hope everything I
turns out well for you.
108.1 Entamer le dialogue Beginning a
[more confident] Tu vas voir, tout va bien se passer.
You'll see, everything will turn out all right, conversation
[even more confident] Ne t'inquiete pas, tout se
The standard form is to use
passera pour le mieux. Don't worry, everything's going
Monsieur/Madame/Mademoiselle, to which the assistant
to be (absolutely) fine.
will reply in the same way.
Bonjour Madame, vous avez des ampoules de cent
watts?
106.4 A un ou une malade To someone Hallo, have you got any 100-watt bulbs?
who is sick Ah, non Monsieur, nous devons en recevoir demain.
Sorry, no, but we're getting some in tomorrow.
J'espere que ca va aller mieux. I hope you get better Vous desirez (Madame/Mademoiselle/Monsieur)? Can
soon, I help you (Madam/Miss/Sir)?
[formal, in writing] Je vous souhaite meilleure sante. [informal] A nous! Yes! (how can help?) I
Get well soon! Pardon, (Madame/Mademoiselle/Monsieur), est-ce
que vous avez du ? Excuse me, have you got any
. . . . . .
106.5 Vceux a /'occasion de fetes S'ilvous plait, est-ce que je pourrais avoir du ? . . .
Could please have some
I ? . . .
Seasonal greetings Je cherche du .I'm looking for some
. . . . .
Joyeux Noel! Merry Christmas! On s'occupe de vous? Are you being served?
Bonnes Fetes! Have a nice Christmas and New Year! [Customer/client, etc, unsure whose turn it is.] C'est a moi?
Bonne annee! also Tous mes voeux pour I'annee Is it my turn?
nouvelle! Happy New Year! [more impatient] Je pourrais etre servi(e), s'il vous
[in print, on cards] Joyeuses Paques! Happy Easter! plait? Could somebody serve me, please?
[in speech] Bonnes vacances de Paques! Have a nice [more formal] J'aurais besoin d'aide, s'il vous plait. I
Easter break! wonder if you could help me?
You may reply informally to the above greetings with In a village cafe or shop or a neighbourhood cafe in town
Merci, toi/vous aussi! or Merci, toi/vous de meme! Thanks, the informal Messieurs-dames! is a friendly greeting used
the same to you!' by customers and staff alike, providing people of both sexes
are present. You may say Bonjour Messieurs-dames!
(Morning!) on entering the premises. The assistant may say
Ces Messieurs-dames desirent? (What would you like?) to a
106.6 Anniversaires et fetes Birthdays
couple or to a mixed group of customers.
and celebrations
Bon anniversaire! Happy birthday!
[to somebody on their Saint's day] Bonne fete! Happy 108.2 Demander si des produits/services
Saint's day! sont disponibles Enquiring about the
Bon anniversaire de mariage! Happy (wedding)
availability of goods/services
anniversary!
Vous vendez (des pellicules/blocs-notes)? Do you sell
(film/paper)?
Vous avez (des calendriers/lacets)? Do you have any
107 Compatir Expressing (calendars/shoelaces)?
Je cherche (une brosse a habits/une carte d'Espagne)
sympathy I'm looking for a clothes brush/a map of Spain).
Vous reparez les (appareils-photos/poupees)? Do you
repair (cameras/dolls)?
107.1 Commiseration Commiserating
[Tosomeone who has experienced a failure] Quel
dommage! What a pity! 108.3 Refuser un service Declining the
Vous devez etre decu(e). You must be disappointed. offer of service
Je suis desole(e) also navre(e) pour vous. really am I
sorry (about what happened to you). Non, merci, je regarde. I'm just looking, thank you.
Oui,on s'occupe de moi. I'm being served, thanks.
107.2 Condoleances Condolences
108.4 Difficultes pour obtenir ce que I'on
Toutes mes condoleances. Please accept my deepest
veut Difficultyin obtaining what you
sympathy,
[formal. At funeral] Je suis de tout cceur avec vous. I
want
share in your grief.
Je suis desole(e), nous n'avons plus de
(papier/vinaigre). I'm sorry, we're out of (paper/vinegar)
at the moment.
109 Thanking 215
Je suis desole(e), nous sommes en rupture de stock. 108.9 Livraisons et transport des
I'm sorry, we haven't got any in stock at the moment.
Je suis desole(e), nous ne faisons pas les (CD/bottes
marchandises Collecting and transporting
en caoutchouc) I'm sorry, we don't do (CDs/wellington goods
boots).
Non, nous n'en avons pas, essayez [name of another Je viens chercher (mon magnetophone/ma veste). I've
shop]. No, we haven't got any, try [name of another come to get (my video-recorder/my jacket).
shop]. Ca sera pret quand? When will it be ready?
Vous pouvez me I'envelopper? Can you wrap it up for
me?
Est-ce que vous faites les livraisons? also Vous livrez?
108.5 Expliquer ce que I'on veut Do you deliver?
Specifyingwhat you want Je peux passer le prendre tout a I'heure? Can pick it I
up later?
Vous en avez en (bleu/rose)? Do you have it in
On peut commander par correspondance? Do you have
(blue/pink)?
a mail-order service?
Vous en avez en (taille 40/42)? Do you have it in (size
40/42)?
Ca se fait en (plus grande/petite taille)? Do they come
in (a larger/smaller size)?
108.10 Se presenter dans un lieu et
[informal] Vous avez moins cher? Do you have anything quitterun lieu Checking in and out of a
cheaper?
place
Vous avez quelque chose dans une autre qualite? Do
you have anything of slightly better quality? [at a conference or similar gathering]
C'est pour le seminaire 'Environnement et planete',
oil faut-il s'inscrire? Hallo, I'm here for the
108.6 Demander le prix d'une 'Environment and planet' conference. Where do register?
I
[at a hotel, if you haven't made a reservation]
marchandise/d'un service Asking the price Je voudrais une chambre s'il vous plait. would like a
I
of goods and services room, please,
[if the room has already been reserved for you] Je suis
C'est combien? also Combien ca vaut? also ll/Elle [your name], j'ai une reservation. I'm [your name], I
coute combien? How much is it?
have a room booked.
Ca fait combien en tout? How much is it altogether? Je voudrais regler la chambre, s'il vous plait. I'd like to
Vous pouvez me donner une gamme de prix? Can you settle my bill, please.
tell me what sort of price range it is/they are in?
108.11 Terminer la conversation Ending a
108.7 Decider de ce que I'on va acheter
conversation
Deciding what you are going to buy
Vous etes bien aimable, merci. Thanks for your help
Je vais prendre celui-la/celle-la. I'll take this one, please.
[informal]Bon, eh bien au revoir et merci.
Well, good-
Bon d'accord, je le/la prends. OK, then I'll take it
bye and thanks a lot.
Non merci, je vais reflechir also je vais voir. No thanks, [more formal] Je vous remercie, au revoir. Thank you
I'll leave it (for the moment).
very much, good bye.
C'est exactement ce que je cherchais. This is exactly
what was looking for.
I
108.8 Payer Paying
109 Remercier Thanking
Vous payez comment? How would you like to pay? Merci is in most situations, but if you want to
acceptable
Jepeux payer par cheque? Can pay by cheque?I be more polite you could say Merci beaucoup,
a little
Jepeux payer avec ma carte de credit? Can pay by I Merci bien, and even stronger, Merci mille fois or
credit card? Merci infiniment. In any case, when thanking somebody
Vous prenez also acceptez la Visa? Do you accept/take whose name you don't know, make sure you always use
Visa? Madame or Mademoiselle, e.g. Merci
Monsieur,
Je paie en liquide. I'll pay cash. Madame, Merci beaucoup Monsieur, Merci bien
Mettez-le sur ma note. Put it on my account. Mademoiselle. If you're on title and surname terms with
Je libelle le cheque au nom de qui? Who do make the I somebody, say Merci Monsieur Lambert, Merci
cheque out to? beaucoup Madame Favet. For friends and relatives,
Je vais vous demander des arrhes. I'll have to ask you to Merci Danielle, Merci Papa, etc. Saying thank you
leave a deposit. without these forms of address may sound slightly abrupt.
Vous n'avez pas de monnaie? Do you have any change? For a very formal way of thanking, use Je vous remercie
Je n'ai qu'un billet de 200 francs. All have is a 200-I infiniment. I'm very grateful to you.
franc note. Merci pour tout. Thanks for everything.
Je n'ai que des grosses coupures. I haven't got anything Merci pour lui/elle. I'm sure he/she'd like to thank you.
smaller. When refusing e.g. a cup of tea, some sugar in their coffee,
people will sometimes say merci. Beware, as this, in the
context, means Merci, non No, thank you. Thus:
Vous prenez du sucre? - Merci. Do you take sugar? - No,
thank you.
216 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
The latter is usually accompanied by an unambiguous (informal]
movement with the hand emphasizing refusal. A: [choosing a seat] Je me mets ici?
[Politeformula for thanking someone, e.g. in a letter] Je B: Oui oui allez-y.
vous suis tres reconnaissant(e) de tout ce que vous A Can sit here?
I
avez fait. am very grateful for everything you have
I B Please do.
done.
[To express thanks in anticipation] Je vous serais
reconnaissant(e) de bien vouloir ... I'd be extremely 110.3 Refuser une permission Denying
grateful if you would . . .
permission
[polite]
A: Ca vous ennuie si je fume?
110 Permission B: Oui, je prefere que vous ne fumiez pas.
A Do you mind smoke?
Permission B Yes, actually,
if
I'd
I
rather you didn't.
[direct and very firm]
A: Ca vous ennuie si je fume?
110.1 Demander la permission Asking B: Oui a vrai dire ca m'ennuie beaucoup.
permission A Do you mind if I smoke?
B Yes, I'm afraid I do mind.
Generally, permission may be asked for by saying Je peux
. . . ? Est-ce que je peux ? Puis-je ... or Pourrais-
. . .
je . . . ? in increasing order of formality.
Je peux me garer ici? Can park here? I
111 Propositions Offers
Est-ce que je peux prendre une photo? Can I take a
photograph?
Puis-je vous demander de signer notre livre d'or? May
I ask you to sign our visitors' book?
111.1 Offrirson aide Making offers of
In public situations: help
On peut fumer ici? Is smoking allowed here?
Je peux garder deux bagages avec moi dans I'avion?
Est-ce que je peux vous etre utile? May be I of
assistance?
Am allowed to take two bags onto the plane?
I
[for more sensitive requests] Cela vous derange si (je
[very informal] Tu veux un coup de main? Do you want a
hand?
fume/j'amene un ami)? Do you mind if (I smoke/I bring
[more formal] Puis-je vous porter votre sac? May carry I
a friend)?
your bag?
[more formal/tentative; note the use of the verb in the past
[less formal] Attends, je vais (te) le faire. Let me do that
tense, which makes the request more polite] Est-ce que
for you.
cela vous ennuierait si (je ne venais pas
demain/j'amenais un ami)? Would you mind if (didn't Si tu veux j'apporterai le cafe. If you like, I'll bring the
I
coffee,
come tomorrow/brought a friend)?
[less formal] Je prefere (partir tot/ne pas venir
[at the end of a meeting in e.g. a school or office] Ne vous
demain), d'accord? Is it okay if (leave early/don't come I
inquietez pas, je fermerai. You can leave it to me to
lock up.
tomorrow)?
[In contexts such as meetings, where people are offering to
do things] Je suis volontaire pour (vendre les
billets/ranger les chaises). I'll volunteer to (sell the
110.2 Donner la permission Giving tickets/put the chairs away).
permission
When replying to Est-ce que (a vous derange(rait)? you
give permission by saying Non, pas du tout!
111.2 Proposer de payer Offering to pay
[rather formal] Je tiensabsolument a vous offrir ce
A: Est-ce que ca vous derange si je m'assieds ici? repas. Please allow me to pay for the meal.
B: Non pas du tout allez-y. [less formalJC'est moi qui offre le cafe. Let me pay for
A Do you mind if I sit here? the coffee.
B Not at all, please do. [very informal] C'estmoi qui regale! It's on me!
A: C a vous ennuie si je prend cette chaise? [when the other person is about to pick up the bill] Non,
B: Non, non, allez-y. non, (je t'en prie) c'est moi! No, please, this is on me.
A Do you mind if take I this chair?
B Not at all, go ahead.
(less formal]
A: Je partirai tot, d'accord?
111.3 Accepter une proposition
B: Oui oui, aucun probleme. Accepting an offer
A I'll leave early, OK?
B OK, no problem. [when someone has volunteered to do something] Merci,
c'est tres aimable a vous de vous proposer. Thank
[less formal]
you, it's good of you to offer,
A: II peut venir, Robert?
(less formal] Merci, c'est gentil. Thanks, that's kind of
B: Oui oui absolument!
you.
A OK if Robert comes along?
B Of course, fine! [polite or hesitant acceptance] Surtout, ne vous y croyez
pas oblige(e) Oh, you really don't have to.
1 1 3 Advice 217
[when a person is offering to inconvenience himself/herself, 112.3 Refuser une invitation Declining an
e.g. offering a Merci, j'espere que cela ne vous
lift]
derange pas? Thanks, hope it's not putting you out in
I
invitation
any way. Ca m'aurait fait plaisir mais malheureusement je suis
[when someone has offered something and time has pris(e) (ce soir-la/jeudi toute la journee) I'd love to,
elapsed since the offer, without it being accepted] C'est but I'm afraid I'm booked up (that evening/busy all day
toujours d'accord pour samedi prochain? Still OK for
Thursday).
next Saturday? [more formal] Je vous remercie de votre invitation
[more informal] Alors, je compte sur toi mardi, comme mais malheureusement je ne suis pas libre ce jour-
convenu? So, are we still on for Tuesday? la. Thank you for the invitation, but I'm afraid I'm not free
[more formal] Vous aviez eu la gentillesse de proposer that day.
de I'aide pour samedi prochain, puis-je compter sur [leavingroom to negotiate an alternative] Desole(e), je
vous? wonder if could take you up on your offer of
I I
suis pris(e) lundi. Nous pourrions convenir d'une
help next Saturday. autre date? Sorry, I'm booked up on Monday. Could we
fix another time?
it more uncertain, with a friendly smile] Ce sera
[leaving
111.4 Refuser une proposition Declining pour une autre fois Some other time, perhaps?
. . .
an offer
[informal. When someone has offered some practical help]
Non, merci, ca va aller. No thanks, it's OK. 113 Conseils Advice
[informal, in reply toan offer of help with a chore] Ca va,
je vais y arriver, merci. It's OK, can manage, thanks.
I
[declining the offer of a lift, etc.] Non (on vient me
113.1 Demander conseil Requesting
chercher/j'ai mon velo) mais merci quand meme.
Thanks anyway, but (someone is coming to pick me up/I advice
have my bicycle].
Je voudrais louer un appartement, pourriez-vous me
[rather formal, when an offer of some magnitude is made,
conseiller? need some advice about renting an
I
e.g. the loan of a large sum of money] Non, merci, c'est
apartment, can you help me?
quelque chose que je ne peux absolument pas
Je ne sais pas quoi faire (a propos de ), pouvez- . . .
accepter. Thank you, but couldn't possibly accept.
vous me conseiller? Can you advise me as to what
I
should do (about )? . . .
Je voudrais m'inscrire a un sejour linguistique en
Allemagne. Quels conseils pouvez-vous me donner?
112 Invitations want to take a language course in Germany. Can you give
I
Invitations me any advice?
[informal] Je voudrais louer une voiture en Espagne,
vous avez des tuyaux? I'd like to hire a car in Spain - do
you have any tips?
112.1 Inviter Extending invitations
Venez done dejeuner/diner un de ces jours. Would you
like to come to lunch/dinner one day? 113.2 Donner des conseils Offering
[Inviting someone to an already arranged event] Voulez-
advice
vous vous joindre a nous pour notre dejeuner de fin
de trimestre? Would you like to join us for our end-of- Le mieux, c'est (d'appeler la police/de reserver a
term lunch? I'avance). The best thing to do is (to call the police/ to
[formal] Nous vous proposons de (devenir membre du book ahead),
comite/venir faire une conference). We'd like to invite [less formal] Si j'etais toi, (je vendrais le
you to (join our committee/give a lecture), piano/j'acheterais une voiture. If were you, I'd (sell I
[fairly informal] Viens done prendre un verre, un de ces the piano/buy a car),
jours. Why don't you come round and have a drink some [informal] A votre place, je demissionnerais tout de
time? suite. If I your shoes, I'd resign straight away,
were in
[formal] Je vous conseille d'accepter cette offre. My
advice (to you) would be to accept this offer.
[very strong] Si tu veux mon avis, tu devrais arreter de
112.2 Accepter une invitation Accepting
sortir avec elle. If you want my advice, you should stop
an invitation seeing her.
Merci, avec grand plaisir. Thanks, I'd love to.
[suggesting] Tu pourrais essayer de (leur parler/trouver
[formal] Je vous remercie, cela me fait tres plaisir.
un autre poste). You could try (talking to them/finding a
Thank you, I'd be delighted to. new job),
[less formal, when someone has just invited you to have a
[more tentative] Ce serait peut-etre une bonne idee de
(faire une photocopie/commencer le yoga). It might
coffee, see a film, etc.] Bonne idee, oui, merci. Thanks,
that sounds nice.
be an idea to (make a photocopy/start yoga lessons),
[politebut direct] Pourquoi ne pas (lui telephoner/les
donner au teinturier)? Why not (phone him/have them
dry-cleaned)?
218 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
113.3 /Accepter un conseil Accepting Je suis desole(e), vous n'etes pas au bon endroit.
Adressez-vous a la billetterie. I'm sorry, you've come to
advice the wrong place. Ask at the ticket office.
Desole(e), nous n'avons pas de brochures sur le Bresil
Merci du conseil. Thanks for the advice.
[more formal] Je vous remercie de votre conseil or vos
en ce moment. Sorry, we haven't got any brochures on
Brazil at the moment,
conseils. Thank you for your advice.
[informal) Desole(e), aucune idee. Sorry, haven't a clue.
Merci, je ne manquerai pas de suivre votre conseil or
I
In most situations, you can thank someone for giving
vos conseils. Thank you I'll certainly follow your advice,
information by just saying Je vous remercie or Merci de
[informal] Merci pour le tuyau. Thanks for the tip.
bear that mind. votre gentillesse or, more formally, Je vous remercie
Merci, j'y penserai. Thanks, I'll in
de votre amabilite.
114 Renseignements 115 Instructions
Information Instructions
114.1 Demander des renseignements
115.1 Demander des instructions Asking
Requesting information
for instructions
Pouvez-vous me renseigner? Can you help me?
Oil est-ce qu'il y a (une cabine telephonique/des Pouvez-vous (m'expliquer/me montrer) comment
toilettes/etc)? Where can I find (a phone/toilet/etc.)?
marche cette machine? Could you (tell me/show me)
Oil se trouve (la gare/la boulangerie/etc) la plus how to work this machine?
proche? Where's the nearest (station/bakery/etc.)? Y a-t-il un mode d'emploi pour la photocopieuse? Are
there any instructions for the photocopier?
Oil se trouve (I'arret de bus/le marchand de
journaux/etc) le plus proche? Where is the nearest (bus
Comment faut-il faire pour changer la pellicule? What
stop/news stand/etc.)? do do if want to change the film?
I I
Qu'est-ce que tu souhaites que je fasse de (cette Comment faut-il faire pour installer ce projecteur?
clef/ces billets/etc)? What do you want me to do with How do go about setting up this spotlight?
I
(this key/these tickets/etc.)?
Et qu'est ce que je fais (ensuite/maintenant)? And
Pourrais-je connaitre la raison de (ce supplement/ce what do do (then/now)?
I
retard/etc)? What's the reason for (this extra charge/the
delay/etc.)?
Qui s'occupe (des remboursements/de la location des 115.2 Fournir des instructions Giving
salles/etc)? Who is in charge of (refunds/room-
instructions
bookings/etc.)?
Pouvez-vous m'indiquer comment remplir ce Tout ce qu'il y a a faire, c'est (appuyer sur le
formulaire, s'il vous plait? Could you explain to me bouton/verif ier le niveau d'eau/etc) This is what you
how to fill/out in this form please? do, just (press the button/check the water level/etc).
Comment est-ce qu'on accede (a la rue/au sous-sol N'oubliez jamais de rabattre ce volet d'abord. You
etc)? How can get to (the street/the basement etc.)?
I must always remember to close this flap first.
Comment m'y prendre pour (changer ma Vous rabattez ce contacteur et c'est tout. You just flick
reservation/faire reparer mon talon de that switch down and that's it.
chaussure/etc)? How do go about (changing my
I Conformez-vous aux instructions donnees sur le
reservation/getting the heel of my shoe repaired/etc.)? polycopie s'il vous plait. Please follow the instructions
Oil m'adresser pour (me faire rembourser/avoir des on the handout.
places gratuites/etc) ? Where do go to (get my money I
back/pick up free tickets/etc.)?
Pouvez-vous m'indiquer oil est le depart du bus? Can
you tell me where the bus leaves from?
Pouvez-vous me donner son numero? Can you tell me
116 L'orientation
her number? Directions
Pouvez-vous me renseigner sur (les horaires de
bus/les hotels)? Can you give me some information
about (bus times/hotels)? 116.1 Demander son chemin Asking for
Est-ce que vous avez des renseignements sur (les
cours de langue/la Turquie)? Do you have any directions
information on (language courses/Turkey)? Pouvez-vous me dire comment aller a ? Could you. . .
Oil est-ce que je peux me renseigner sur les
tell me the way to ... ?
assurances-voyages? Where can get information about I
Excusez-moi, je suis perdu(e), pouvez-vous
travel insurance?
m'indiquer mon chemin? Excuse me, I'm lost wonder I
if you could help me?
Comment est-ce qu'on va a la gare, a partir d'ici? How
114.2 Dans I'impossibilite de renseigner do get to the station from here?
I
S'il vous plait, je cherche I'avenue Kennedy. Excuse
quelqu'un When you are unable to give
me, I'm looking for avenue Kennedy,
information [more formal] Pourriez-vous m'indiquer oil est
I'avenue Kennedy? Could you direct me to avenue
Je suis desole(e), je ne peux rien faire pour vous. I'm
Kennedy?
sorry, can't help you.
I
.
119 Agreeing to a date 219
116.2 Donner des indications a quelqu'un
Giving somebody directions
119 Prendre date
Vous y allez comment (en voiture, a pied, par les
Agreeing to a date
transports en commun)? How are you travelling (by car,
on foot, by public transport)?
Prenez a gauche, puis a droite, et ensuite continuez 119.1 Prendre rendez-vous Fixing
tout droit. Turn left, then right, then go straight ahead. times/dates, etc.
Vous allez le voir (devant vous/sur votre gauche/etc).
You'll see it (in front of you/on your left/etc). [rather formal] Prenons date. Let's make an appointment.
Vous pouvez prendre un raccourci par le pare. You can Est-ce que nous pourrions prendre rendez-vous? Could
take a short cut through the park. we arrange to meet some time?
Si vous voyez une eglise, e'est que vous etes alle(e) [more informal] On peut se voir bientot? Can we get
trop loin. If you see a church, you've gone too far. together some time soon?
Vous verrez la boulangerie sur votre droite. Look out Vous etes libre (jeudi/lundi)? Are you free (on
for the bakery on your right. Thursday/Monday)?
Vous ne pouvez pas vous tromper. You can't go wrong. Et vendredi, vous etes libre? What about Friday? Are
Quand vous arrivez au feu, prenez sur votre droite. you free then?
When you get to the lights, go off to the right Etes-vous disponible pour une reunion le 25? Could
you make a meeting on the 25th?
Est-ce qu'on pourrait se voir bientot pour parler (du
recrutement/de la conference)? Could we meet soon to
117 Advertissements discuss (recruitment/the conference)?
ites-vous libre le 15? Are you available on the 15th?
Warnings Disons 17 heures mardi, ca vous convient? Shall we say
5 pm on Tuesday, if that's suitable?
Lundi, je peux tout a fait. Monday suits me fine.
[These warnings can be mild or serious, depending on the
tone of voice adopted]
14 heures, e'est ce qui m'arrangerait le mieux. 2
o'clock would be best for me.
Vous feriez mieux de ne pas vous garer ici, le quartier
Je note le 23 au crayon, et on confirmera la date plus
est plein de contractuels. You'd better not park there,
tard. I'll pencil in the 23rd, and we can confirm it later.
the area's full of traffic wardens,
[very strong] Je vous previens, si vous vous garez la,
Disons le 18 pour le moment, et je vous
recontacterai. Let's say the 18th for now and I'll get back
j'appelle la police! warn you, if you park here I'll call
I
to you.
the police!
[more indirect] Si j'etais vous, je me tiendrais
tranquille. If were you wouldn't cause any trouble,
I I
[more formal] Sachez que si vous perdez de nouveau la 119.2 Difficultes a trouver une date/une
clef, vous serez oblige(e) de payer le remplacement
heure, etc Problems with times/dates, etc.
de la serrure. warn you that if you lose the key again
I
you'll have to pay for a new lock. Je suis desole(e) mais le 3, pour moi, e'est impossible.
II est efficace, mais je vous previens, il se met I'm afraid the 3rd is out for me.
facilement en colere. He's efficient, but, be warned, he Malheureusement, je suis pris(e) demain. I'm afraid I'm
has a short temper, busy tomorrow.
[informal] Je te previens, elle ne va pas apprecier. I'm Desole(e), je n'ai pas un instant de libre cette
warning you, she's not going to like it. semaine. I'm afraid I'm busy all this week.
Attention (a ta tete/a la porte/a cette voiture)! Mind Jeudi, ca n'irait pas, plutot? Could we make it Thursday
(your head/the door/that car)! instead?
Attention en sortant, les marches sont glissantes. Desole(e) mais j'ai pris deux rendez-vous en meme
Take care when you leave, the steps are slippery. temps pour vendredi. Est-ce que nous pourrions
Attention! Be careful! reporter? I'm afraid I'm double-booked on Friday. Could
we rearrange things?
A Ca va etre difficile pour 17 heures 30.
B 18 heures, ca irait mieux?
118 Promesses Promises A: 5.30's a bit of a problem.
B: Would 6 be any better?
Est-ce que nous pourrions reporter la reunion de
Je te promets que je ne recommencerai pas. I promise
vendredi?
you won't do it again.
I
Could we postpone Friday's meeting?
Je ne sortirai plus avec elle, je te le jure! won't go out
Desole(e) mais nous allons devoir annuler la reunion
I
with her again, I promise!
de demain. Sorry, but we're going to have to cancel
[informal, childish language] Jure, crache! Cross my heart
tomorrow's meeting.
and hope to die!
Est-ce qu'on pourrait commencer a 15 heures 30, au
[very formal] Je declare sous la foi du serment que ... I
lieu de 16 heures? Could we bring the time forward to
solemnly declare that . .
3.30 instead of 4?
.
220 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Cette place est libre/prise? Is this seat free/taken?
120 Plans et intentions [In where you notice acquaintances
a restaurant or cafe
already seated] Puis-je me joindre a vous? Do you mind
Plans and intentions if I join you?
[Ina restaurant or cafe where the only free seat is at a
table already occupied] Est-ce que ca vous derange que
120.1 Demander quelles sont les je me mette la? Do you mind my taking this seat?
intentions de quelqu'un Asking about
someone's intentions
Qu'est-ce que tu vas faire? What are you going to do?
122 Excuses Apologies
[more formal) Qu'as-tu I'intention de faire? What do
you intend to do?
122.1 S'excuser Making apologies
[informal] Excusez-moi, je suis en retard. I'm sorry I'm
120.2 Expliquer ses intentions Explaining late.
one's intentions [more formal] Veuillez m'excuser de vous avoir fait
attendre. I'm terribly sorry I've kept you waiting.
Je vais sans doute/je vais surement lui telephone!". I'll [rather formal, often used in writing] Je vous prie de bien
most probably ring her. vouloir m'excuser du retard avec lequel je vous
[more tentative] Je vais peut-etre passer chez Paul. I'll reponds. really must apologise for not having answered
I
maybe drop round to Paul's place. you earlier.
J'ai la ferme intention de lui dire ce que je pense de [very formal, often used in writing] Veuillez accepter
lui. I'm determined to tell him what think of him. I
toutes nos excuses pour le derangement que nous
[very formal] II n'entre nullement dans nos intentions vous avons cause. Our sincere apologies for the inconve-
de vous faire de la concurrence. It is no part of our nience we have caused you.
plans to enter into competition with you. [rather formal] Pardonnez-moi, vous etes (Monsieur . .
/Madame ?) Forgive me, your name is ... ?
. . .
[rather formal] Je suis confus(e), mais j'ai oublie votre
nom. Forgive me, I've forgotten your name.
121 Demander un service
Asking favours 122.2 Accepter les excuses de quelqu'un
Accepting apologies
[very polite] Auriez-vous la gentillesse de me rendre
un service? was wondering if you could do me a favour, Most common Mais je vous en
I
is prie, ne vous excusez
[rather direct but formal] J'ai besoin de vous demander pas. Je t'en prie, tu es tout(e) excuse(e) is less formal.
un service. I need to ask a favour of you. You can also use Tout cela n'a aucune importance or,
[less formal] Vous pouvez me rendre un service? Could less formally. Aucune importance.
you do me a favour?
[informal] Tu peux me faire une fleur? Can I ask a
favour?
and friendly replies when someone asks a favour
Polite
includeMais bien sur, de quoi s'agit-il? and Mais
123 Rappeler quelque
certainement, avec plaisir. chose a quelqu'un
Reminding somebody of
121.1 Petits services Small favours something
Vous avez des allumettes, s'il vous plait? Have you got
a light, please? Vous n'oublierez pas de poster cette lettre, n'est-ce
Pourriez-vous me
garder (mon sac/ma place) un pas? Don't forget to post that letter, will you?
instant, s'il vous plait. Would you mind (my bag/my [less formal] N'oublie pas de poster cette lettre, hein?
seat) for me for a moment, please? Don't forget to post that letter, OK?
[more informal] Vous surveillez ma place une seconde, [more formal] Veillez a ne pas oublier d'apporter votre
s'il vous plait? Would you keep an eye on my seat for a passeport. Please remember to bring your passport,
minute for me, please? [tactful but can be heard as slightly reproachful) Tu n'as
Vous avez un stylo a me prefer, je vous le rends tout pas oublie que c'est I'anniversaire d'Anne demain?
de suite? Do you have a pen could borrow for a I
You haven't forgotten it's Anne's birthday tomorrow?
moment? [rather formal] Puis-je vous rappeler qu'il n'y aura pas
Vous n'auriez pas la monnaie de ce billet, par hasard? de reunion demain? May remind you that there willI
Could you change this note by any chance? not be a meeting tomorrow?
Vous avez de la monnaie pour (le parcmetre/le [rather formal and tactful, when you suspect someone has
telephone)? Do you have any small change for (the forgotten something] Si je peux me permettre . . .
parking meter/the phone)? vous n'avez pas oublie que vous nous avez promis
[in a queue) Excusez-moi, vous me permettez de un seminaire, n'est-ce pas? Can jog your memory I
passer devant vous, je suis tres tres presse(e)! I
about the seminar you promised to give us?
wonder if you'd mind if jumped the queue? I'm in a
I
terrible hurry!
127 Suggesting 221
If a reply is needed, you can say Merci de me I'avoir
rappele. f you want to apologize for forgetting 126 Convaincre
something, you can say Je suis desole(e), j'ai
completement oublie or ca m'est completement Persuading
sorti de I'esprit.
Pourquoi ne pas venir avec nous la semaine
prochaine? Why don't you come with us next week?
[a little less formal] Viens done faire du parapente avec
124 Rassurer Reassuring nous. Tu vas adorer, j'en suis sur(e). Why not come
hang-gliding with us? You'll love it, I'm sure,
nous serons avant 18 [more formal] J'aimerais vous convaincre de vous
Ne vous inquietez pas, la
joindre a nous ce soir. Can persuade you to join us
heures. Don't worry, we'll be there by six.
I
tonight?
IIn'y a pas d'inquietude a avoir. There's nothing to
[less formal] Venez done passer Noel chez nous, ca
worry about.
[more formal] Je vous assure qu'il n'y a aucun
nous ferait tres plaisir. Do come and stay at Christmas,
probleme can assure you that there'll be no problem,
I
we'd love to have you.
[informal) Allez, prends un dessert, moi j'en prends
[rather formal, typical of written style] Soyez assures de
notre intention de controler les couts. would like to I
un! Go on! Have a dessert, I'm having one.
Je pense vraiment que vous devriez prendre quelques
reassure you that we intend to keep costs under control.
jours de conge. really think you ought to take a few
I
days off.
125 Reclamations
Complaints 127 Suggestions
Suggesting
125.1 Faire une reclamation Making a
complaint 127.1 Faire des suggestions Making
Je ne suis pas satisfait(e) qualite du repas,
de la suggestions
pouvez-vous appeler le directeur de I'hotel, s'il vous
Prenons un taxi, d'accord? Let's take a taxi, shall we?
plait? I'd like to complain about the meal; could you call
the hotel manager, please? Et on remettait cela a la semaine prochaine? Why
si
don't we leave it till next week?
Je viens faire une reclamation car je suis derange(e)
par le bruit de la botte de nuit. I've come to complain On pourrait peut-etre changer la date? What about
about the noise from the disco. changing the date?
[more formal] Je souhaite faire une reclamation A mon avis, vous devriez annuler la soiree. suggest
I
concernant (ma chambre/le retard du vol/etc). I'd like you cancel the party,
to make a complaint about (my room/the delay to the
[more formal] Puis-je suggerer que nous reprenions la
flight etc.).
reunion demain? May suggest we continue with the
I
Pouvez-vous faire (arreter ce bruitaccelerer le meeting tomorrow?
J'ai une suggestion: organisons une vente aux
service), s'il vous plait? Can you do something about
(this noise/the slow service), please? encheres. have a suggestion: let's hold an auction.
I
Je suis desole(e), mais (ce refrigerateur/cette
tondeuse) ne marche pas comme il faut. I'm sorry but
(this refrigerator/this lawn-mower) is not working 127.2 Solliciter des suggestions Asking
properly.
for suggestions
[rather formal, typical of written style] Je souhaite denon-
cer de la facon la plus claire la mediocre qualite des IIfaut absolument que nous fassions quelque chose:
services recus. wish to complain in the strongest
I qu'est-ce que vous suggereriez? We have to do
possible terms about the poor service I received. something; what would you suggest?
Nous devons rassembler onze mille francs: y a-t-il des
suggestions? We must raise eleven thousand francs: are
125.2 Recevoir des reclamations there any suggestions?
[informal] Tu vois ce que je dois faire pour reparer
Receiving complaints cette porte? Have you got any suggestions as to how I
Je suis desole(e), je vais voir ce que je peux faire. I'm can fix this door?
[informal] II nous faut douze mille francs
sorry I'll see what can do. I
Ecoutez, je prends note des details, et je m'occupe immediatement: quelqu'un a une idee? We need
personnellement de cette affaire. Leave it with me 12,000 francs immediately; any bright ideas?
and I'll make sure something is done. Tu aurais une idee de ce qu'il faut faire pour
Je suis desole(e), je vais faire en sorte que cela ne se empecher ce robinet de fuir? Can you think of a way of
reproduise plus. I'm sorry. I'll see to it that it doesn't stopping this tap/faucet from leaking?
happen again.
Je vais transmettre votre reclamation (au directeur/a
la personne responsable du service/au service
concerne) I'll pass your complaint on (to the manager/the
person in charge of the department/the relevant
department).
222 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
[informal] J'ai I'impression qu'ils ne vont pas tarder a
128 D'acord, pas d'acord se marier. I think they'll be getting married soon.
[very formal, in discussions, debates, etc.] Si je peux
Agreeing, disagreeing emettre une opinion, je pense que ... If I may express
an opinion, I think that . . .
128.1 D'accord Agreeing
A C'est f ou 130 Preferences
B Je suis bien d'accord
A: This is crazy Preferences
B: I entirely agree
Je suis d'accord avec tout ce que vous dites. agree I
with everything you say. 130.1 S'enquerir des preferences de
[more formal] Je partage entierement votre opinion. I
am in complete agreement with you. quelqu'un Asking about someone's
[informall Tu I'as bien dit! Too right! You said it! preferences
Qu'est-ceque vous preferez, une chambre a deux its I
ou avec un grand lit? Which would you prefer, a twin-
128.2 Pas d'accord Disagreeing bedded or a double-bedded room?
Je ne suis pas d'accord is a fairly strong way of [more informal] Tu veux plutot du the ou du cafe?
expressing disagreement in French. Instead, people often What would you rather have, tea or coffee?
partially agree before disagreeing. For example: Je [fairly formal] Avez-vous une preference en ce qui
comprends ce que vous dites mais ... or Oui, d'un concerne I'heure du vol? Do you have any preference
cote vous avez raison mais ... I understand what with regard to the time of the flight?
you're saying but ... or Yes, in a sense you're right, but . .
[informal] On peut y aller vendredi ou samedi, comme
tu veux. We can go on Friday or Saturday, it's up to you.
[more formal] Je suis desole mais je ne suis pas du tout II y en a en rouge, bleu ou vert, au choix. They're
de votre opinion. I'm afraid can't agree with you. I
available in red, blue or green; take your pick.
Je ne suis pas du tout d'accord avec vous la-dessus. I
have to disagree with you about that.
Tu dis que c'est un hypocrite, mais je ne le vois pas 130.2 Declarer une preference Stating a
du tout comme ca. You say he's a hypocrite, but don't I
see him like that at all.
preference
[slightly informal] J'aimerais autant y aller lundi, si ca
ne te fait rien. I think I'd rather go on Monday, if you
don't mind.
129 Opinions Opinions [more formal] Je prefererais un siege dans le sens de la
marche I'd prefer a forward-facing seat, if possible.
[very formal, especially when you have not been asked your
129.1 Demander /'opinion de quelqu'un preference] Si je puis exprimer une preference, je
souhaiterais ne pas avoir a venir en reunion
Asking someone's opinion vendredi prochain. If may express a preference, would
I I
Que pensez-vous de (la culture biologique/la rather not have to come to a meeting next Friday.
politique du gouvemement)? What do you think of [informal, in restaurants] Bon, j'ai choisi, je prends le
(organic farming/the government's policies) ? poulet. I've decided, I'll go for the chicken.
[more formal] Quel est votre point de vue sur ? . . .
What do you think about ? . . .
[informal] Tu crois que (Robert va gagner/revenir/etc)?
Do you reckon (Robert will win/come back/etc.]? 131 D egres de certitude
[informal] Tu vois la situation comment? How do you
see the situation?
Degrees of certainty
[more formal] Quelle est votre opinion sur la peine de
mort? What are your views on capital punishment?
131.1 Certitudes Certainty
Nous nous sommes deja rencontres, j'en suis sur(e)
129.2 Donnerson avis Stating one's I'm sure we've met before,
opinion [stronger] Je I'ai laisse sur la table, j'en suis
absolument certain(e). I'm absolutely certain I left it on
Je pense que ... I think that . . .
the table,
(more formal] Mon point de vue est le suivant ... My [informal] C'est sur que c'est le lecteur de compacts le
view is as follows . . .
moins cher que j'aie trouve. It's definitely the cheapest
[more formal] A mon avis, nous avons attendu CD player I've found,
suff isamment longtemps. In my view, we've waited [more formal] Elle est sans aucun doute/sans le
long enough, moindre doute la femme d'affaires la plus connue
[informal) Pour moi, il a un gout execrable en matiere
du pays. She's without doubt/undoubtedly the most
d'habillement. To my mind, his taste in clothes is famous businesswoman in the country,
appalling.
(more formal] II faut faire quelque chose, il n'y a aucun
doute. There is no doubt that something must be done.
133 Expressing surprise 223
131.2 Doutes et incertitudes Doubt and [informal] Je ne sais pas mais a vue de nez, je dirais
y avait 10.000 personnes a la manifestation.
qu'il I
uncertainty don't know, but would hazard a guess that there were
I
Je ne pense pas pouvoir vous etre utile. I'm not sure I
about 10,000 people on the march,
[informal] Devine qui j'ai vu aujourd'hui. Je parie que
can help you.
tu ne devineras pas! Guess who met today? bet you
Je crois qu'il a dit 220 francs, mais je n'en suis pas
I I
can't!
sur(e). think he said 220 francs, but can't be sure,
I I
[stronger] Je ne suis pas du tout sur(e) que ca soit son
Tu ne devineras jamais avec qui je dine ce soir. I'll give
numero. I'm not at all sure that this is his number, you three guesses who I'm having dinner with tonight,
[formal] Nous avons actuellement quelques [informal] Je (te) parie qu'elle sera encore la demain.
incertitudes quant a I'avenir. At the moment we're a be here again tomorrow, I'll bet.
She'll
bit uncertain about the future.
Ne cherche pas qui je viens de voir, tu ne trouveras
pas! Don't try to guess who I've just seen, you'll never get
Ca m'etonnerait qu'elle vienne avant mardi. doubt I
it!
whether she'll come before Tuesday.
Tout le monde trouve
Pauline formidable, mais je
suis sceptique. Everyone thinks Pauline is wonderful, but
have my doubts.
I
Sa reussite est loin d'etre assuree. It's doubtful whether 132 Obligation
he will succeed.
Note that sans doute and sans aucun doute are used
Obligation
when you are reasonably sure of something, but would
like confirmation that you are right: II faut que je me lave les cheveux, ils sont
Vous avez sans doute entendu parler de I'Opera degoutants. must wash my hair, it's filthy!
I
Bastille. You have doubtless heard about the Bastille [when the obligation is external] Je dois faire/suis
Opera house. oblige(e) de faire renouveler mon passeport le mois
However, sans doute can convey uncertainty, as in: Elles prochain. have to renew my passport next month.
I
sont sans doute parties a la plage. Perhaps they went [as previous] On nous a obliges a quitter le batiment.
off to the beach. We were forced to leave the building,
[stronger] Les etudiants doivent imperati vement
s'inscrire une semaine avant le debut des cours.
131.3 Approximations Vagueness Students must make sure they register one week before
the first day of term.
Elle est, disons, entre deux ages. She's sort of middle- II faudrait vraiment que tu remercies ta tante du
aged. cadeau qu'elle t'a envoye. You really ought to say
lis ont besoin de vieilles boites, de code, de carton et thanks to your aunt for that present she sent you.
cetera. They need old boxes, glue, cardboard and things [formal]Devant ces temoignages, je suis contraint(e)
like that, de reconnaitre que j'ai eu tort. Faced with this
[informal] Je ne comprends rien aux ordinateurs, CD evidence, am forced to admit have been wrong.
I I
Rom et tout ca. don't understand anything about
I The word Obligation is very formal:
computers, CD Rom and that sort of thing. [formal] Je suis dans ('obligation de vous demander
[informal] II a dit qu'il allait a Paris ou un true de ce de sortir. I'm afraid I must ask you to leave.
genre. He said he was going to Paris or something. Je suis desole(e), mais je n'ai nullement ('obligation
When you don't want to be precise about a colour, the de vous fournir cette information. I'm sorry; I'm not
suffix -atre can be used, though it is pejorative: C'etait under any obligation to provide you with this
une sorte de couleur information.
grisatre/verdatre/jaunatre/blanchatre/noiratre. It was Le jury a une obligation de reserve. Members of the
a grey-ish/greenish/yellowish/off-white/darkish sort of jury must observe confidentiality.
colour.
For quantities and ages, the suffix -aine can be used when
you do not wish to be precise:
Elle a la trentaine. She's thirty-ish. 133 Exprimer sa surprise
Une vingtaine de jours plus tard Twenty or so days
. . .
later . . .
Expressing surprise
Je suis etonne(e) que tu ne I'aies pas reconnue. I'm
131.4 Hypotheses Guessing and surprised that you didn't recognize her.
[stronger and more informal] Je suis sidere(e) que tu
speculating
sois arrive(e) si vite. I'm amazed that you got here so
Je dirais qu'elle a a peu pres la cinquantaine. I'd say quickly,
she's about fifty, [informal]Ca alors! Well never! I
[more informal] Je pense que cet article fait environ Ca alors, quelle surprise! Well! what a surprise!
3.000 mots. would guess this article is about 3,000
I Pour une surprise, e'est une surprise! Well! This is a sur-
words long, prise!
[more formal] J'estime qu'il nous faudrait environ [said to someone to whom you are presenting a surprise
50.000 francs. would reckon that we would need about
I gift or for whom you have arranged a surprise] C'est la
50,000 francs, surprise! Surprise, surprise!
[formal, when
basing your speculation on calculations, Gina! C'est pas vrai! Qu'est-ce que tu fais la? Gina! I
experience, etc.] Nous calculons que le projet s'etalera don't believe it! What are you doing here?
sur une duree de trois ans. We estimate that the
project will take three years.
224 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
when talking to a child] Je
[formal and rather stern, e.g.
134 Exprimer sa suis extremement mecontent(e) de la facon dont tu
t'es comporte(e) I'm extremely displeased with your
satisfaction/son behaviour.
when talking to a subordinate] Je dois vous
mecontentement [formal, e.g.
dire que votre comportement d'hier est totalement
Expressing pleasure/ inacceptable. have to tell you that your behaviour
I
yesterday is quite unacceptable.
displeasure
134.1 Exprimer sa satisfaction Expressing 135 Louanges/
pleasure compliments/felicitations
C'est vraiment agreable d'avoir la plage pour nous Praises/compliments/
tout seuls. How nice to have the beach all to ourselves!
C'est formidable/merveilleux! This is congratulations
wonderful/marvellous!
Quel plaisir de rentrer chez soi! What a pleasure to be
home again! 135.1 Louanges Praises
[fairly formal, for example to a host] Je suis vraiment
ravi(e)/Nous sommes vraiment ravi(e)s d'etre ici. It's Bravo! Well done!
a real pleasure to be here. [informal. Used when someone has completed a difficult
C'est drolement bien! Moi qui n'avais pas fait task] Bravo! also Bien joue! Well handled!
d'aviron depuis des annees! What fun! haven't rowed I
[more formal, not limited to work] Vous avez fait du bon
a boat for years! travail. You've done extremely well,
C'est le bonheur parfait! Plus de travail pendant trois [informal] Tu t'en es bien tire! You've done well!
semaines! This is sheer delight! No more work for three J'admire votre savoir-faire/votre patience. admire I
weeks! your skill/your patience,
Je suis ravi(e) d'apprendre que vous avez resolu [either to a person of lower status or, humorously, to
votre probleme. I'm pleased to hear that you have someone of equal status] Personnellement, je n'aurais
solved your problem. pas pu! I couldn't have done it!
Vous vous mariez enfin: voila une nouvelle qui me [fairly formal] Je dois vous feliciter pour le travail que
fait un immense plaisir. I'm delighted to hear that vous avez fourni. think you deserve
I praise for all your
you're getting married at last. hard work.
Je suis content(e) que nous ayons eu I'occasion de
nous rencontrer I'm happy that we've been able to
meet, 135.2 Compliments Compliments
[very formal, in speeches, etc.] C'est avec le plus grand
plaisir que je vous souhaite a tous la bienvenue ici Quelle jolie robe/quel beau jardin! What a beautiful
ce soir. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all this dress/garden!
evening. Elle te va tres bien, cette veste. You look very nice in
that jacket.
J'aimerais avoir une maison comme la votre, elle est
vraiment formidable. envy you your house, it's
134.2 Exprimer son mecontentement I
wonderful.
Expressing displeasure Je ne sais pas comment vous faites pour etre aussi
eff icace. don't know how you manage to be so efficient,
I
The following phrases are all informal:
[more formal] Je vous fais tous mes compliments pour
[about a town with no entertainment] Quel trou! What a
votre dernier livre. must compliment you on your
I
terrible place!
latest book.
[about a house with no charm or amenities] C'est mortel,
chez eux! Their place is a terrible dump!
[about a very dull person] Quel type sinistre! What a
terrible person! 135.3 Felicitations Congratulations
[about a stupid person] Quel cretin! What a dope!
A Je viens d'avoir une promotion/Je suis papa
[about an interfering person] Quel
depuis hier.
enquiquineur/enquiquineuse! What a pest!
B Oh, toutes mes felicitations!
[about a job] Quelle corvee! What a pain!
A: I've just been promoted/My wife had a baby yesterday.
Je ne suis pas tres satisfait(e) de la facon dont les
B: Oh, congratulations!
choses ont tourne. I'm not very happy with the way
[formal, eg. when making a speech] J'ai/nous avons le
things have turned out.
plaisir de vous exprimer les felicitations de
Je ne suis pas ravi(e) d'apprendre que les prix ont
I'entreprise pour vos 25 ans de bons et loyaux
augment©. wasn't at all pleased to hear that the prices
I
services. I/we'd like to congratulate you on 25 years of
are going up.
good and faithful service to the company
Je n'aime pas du tout la facon dont les choses se
passent actuellement au bureau. I'm unhappy about
what's going on at the office these days,
[strong] Je suis atterre(e) de ce qui s'est passe. I'm
appalled at what has happened.
. . .
140 Problems of communication 225
An nonces
136 139 Raconter ce qui s'est
Announcements passe Describing and
[often precedes public announcements] Votre attention
reporting
s'il vous plait? Can have your attention, please?
I
[about to explain something of practical importance] J'ai
une annonce a faire. I'd like to make an announcement,
139.1 Histoires et anecdotes Stories and
[more formal. About to announce important news] J'ai anecdotes
une information a vous communiquer. have an I
[all examples below are informal]
announcement to make.
Tu as su ce qui s'est passe I'autre soir? Did you hear
Je vais maintenant lire le nom de la personne qui a
gagne le premier prix. I'm now going to read the name what happened the other night?
Tu as su, pour Juliette? Did you hear what happened to
of the winner of the first prize . .
and Juliette?
Mesdames, Mesdemoiselles, Messieurs . . . Ladies
Gentlemen, . . .
Je t'ai ditque ? Did tell you that
. . ?
. I . . .
IIfaut que je te raconte ... must tell you
vous remercie de votre attention. Thank you
I . . .
Je for
your attention.
Tu ne devineras jamais ce qui s'est passe! You'll never
guess what happened!
[informal] Figure-toi qu'on va avoir un nouveau chef!
Guess what? We're getting a new boss!
[something that happened a long time ago] Je me
137 Reagir a une rappellerai toujours/Je n'oublierai jamais I'll . . .
information Reacting to always remember/I'll never forget . .
news
139.2 Histoires droles Jokes
Formidable! How wonderful!
Tu connais celle de I'Allemand/du Francais qui ? . . .
[informal] Super! Great!
Have you heard the one about the German/Frenchman
C'est affreux! How awful!
who . ?
Non, c'est pas vrai! Oh no!
. .
[informal]
J'ai entendu une histoire tres drole I'autre jour ... I
[when the news is not good, and has been predictable] Je
heard a very funny story the other day . . .
m'en doutais! might have guessed!I
[informal] J'en ai entendu une bien bonne I'autre jour
[when the news is surprising] £a, je ne m'y attendais
... heard a good one the other day
I . .
pas! Well, never thought would hear that!
I I
[informal] Je te I'ai racontee, celle de ? Did tell you . . . I
[informal. When the information is genuinely new for you]
the one about ? . .
Ah
.
bon, premiere nouvelle! Well, that's news to me!
Je vais vous en raconter une. Elle est tout a fait
correcte/un peu osee. Do you want to hear a joke? It's
quite clean/it's slightly risque.
[When you do not see the point of a joke] Desole(e), je ne
138 Parler de I'heure qu'il vois pas ce qu'il y a de drole. I'm sorry, don't get it. I
est Talking about the
time
140 Probl ernes de
Quelle heure est-il? What time is it?
Vous avez I'heure s'il vous plait? Have you got the time,
communication Problems
please? of communication
[when you are not sure ifyou have the right time] Vous
avez I'heure exacte, s'il vous plait? Do you have the
exact time, please?
140.1 Malentendus Misunderstandings
[informal] II est dix heures pile. It's exactly ten o'clock.
II est trois heures et demie passe. It's just past half past Desole(e), je n'ai pas compris. I'm sorry, don't I
three. understand.
II est presque six heures. It's approaching six o'clock. Je pense que nous nous sommes mal compris(es) I
Ma montre doit avancer/retarder. My watch must be think we've misunderstood each other,
slow/fast, [more formal or impersonal] Je pense qu'il y a un
[more informal] J'avance/Je retarde un peu. I'm a bit malentendu. think there's been a misunderstanding,
I
slow/fast. [informal] Je crois que tu n'as pas bien saisi. I think you
Ma montre s'est arretee. My watch has stopped. misunderstood.
Je crois que nous ne parlons pas de la meme chose. I
think we're talking at cross-purposes.
226 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
140.2 Problemes de volume et de vitesse [correcting texts] A 'carte bancaire' rayer 'bancaire' et
mettre 'de credit' Where it says 'cheque card', cross out
Problems with audibility/speed 'cheque' and put 'credit'.
Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement s'il vous plait?
Could you speak more slowly, please?
Parlez plus lentement, s'il vous plait, j'ai du mal a
vous suivre. Could you slow down a bit, please? find I it 141 Communications
difficult to
Je n'ai pas
follow you.
entendu ce que vous avez dit. Pouvez-vous
ecrites Written
repeter s'il vous platt? didn't catch what you said.
Could you repeat it, please?
I
communications
In French, the polite response when you do not hear what
is said is simply to say Pardon?
141.1 Lettres personnelles: formules
d'entree Personal letters: openings
140.3 Demander de I'aide Asking for Cher Michael, chere Dora Dear Michael and Dora
help Merci de votre lettre. Thanks for your (last) letter.
Excusez-moi d'avoir mis si longtemps a vous
Pouvez-vous m'aider, j'ai du mal a lire cette affiche. repondre. I'm sorry I've been slow in replying,
Can you help me? I'm having trouble understanding this [informal] Quelques lignes pour vous dire que Just . . .
notice.
a few lines to let you know that . . .
Que veut dire 'contrevenant'? What does 'offender'
[more informal] Un petit mot pour vous dire bonjour.
mean? Just a quick line to say hallo.
[when you want to know precisely how someone is using a
word] Qu'est-ce que vous entendez par 'age'? What
do you mean by 'elderly'?
Comment epelle-t-on 'yoghourt'? also 'Yoghourt', 141.2 Lettres personnelles: formules de
comment ca s'ecrit? How do you spell 'yogurt'? finPersonal letters: endings
Comment est-ce qu'on prononce le mot qui est ecrit
la? How do you pronounce this word here? tout pour aujourd'hui. Well,
[informal] Voila, c'est
Oil met-on I'accent tonique sur ce mot? How do you
that's allnow.
for
(Mes) amities a Give my regards to
stress this word?
. . . . . .
Pouvez-vous m'expliquer cette phrase? Can you J'espere avoir de vos nouvelles bientot. hope to hear I
explain this phrase for me? from you soon.
[Informal] Ecris-moi vite. Write soon,
Aidez-moi, j'ai le mot sur le bout de la
[informal]
langue! Help me! It's on the tip of my tongue! [forgeneral use] Bien a toi/vous, Jeanne. Best wishes,
Comment dire 'aimable' autrement? Is there another Jeanne,
[rather formal] Sinceres salutations, Jacques Bones.
word for 'amiable'?
Pouvez-vous verifier le francais de cette lettre s'il Yours sincerely, Jacques Bones.
[Informal, to a friend] Amicalement, Nicolas. All the best,
vous platt? Could you check the French in this letter,
Nicolas.
please?
[To someone you are going to see soon] A tres bientot,
David. Look forward to seeing you soon, David,
[to someone you really like a lot or are very close to] Je
140.4 Corriger ses erreurs Correcting t'embrasse (tres fort), Therese. Love, Therese.
one's mistakes [To a spouse, lover or boyfriend/girlfriend] Je t'embrasse,
Raoul. All my love, Raoul.
'Vite' est un adjectif . pardon, je veux dire un
. .
p.s Celine vous fait un gros bisou. p. s. Celine sends love
adverbe. 'Quickly' is an adjective sorry, mean an . . . I
and kisses.
adverb.
Pardon, je voulais dire 'timore', pas 'temerite'. Sorry, I
meant to say 'timorous', not 'temerity'.
C'est a Laure . . . pardon a Linda qu'il faut demander
ca. Laure . . . sorry, Linda rather, is the one you should ask
about that,
[informal] C'est le mardi, non . . . attendez, je me
trompe, mercredi qu'ils ramassent les
c'est le
poubelles. Tuesday ... no, hang on a minute, I'm getting
mixed up Wednesday is the day they collect the bins,
. . .
[informal] Angousson Aubuleme ah, je vais y . . . . . .
arriver . .Angouleme vaut la visite. Angousson
. . . .
Aubuleme . . . sorry, I'll get it right in a minute . . .
Angouleme is well worth a visit
[Correcting a mistake in a text] La ou y a il '17 heures', il
devrait y avoir '17 heures 30'. Where it says '5 p.m .'
it
should say '5.30 pm'.
[more formal, often in written style] line erreur de la
redaction a substitue 'Nice' a 'Cannes' dans le
troisieme paragraphe. 'Nice' should have read 'Cannes'
in the third paragraph.
141 Written communications 227
27, Chemin Grand Monsieur Pierre GOMEZ
Crecy-Le-Vieil Responsable export
49502 St Germain Ets. Billard
Place Roberval
38000 GRENOBLE
Valence
Le 22 Mai 1999
Monsieur,
Je vous prie de croire, Monsieur, en rassurance de mes
sentiments les meilleurs.
VCol^> ^LocW'Kj&uoA
Marie-Louise Rouet
141.3 Correspondance commerciale
Business letters: openings
usage
How to address the recipient
Note that a woman holding a post referred to by a
masculine name should be addressed as, e.g.:
Recipient's address Opening line Madame le Chef du Personnel
You don't know Madame la Directrice, Madame la
Madame le Maire
theirname but College Berard Directrice,
you know their La Pointe-Dieu
title or function 89239 Romilly
You know College Berard Messieurs,
neither their La Pointe-Dieu
name nor their 89239 Romilly
title/function
You know their Madame Jacqueline Madame,
name Mairet,
College Berard
La Pointe-Dieu
89239 Romilly
You know their Madame Jacqueline Madame la
name and Mairet, Directrice,
title/function College Berard
La Pointe-Dieu
89239 Romilly
.
228 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
141.4 Correspondance commerciale Experience professionnelle Work experience
Duree du projet/sejour Proposed duration/length of stay
Business letters: endings Date d'arrivee/de depart Arrival/departure date
The set closing formulae that follow are in order of Signature/Date Signature/date
increasing formality.
Recevez, M— , mes salutations distinguees. 141.7 Cartes postales Postcards
ALSO
Postcards are usually written an abbreviated with
Agreez, M— , mes salutations distinguees.
in style,
Veuillez croire, M— , en I'expression de mes sentiments
subjects of verbs often omitted. Here are some typical
phrases and expressions found in postcard messages.
distingues.
Salut de Montjean-sur-Loire Greetings from Montjean-
ALSO
sur-Loire.
Veuillez agreer, M— , I'expression de mes sentiments
distingues.
On passe de bonnes vacances. Having a lovely time.
Le temps est magnif ique/epouvantable. Weather
Je vous prie de croire, M — , en I'expression de mes
excellent/lousy.
sentiments respectueux.
La carte indique notre hotel. This is the hotel where
ALSO
we're staying.
Je vous prie d'agreer, M — , I'expression de mes sentiments
Amities a tout le monde Regards to everybody,
respectueux.
[informal] Bises a tout le monde. Love to everybody.
141.5 Demandes de candidature
141.8 Panneaux et affichettes Signs and
Applications
notices
Je reponds a votre annonce parue dans [titre du
souhaite postuler a ... In reply to your
journal]. Je
Phrases and expressions commonly used in signs and
notices.
advertisement in [name of source], should like to apply I
for . . .
Stationnement interdit No parking.
Merci de bien vouloir me faire parvenir tous Acces interdit sauf riverains No entry except for local
traffic
renseignements complementaires utiles ainsi qu'un
formulaire de demande de candidature a Please . . .
Acces interdit sauf livraisons No entry except for
deliveries
send me further details and application form for . .
[Where there is no separate application form] Par cette Deviation Diversion
lettre, je souhaite faire acte de candidature au poste
Hauteur max 5 m Max Headroom 5m
de . In writing to you
. . wish to apply for I . . .
de fumer No smoking
Interdit
J'espere que vous voudrez bien accorder votre Danger d'explosion No naked lights
attention a ma candidature. hope you will give my I
Attention, travaux also Attention, chantier Slow, men
application full consideration.
at work
Je joins mon Curriculum Vitae. I enclose my curriculum
Danger Danger
vitae.
Attention enfants also Attention Ecole School crossing
[Formal] Veuillez trouver ci-inclus notre brochure. Attention, passage de troupeaux Cattle crossing
Please find enclosed our (latest) brochure. La direction decline toute responsabilite en cas de
perte ou de vol. The management does not accept
liability for loss or damage.
Parking non surveille Cars may be parked here at their
141.6 Formulaires Forms owners' risk.
Headings and phrases commonly found on forms: Entree 50 francs Admission 50 francs
Ecrire en lettres d'imprimerie Please print Reduction famille nombreuse 25 francs Reduced rate
Remplir au stylo Please use a ballpoint pen for families with more than three children 25 francs
Priere de joindre une photographie recente Please Retraites 25 francs Senior citizens 25 francs
attach a recent photograph Ferme pour travaux BrE Closed during refurbishment
Cochez la case qui convient Please tick/check the AmE Closed for remodeling
appropriate box Soldes de fermeture BrE Closing down sale AmE closeout
Faites une croix dans case Put an sale
la X' in the box
nil [a mark which you make on, e.g., a form when the Soldes Sale
rubric does not apply] n/a Sonnez SVP Please ring for service
Prenom(s) name(s)
First Chambres d'hote Rooms to rent
Nom (de famille) Last name Camping interdit Camping prohibited
Nom de jeune fille Maiden name
Adresse/Domicile Address
Tel (personnel/travail) Tel. (home/work)
Profession Occupation
Nationality Nationality
Age/Date de naissance Age/Date of birth
Lieu de naissance Place of birth
Etat civil (celibataire/marie(e)/divorce(e)) Status
(single/married/divorced)
Niveau d'etudes Educational level
Diplomes obtenus Qualifications
142 Post and telecommunications 229
Fred, c'est pour toil Fred, there's a call for you!
142 Postes et Martin, quelqu'un te demande au telephone. Martin,
you're wanted on the telephone,
telecommunications Post [informal] Denise! Telephone! Denise! Phone!
and telecommunications
142.4 Autres moyens de communication
142.1 Poster le courrier Mailing letters Other means of communication
C'est combien un timbre pour I'Espagne, pour une Pouvez-vous nous envoyer un fax. Notre numero de
lettre/une carte? How much is a letter/postcard to Spain? fax est le vingt-cinq, trente-six, soixante-quinze. Can
Je voudrais I'envoyer par avion s'il vous plait. Can this you fax us please? Our fax number is 253675.
II y a une machine pour envoyer un fax, also une
go airmail/express, please?
Quel est le moyen
moins cher pour envoyer ce
le telecopie? Is there somewhere can send a fax from?
I
way to send this parcel?
colis? What's the cheapest Vous etes sur messagerie electronique? Do you use
Ca arrivera dans combien de temps? How soon will it
electronic mail?
get there? Je laisserai un mot dans votre easier. I'll leave a note in
Oil est la boite a lettres la plus proche? Where's the your pigeon-hole.
nearest postbox/mailbox?
Vous avez un autocollant also une etiquette 'Par
avion'? Do you have an airmail sticker?
142.2 Sur une envelope On envelopes
A I'attention de For the attention of:
Urgent Urgent
Expediteur Sender
Par avion Air Mail
Imprime Printed matter
Fragile Handle with care
Ne pas plier Do not bend
[When you are not sure if someone is still at the address
you have written on the envelope] Faire suivre SVP Please
forward
142.3 Au telephone Telephoning
Alio, je pourrais parler a Claire? Hallo, can I speak to
Claire?
Est-ce que Thomas est la? Is Thomas there, please?
Alio, qui est a I'appareil? Hallo, who's calling?
Pourriez-vous me passer M. Rouget s'il vous plait?
Can you put me through to Mr Rouget please?
A Pourrais-je parler a Madame Lincet?
B C'est moi-meme
A: Can speak to Mrs Lincet?
I
B: Speaking
Ne quittez pas s'il vous plait. Hold the line, please,
[informal] Attends une seconde. Hang on a minute.
[Re-establishing contact after a technical interruption of
the Desole(e), je crois qu'on a ete coupes. I'm
call]
sorry, we seemto have been cut off.
Pouvez-vous parler plus fort, la ligne est mauvaise.
Could you speak up a little, it's a bad line.
II y a quelqu'un d'autre sur la ligne. Je vous rappelle?
We seem to have a crossed line. Shall call you back?
I
El le n'est pas la en ce moment. Pouvez-vous rappeler
plus tard? She's not here at the moment. Can you call
back later?
Puis-je laisser/prendre un message? Can leave/take a I
message?
Mon numero c'est le vingt-six trente quatre
cinquante-neuf, poste vingt-huit cinquante-sept, et
vous faites le 1 d'abord. My number is 26 34 59,
extension 28 57, and you have to dial 1 first.
Appelez-moi sur le (telephone) portable. Call me on
the mobile (phone).
Verb conjugations
1 Avoir 5 Endings fc r the three main groups of verbs
Indicative present j'ai, nous avons Verbs in the first group end n -er in the infinitive. Verbs in
imperfect j'avais the second group end in -ir in the infinitive and in -issant
past historic j'eus in the present participle. Verbs in the third group
future j'aurai comprise: - alter, see conjugation no. 22
Subjunctive present quej'aie, que nous ayons all verbs in -ir which end in -ant (as opposed
imperfect que j'eusse to -issant) in the present participle. They are
Imperative present aie, ayons at nos. 23-37.
Conditional present j'aurais all verbs in -oir, see nos. 38-52.
Participle present ay ant ail verbs in -re, see nos. 53-82
past eu, eue
6 Verbs end ng in -er: Aimer
2Etre
Indicative present j'aime, nous aimons
Indicative present je suis, nous sommes imperfect j'aimais
imperfect j'etais past historic j'aimai
past historic je fus future j'aimerai
future je serai Subjunctive present que j'aime, que nous
Subjunctive present que je sois aimions
imperfect que je fusse imperfect que j'aimasse
Imperative present sois, soyons Imperative present aime, aimons
Conditional present je serais Conditional present j'aimerais
Participle present etant Participle present aimant
past ete past aime, ee
3 Etre aime 7 Verbs end ng in -cer: Placer
Indicative present je suis aime Indicative present je place, nous placons
imperfect j'etais aime imperfect je placais
past historic je fus aime past historic je placai
future je serai aime future je placerai
Subjunctive present que je sois aime Subjunctive present que je place, que nous
imperfect que je fusse aime placions
Imperative present sois aime, soyons aimes imperfect que je placasse
Conditional present je serais aime Imperative present place, placons
Participle present etant aime Conditional present je placerais
past aime, ee Participle present placant
past place, ee
4 Se metier
8 Verbs end ng in -ger: Manger
Indicative present je me mefie
imperfect je me mefiais Indicative present je mange, nous mangeons
past historic je me mefiai imperfect je mangeais
future je me mefierai past historic je mangeai
Subjunctive present que je me mefie, que nous future je mangerai
nous mefiions Subjunctive present que je mange, que nous
imperfect que je me mefiasse mangions
Imperative present mefie-toi, mefions-nous imperfect que je mangeasse
Conditional present je me mefierais Imperative present mange, mangeons
Participle present se mefiant Conditional present je mangerais
past s'etant mefie Participle present mangeant
past mange, ee
232 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
9 Verbs ending in e(.)er: Peser Subjunctive present que je cree, que nous
ere ions
Indicative present je pese, nous pesons
imperfect que je creasse
imperfect je pesais
Imperative present cree, creons
past historic je pesai
Conditional present je creerais
future je peserai
Participle present creant
Subjunctive present que je pese, que nous
past cree, eee
pesions
imperfect que je pesasse 14 Verbs ending in -eger: Assieger
Imperative present pese, pesons
Indicative present je assiege, nous assiegeons
Conditional present je peserais
imperfect je assiegeais
Participle present pesant
past historic je assiegeai
past pese, ee
future je assiegerai
10 Verbs ending in e(.) er: Ceder Subjunctive present que j'assiege, que nous
assiegions
Indicative present je cede, nous cedons
imperfect que j'assiegeasse
imperfect je cedais
Imperative present assiege, assiegeons
past historic je cedai
Conditional present j'assiegerais
future je cederai
Participle present assiegeant
Subjunctive present que je cede, que nous
past assiege, ee
cedions
imperfect que je cedasse 15 Verbs end ng in -ier: Apprecier
Imperative present cede, cedons
Indicative present je apprecie, nous apprecions
Conditional present je cederais
imperfect j'appreciais
Participle present cedant
past historic j'appreciai
past cede, ee
future j'apprecierai
1 1 Verbs ending in -eler or eter: Jeter Subjunctive present que j'apprecie, que nous
appreciions
Indicative present jejette, nousjetons
imperfect que j'appreciasse
imperfect jejetais
Imperative present apprecie, apprecions
past historic jejetai
Conditional present j'apprecierais
future je jetterai
Participle present appreciant
Subjunctive present que jejette, que nous
past apprecie, ee
jetions
imperfect que je jetasse
16 Verbs end ng in -ayer: Payer
Imperative present jette, jetons
Indicative present je paie, nous payons
Conditional present je jetterais
imperfect je payais
Participle present jetant
past historic je payai
past jete, ee
future je paierai
12 Verbs ending in -eler or eter: Modeler Subjunctive present que je paie, que nous
payions
Indicative present ye modele, nous modelons
imperfect je modelais
imperfect que je payasse
past historic je modelai Imperative present paye or paie
Conditional present je paierais or je payerais
future je modelerai
Subjunctive present que je modele, que nous
Participle present payant
past paye, ee
modelions
imperfect que je modelasse
17 Verbs end ng in -oyer and -uyer: Broyer
Imperative present modele, modelons
Conditional present je modelerais
Indicative present ye broie, nous broyons
imperfect je broyais
Participle present modelant
modele, ee past historic je broyai
past
future je broierai
13 Verbs ending in -eer: Creer Subjunctive present que je broie, que nous
broyions
Indicative present je cree, nous creons
imperfect je creais
imperfect que je broyasse
past historic je creai
Imperative present broie, broyons
future Conditional present je broierais
je cr£erai
Verb conjugations 233
Participle present broyant 22 Aller
past broye, ee
Indicative present je vais, nous allons
imperfect j'allais
18 Envoyer
past historic j'allai
Indicative present j'envoie, nous envoyons
future j'irai
imperfect j'envoyais
Subjunctive present que j'aille, que nous allions
past historic j'envoyai
imperfect que j'allasse
future j'enverrai
Imperative present va, allons
Subjunctive present que j'envoie, que nous Conditional present j' irais
envoyions
Participle present allant
imperfect que j'envoyasse past alle, ee
Imperative present envoie, envoyons
Conditional present j'enverrais 23 Verbs ending in -enir: Tenir
Participle present envoyant Indicative present ye tiens, nous tenons
past envoye, ee
imperfect je tenais
past historic je tins
19 Verbs end ng in -ir/issant: Finir
future je tiendrai
Indicative present je finis, nous finissons
Subjunctive present que je tienne, que nous
imperfect je finissais
tenions
past historic je finis
imperfect que je tinsse
future je finir ai
Imperative present tiens, tenons
Subjunctive present que je finisse, que nous Conditional present je tiendrais
finissions
Participle present tenant
imperfect que je finisse
past tenu, ue
Imperative present finis, finissons
Conditional present je finirais 24 Verbs end ng in -erir: Acquerir
Participle present finissant
Indicative present j'acquiers, nous acquerons
past fini, ie
imperfect j'acquerais
past historic j'acquis
20 Hair
future j'acquerrai
Indicative present je hais, nous haissons
Subjunctive present que j'acquiere, que nous
imperfect je haissais
acquerions
past historic je hais
imperfect que j'acquisse
future je hairai
Imperative present acquiers, acquerons
Subjunctive present que je haisse, que nous present j'acquerrais
Conditional
haissions
Participle present acquerant
imperfect que je haisse
past acquis, ise
Imperative present hais, haissons
Conditional present je hairais 25 Verbs end ing in -tir: Sentir
Participle present haissant
Indicative present je sens, nous sentons
past hai, ie
imperfect je sentais
past historic je sentis
21 S'en aller
future je sentirai
Indicative present je m'en vais, nous nous present que je sente, que nous
Subjunctive
en allons sentions
imperfect je m'en a Hais
imperfect que je sentisse
past historic je m'en allai
Imperative present sens, sentons
future je m'en irai
Conditional present je sent irais
Subjunctive present que je m'en a Hie, que nous Participle present sentant
nous en allions
past senti, ie
imperfect que je m'en allasse
Imperative present va-t'en, allons-nous-en 26 Vetir
Conditional present je m'en irais
Indicative present je vets, nous vetons
Participle present s'en allant
je v eta is
imperfect
past s'en etant alle
past historic je vetis
future je vetirai
234 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Subjunctive present que je vete, que nous 31 Bouillir
vetions
Indicative present je bous, nous bouillons
imperfect que je vetisse
imperfect je bouillais
Imperative present vets, vetons
past historic je bouillis
Conditional present je vetirais
future je bouillirai
Participle present vetant
Subjunctive present que je bouille, que nous
past vetu, ue bouillions
imperfect que je bouillisse
27 Verbs end ng in -vrir or -frir: Couvrir
Imperative present bous, bouillons
Indicative present je couvre, nous couvrons present
Conditional je bouillirais
imperfect je couvrais
Participle present bouillant
past historic je couvris
past bouilli, ie
future je couvrirai
Subjunctive present que je couvre, que nous 32 Dormir
couvrions
Indicative present je dors, nous dormons
imperfect que je couvrisse imperfect je dormais
Imperative present couvre, couvrons
past historic je dormis
Conditional present je couvrirais
future je dormirai
Participle present couvrant
Subjunctive present que je dorme, que nous
past couvert, te
dormions
imperfect que je dormisse
28 Cueillir
Imperative present dors, dormons
Indicative present je cueille, nous cueillons
Conditional present je dormirais
imperfect je cueillais
Participle present dormant
past historic je cueillis
past dormi
future je cueillerai
Subjunctive present que je cueille, que nous 33 Courir
cueillions
Indicative present je cours, nous courons
imperfect que je cueillisse
imperfect je courrais
Imperative present cueille, cueillons
past historic je courus
Conditional present je cueillerais
future je courrai
Participle present cueillant
Subjunctive present que je coure, que nous
past cueilli, ie
courions
imperfect que je courusse
29 Verbs end ing in -aillir: Assaillir
Imperative present cours, courons
Indicative present j'assaille, nous assaillons
Conditional present je courrais
imperfect j'assaillais
Participle present courant
past historic j'assaillis
past couru, ue
future j'assaillirai
Subjunctive present que j'assaille, que nous 34 Mourir
assaillions
Indicative present je meurs, nous mourons
imperfect que j'assaillisse
imperfect je mourais
Imperative present assaille, assaillons
past historic je mourus
Conditional present j'assaillirais
future je mourrai
Participle present assaillant
Subjunctive present que je meure, que nous
past assailli, ie
mourions
30 Faillir
imperfect que je mourusse
Imperative present meurs, mourons
Indicative present
Conditional present je mourrais
imperfect
Participle present mourant
past historic je fail lis
past mort, te
future je faillirai
Subjunctive present 35 Servir
imperfect
Indicative present je sers, nous servons
Imperative present
imperfect je servais
Conditional present je iaillirais
past historic je servis
Participle present
future je servirai
past failli
Verb conjugations 235
Subjunctive present que je serve, que nous 40 Pourvoir
sen/ions
Indicative present je pourvois, nous
imperfect que je servisse
pourvoyons
Imperative present sers, servons
imperfect je pourvoyais
Conditional present je servirais
past historic je pourvus
Participle present servant
future je pourvoirai
past servi, ie
Subjunctive present que je pourvoie, que nous
pourvoyions
36 Fuir
imperfect que je pourvusse
Indicative present je fuis, nous fuyons Imperative present pourvois, pourvoyons
imperfect je fuyais
Conditional present je pourvoirais
past historic je fuis
Participle present pourvoyant
future je fuirai
past pourvu, ue
Subjunctive present que je fuie, que nous
fuyions 41 Savoir
imperfect que je fuisse
Indicative present je sais, nous savons
Imperative present fuis, fuyons imperfect je savais
Conditional present je fuirais
past historic je sus
Participle present fuyant future je saurai
past fui
Subjunctive present que je sache, que nous
sachions
37a Ou'ir
imperfect que je susse
This verb has only one conju gated form: Imperative present sache, sachons
Participle past OL»(and tenses based on it,
Conditional present je saurais
such as j'ai oui dire que) sachant
Participle present
past su, ue
37b Gesir
This verb has only three conjugated forms: 42 Devoir
Indicative present je gis, nous gisons Indicative present je dois
imperfect je gisais, nous gisions imperfect je devais
Participle present gisant je dus
past historic
future je devrai
38 Verbs end ing in -cevoir: Recevoir
Subjunctive present que je doive, que nous
Indicative present je reqois, nous recevons devions
imperfect je recevais imperfect que je dusse
past historic je recus present devons
Imperative dois,
future je recevrai je devrais
Conditional present
Subjunctive present que je recoive, que nous Participle present devant
recevions du, ue
past
imperfect que je requsse
Imperative present reqois, recevons 43 Pouvoir
Conditional present je recevrais
present je peux or je puis, nous
Indicative
Participle present recevant pouvons
past recu, ue imperfect je pouvais
past historic je pus
39 Voir
future je pourrai
Indicative present je vois, nous voyons Subjunctive present que je puisse, que nous
imperfect je voyais puissions
past historic je vis
imperfect que je pusse
future je verrai
Imperative present —
Subjunctive present que je voie, que nous Conditional present je pourrais
voyions present pouvant
Participle
imperfect que je visse
past pu
Imperative present vois, voyons
Conditional present je verrais
Participle present voyant
past vu, ue
236 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
44 Mouvoir Subjunctive present que je veuille, que nous
voulions
Indicative present je meus, nous mouvons
imperfect que je voulusse
imperfect je mouvais
Imperative present veuille, voulons
past historic je mus
Conditional present je voudrais
future je mouvrai
Participle present voulant
Subjunctive present que je meuve, que nous
past voulu, ue
mouvions
imperfect que je musse 49 Asseoir
Imperative present meus, mouvons
Indicative present j'assieds, nous asseyons or
Conditional present je mouvrais
j'assois, nous
Participle present mouvant
assoyons
past mu, ue
imperfect j'asseyais or j'assoyais
45 The impersonal verb Pleuvoir past historic j'assis
future j'assierai or j'assoirai
Indicative present il pleut
Subjunctive present que j'asseye, que nous
imperfect il pleuvait
asseyions or que
past historic il plut
future
j'assoie, que nous assoyions
il pleuvra
present
imperfect que j'assisse
Subjunctive qu'il pleuve
Imperative present assieds, asseyons, or assois,
imperfect qu'il plut
Imperative present — assoyons
Conditional present il pleuvrait
Conditional present j'assierais ou j'assoirais
Participle present asseyant or assoyant
Participle present pleuvant
past assis, ise
past plu
50 Seoir
46 The impersonal verb Falloir
This verb is only conjugated in the third person, and is
Indicative present il faut
mostly encountered in the singular. It has no past historic.
imperfect il fallait
Indicative present il sied
past historic il fallut
imperfect il seyait
future il faudra
future il siera
Subjunctive present qu'il faille
Subjunctive present qu'il siee
imperfect qu'il fallut
Imperative present — Conditional present il sierait
Conditional present
Participle present seyant
il faudrait
Participle present
51 Surseoir
past fallu
Indicative present je sursois, nous sursoyons
47 Valoir imperfect je sursoyais
Indicative present nous valons past historic je sursis
je vaux,
imperfect future je surseoirai
je valais
past historic je valus
Subjunctive present queje sursoie, que nous
future sursoyions
je vaudrai
Subjunctive present que je vaille, que nous imperfect que je sursisse
Imperative present sursois, sursoyons
valions
Conditional present je surseoirais
imperfect que je valusse
Imperative present vaux, valons
Participle present sursoyant
Conditional present je vaudrais
past sursis, ise
Participle present valant
52 Dechoir
past valu, ue
This verb has no imperfect of the indicative.
48 Vouloir Indicative present je dechois, nous dechoyons
Indicative present je veux, nous voulons past historic je dechus, nous dechumes
imperfect je voulais
future je dechoirai, nous
past historic je voulus
dechoirons
future je voudrai
Subjunctive present que je dechoie, que nous
dechoyions
imperfect que je dechusse, que nous
dechumes
Verb conjugations 237
Conditional present je dechoirais, nous 57 Verbs end ng in -eindre: Peindre
dechoirions
Indicative present je peins, nous peignons
Participle past dechu, ue
imperfect je peignais
past historic je peignis
53 Verbs end ng in -dre: Rene re
future je peindrai
Verbs ending in -andre, -endre, -ondre, -erdre, -ordre
Subjunctive present que je peigne, que nous
Indicative present je rends, nous rendons peignions
imperfect je rendais
imperfect que je peignisse
past historic je rendis
Imperative present peins, peignons
future je rendrai
Conditional present je peindrais
Subjunctive present que je rende, que nous Participle present peignant
rendions peint, einte
past
imperfect que je rendisse
Imperative present rends, rendons 58 Verbs ending in -oindre: Joindre
Conditional present je rendrais
Indicative present je joins, nous joignons
Participle present rendant imperfect je joignais
past rendu, ue
past historic je joignis
future je joindrai
54 Prendre
Subjunctive present que je joigne, que nous
Indicative present je prends, nous prenons joignions
imperfect je prenais
imperfect que je joignisse
past historic je pris
Imperative present joins, joignons
future je prendrai
Conditional present je joindrais
Subjunctive present que je prenne, que nous Participle present joignant
prenions joint, te
past
imperfect que je prisse
Imperative present prends, prenons 59 Verbs end ing in -aindre: Craindre
Conditional present je prendrais
Indicative present je crains, nous craignons
Participle present prenant imperfect je era i gnats
past pris, prise
past historic je craignis
future je craindrai
55 Bart re
Subjunctive present que je craigne, que nous
Indicative present je bats, nous battons
craignions
imperfect je battais
imperfect que je craignisse
past historic je battis craignons
Imperative present crains,
future je battrai
Conditional present je craindrais
Subjunctive present que je batte, que nous Participle present craignant
battions
past craint, ainte
imperfect que je battisse
Imperative present bats, battons 60 Vaincre
Conditional present je battrais
Indicative present je vaincs, nous vainquons
Participle present battant je vainquais
imperfect
past battu, ue
past historic je vainquis
future je vaincrai
56 Mettre
Subjunctive present que je vainque, que nous
Indicative present je mets, nous mettons vainquions
imperfect je mettais que je vainquisse
imperfect
past historic je mis vainquons
Imperative present vaincs,
future je mettrai je vain era is
Conditional present
Subjunctive present que je mette, que nous Participle present vainquant
mettions vaincu, ue
past
imperfect que je misse
Imperative present mets, mettons 61 Traire
Conditional present je mettrais nous trayons
Indicative present je trais,
Participle present mettant imperfect je trayais
past mis, ise
past historic
future je trairai
238 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Subjunctive present que je traie, que nous Participle present naissant
trayions past ne, nee
imperfect
66 Paitre
Imperative present trais, trayons
Conditional present je trairais Indicative present je pais, nous paissons
Participle present trayant imperfect je paissais
past trait, aite past historic
future je paiirai
62 Faire
Subjunctive present que je paisse, que nous
Indicative present je fa is, nous iaisons paissions
imperfect je faisais imperfect
past historic je fis Imperative present pais, paissons
future je ferai Conditional present je paitrais
Subjunctive present queje fasse, que nous Participle present paissant
fassions past
imperfect queje fisse
67 Verbs ending in -oitre: Croitre
Imperative present fais, faisons
Conditional present je ferais Indicative present je crois, nous croissons
Participle present faisant imperfect je croissais
past fait, te past historic je crus
future je croitrai
63 Plaire
Subjunctive present que je croisse, que nous
Indicative present je plais, nous plaisons croissions
imperfect je plaisais imperfect que je crusse
past historic je plus Imperative present crois, croissons
future je plairai Conditional present je croitrais
Subjunctive present que je plaise, que nous Participle present croissant
plaisions past cru, ue
imperfect que je plusse
68 Croire
Imperative present plais, plaisons
Conditional present je plairais Indicative present je crois, nous croyons
Participle present plaisant imperfect je croyais
past plu past historic je crus
future je croirai
64 Verbs ending in -aitre: Connaitre
Subjunctive present que je croie, que nous
Indicative present je connais, nous connaissons croyions
imperfect je connaissais imperfect que je crusse
past historic je connus Imperative present crois, croyons
future je connaitrai Conditional present je croirais
Subjunctive present queje connaisse, que nous Participle present croyant
connaissioi is past cru, ue
imperfect que je connusse
69 Boire
Imperative present connais, connaissons
Conditional present je connaitrais Indicative present je bois, nous buvons
Participle present connaissant imperfect je buvais
past connu, ue past historic je bus
future je boirai
65 Naitre
Subjunctive present que je boive, que nous
Indicative present je nais, nous naissons buvions
imperfect je naissais imperfect que je busse
past historic je naquis Imperative present bois, buvons
future je naitrai Conditional present je boirais
Subjunctive present queje naisse, que nous Participle present buvant
naissions past bu, ue
imperfect que je naquisse
Imperative present nais, naissons
Conditional present je nai trais
Verb conjugations 239
70 Clore Subjunctive present que je moule, que nous
moulions
Indicative present je clos
imperfect
imperfect que je moulusse
Imperative present mouds, moulons
past historic
future
Conditional present je moudrais
je clorai
Subjunctive present que je close, que nous
Participle present moulant
past moulu, ue
closions
imperfect
75 Suivre
Imperative present clos
Indicative present je suis, nous suivons
Conditional present je clorais
imperfect je suivais
Participle present closant
past historic je suivis
past clos, se
future je suivrai
71 Verbs end ing in -dure: Conclure Subjunctive present que je suive, que nous
suivions
Indicative present je conclus, nous concluons
imperfect
imperfect que je suivisse
je concluais
Imperative present suis, suivons
past historic je conclus
Conditional present je suivrais
future je conclurai
Participle present suivant
Subjunctive present que je conclue, que nous
past suivi, ie
concluions
imperfect que je conclusse
76 Vivre
Imperative present conclus, concluons
Indicative present je vis, nous vivons
Conditional present je conclurais
imperfect je viva is
Participle present concluant
past historic je vecus
past conclu, ue
future je vivrai
72 Verbs ending in -soudre: Absoudre Subjunctive present que je vive, que nous vivions
imperfect que je vecusse
Indicative present j'absous, nous absolvons
Imperative present vis, vivons
imperfect j'absolvais
Conditional present je vivrais
past historic
Participle present vivant
future j'absoudrai
past vecu, ue
Subjunctive present que j'absolve, que nous
absolvlons
77 Lire
imperfect
Indicative present je lis, nous lisons
Imperative present absous, absolvons
imperfect je lisais
Conditional present j'absoudrais
past historic je lus
Participle present absolvant
future je lirai
past absous, oute
Subjunctive present que je Use, que nous lisions
73 Coudre imperfect que je lusse
Imperative present lis, lisons
Indicative present je couds, nous cousons
Conditional present je lirais
imperfect je cousais
Participle present lisant
past historic je cousis
past lu, lue
future je coudrai
Subjunctive present que je couse, que nous
78 Dire
cousions
Indicative present je dis, nous disons
imperfect que je cousisse
imperfect je disais
Imperative present couds, cousons
past historic je dis
Conditional present je coudrais
future je dirai
Participle present cousant
Subjunctive present que je dise, que nous disions
past cousu, ue
imperfect que je disse
74 Moudre Imperative present dis, disons
Conditional present je dirais
Indicative present je mouds, nous moulons
Participle present disant
imperfect je moulais
past dit, ite
past historic je moulus
future je moudrai
-J
240 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
79 Rire 81 Confire
Indicative present je ris, nous rions Indicative present je confis, nous confisons
imperfect je riais imperfect je confisais
past historic je ris past historic je confis
future je rirai future je confirai
Subjunctive present que je rie, que nous riions Subjunctive present que je confise, que nous
imperfect que je risse confisions
Imperative present ris, rions imperfect que je confisse
Conditional present je rirais Imperative present confis, confisons
Participle present riant Conditional present je confirais
past ri Participle present confisant
past confit, ite
80 £crire
82 Verbs end ng in -uire: Cuire
Indicative present j'ecr/s, nous ecrivons
imperfect j'ecrivais Indicative present je cuis, nous cuisons
past historic j'ecrivis imperfect je cuisais
future j'ecrirai past historic je cuisis
Subjunctive present que j'ecrive, que nous future je cuirai
ecrivions Subjunctive present que je cuise, que nous
imperfect que j'ecrivisse cuisions
Imperative present ecris, ecrivons imperfect que je cuisisse
Conditional present j'ecrirais Imperative present cuis, cuisons
Participle present ecrivant Conditional present je cuirais
past ecrit, ite Participle present cuisant
past cuit, uite
1 5 5
English-French index
A (musical note) 82.14 actor 82.4, 96.13 ago 9.10
abandon 4.2 actress 82.4 agree 40.5
abandoned 35.11 adapt 89.2 agree to 40.7
abandonment 66.1 adaptor 27.7 agreement 40.5
abhorrence 45.21 add 58.9 agricultural 79.1
ability 59.2 add up (be cumulative) 58.9 ahead (direction) 3.2
able seaman 39.4 add up (in arithmetic) 58.17 ahead (in position) 57.8
able to 59.2 adder 16.1 ahead of schedule 13.1
abnormal 95.2 addition 58.9 aid 46.1-46.2
abortion 33.3 address 97.2 ailment 66.2
abroad 6.4 adipose 20.2 air 20.10
absence 87.5 adjective 96.26 airborne 8.13
absenteeism 87.5 adjoining road (on highway) 7.9 air commodore 39.3
absent-minded 64.6 adjust 10.3, 89.2 aircraft 8.1 1-8.1
absorbed 54.3 adjustable spanner 27.5 aircraft carrier 5.4
abstruse 51.7 administer 37.1 aircraftman 39.3
absurd 57.2 administrative region 3.4 air force 39.3
absurdity 57.2 administrator 37.2 air freighter 8.11
abundance 58.3 admiral 39.4 airman 39.3
abuse (insult, v) 43.8 admiration 45.16 air marshal 39.3
abuse (overuse, n & v) 32.1 admire 45.16 airplane 8.11
abuse (sexual, n & v)) 64.19 admit 40.7 airport 8.14
accelerate 7.6 adolescence 35.2 airspace 8.14
accent (in punctuation) 96.29 adolescent 35.2 air taxi 8.11
accent (in speech) 96.6 adopt 33.4 air terminal 8.14
accept 40.7 adoption 33.4 air traffic controller 8. 1
acceptance 40.7 adorn 49.2 air vice marshal 39.3
accessory 25.13 advance (of an army) 39.6 aisle 38.13
accommodation 24.8 advanced (of an army) 39.6 ajar 31.2
accompaniment 82.9 advance payment 59.19 alarm-clock 9.8
accompany 82.9 advanced (in education) 57.8 alas 96.15
according to 96.11 adventure 59.15 album (disc) 82.15
account (at the bank) 84.1 adverb 96.26 album (for photos) 59.17
account (in a shop) 84.9 advice 40.8 alcohol 75.2
accountant 84.15 advise 40.8, 41.3 alcoholic (adj) 75.2
accounting 84.15 adviser 40.8 alcoholic (n) 75.8
accounts (budget) 84.15 aerial (on a car) 7.2 alcoholism 75.8
accumulate 29.5 aerial (on a house) 24.10 alder 18.10
accuracy 60.2 aeroplane 8.11 alert 45.24
accurate 57.9 affair 45.7 algebra 58.16
ace (playing card) 81.6 affection 45.3 alike 58.16
ache 66.5 affectionate 48.4 alive 53.4
achievable 92.1 Afrikaans 96.25 Allah 38.12
achieve 52.7 aftershave 69.5 allergic 66.1
achievement 52.7 age (of a person) 33.6 allergy 66.1
acid (adj) 73.2 age (period) 9.9 alley cat 15.2
acorn 18.8 age limit 2.1 alligator 16.1
acquaintance 45.9 age of reason 66.13 allow (give authorization for) 37.13
acquire 41.14 aggressive 48.5 allow (make possible) 92.1
act (general term, n & v) 52.5 aggressiveness 48.5 allowed 37.13
act (law) 37.5 agile 59.2 allow oneself 37.13
active 52.4-52.5 agility 44.6 alloy 19.2
activity 52.5 agnostic 38.18 All Saints' Day 9.5
1 1
242 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
ally 46.1 another 55.7 arithmetic 58.16
ally oneself with 46.1 answer 96.17 arm 64.1
almond 70.9 answer back 96.17 arm (v) 39.5
aloud 63.19 answer(ing) machine 98.4 armament 39.5
alphabet 96.28 answering service 96.17 armchair 24.16
alphabetical 96.28 ant 16.3 armed robbery 43.24
alphanumerical 96.28 anteater 16.3 armour 39.5
Alsatian 15.3 antelope 14.2 armoured division 39.5
altar 38.13 antenna (on car) 7.2 armoured tank 39.5
alter 89.2 anthill 16.4 armpit 64.1
alternative 89.1 antique (adj) 33.6 army 39.2
altimeter 8.12 anti-smoking campaign 68.5 arousing 47.2
altitude 8.13 anti-venom serum 68.4 arrange 2.3
alto 82.11 antler 14.6 arrest 37.8
aluminium 19.2 apartment 24.2 arrival 4.1
always 10.1 ape 14.2 arrive 4.1
amateurishly 59.6 aphid 16.3 arrogance 43.9
amazed 47.7 apostrophe 96.29 arrogant 43.9
amazing 47.5 appalling 45.20, 57.10 art 83.1
ambassador 36.9 apparent 88.9 artery 62.15
ambulance 65.2 appear 88.9 article (in journalism) 82.1
ambulance man, woman 65.2 appearance 88.9 article (item for sale) 55.1
amethyst 19.1 appendix 62.17 article (part of speech) 96.26
ammunition 39.5 applaud 45.15 artificial insemination 33.3
amnesic 64.6 apple 70.2 artist 83.1
amnesty 43.17-43.18 apple tree 18.12 artistic 83.1
amplifier 63.8 appliance 28.1 artistically 83.1
amplify 63.18 application 96.16 artists' materials 83.2
ampoule 68.18 apply (be relevant) 57.9 ascent 5.14
amputate 91.12 apply (put on) 13.4 ashamed 43.19
amuse 47.12 appraisal 57.13 ashes 20.7
anaesthetic 65.3 apprentice 59.1 ashtray 68.5
anarchism 36.5 apprenticeship 59.11 ask (for) 96.16
anchor 8.2-8.3 appropriate 57.9 ask around 96.16
ancient (archaic) 12.4 approve 45.3 ask oneself 96.16
ancient (former) 33.6 approved of 45.5 asleep 64.8-64 9
angel 38.12 approximate 58.23 asparagus 70.11
anger 47.22-47.24 approximately 58.23, 63.11 ass 59.5
angle (aspect) 88.9 apricot 70.2 assassin 67.6
angle (in geometry) 1.2 April 9.3 assemble 27.1
angled 1.5 aquarium 17.4 assembly 35.8
angler 72.1 Aquarius 38.19 assess 57.13
angling 81.2 aqueous 20.2 assessment (general term) 57.13
angry 47.22-47.23 Arabic 96.25 assessment (in school) 59.10
animal 14.1-14.8 arable farming 79.5 assets 41.15
ankle 64.1 arch 1.3 assiduously 44.2
annihilate 91.7 architect 24.6 assistance 46.2
anniversary 38.2 architecture 24.1 assistant 46.1
announce 96.8 argue (conflict) 39.9 associate 84.5
annoyance 47.18, 47.22 argue (verbal exchange) 96.18 association (partnership) 84.5
annoyed (petty irritation) 47.22 argument 40.6 as soon as 13.9
annoyed (upset) 47.18 argumentative 66.13, 96.18 assume 53.3
annoying 47 1 aria 82.11 assumption 53.3
anomaly 95.2 arid 20 5 assurance (certainty) 92.6
anonymous 55.14 Aries 38.19 assurance (policy) 39.12
anonymously 55.14 aristocracy 36.12 assure 92.7
anorexia 62.9 aristocrat 36.12 astonishing 47.5
anorexic 62.9 aristocratic 36.12 astounded 47.7
English-French index 243
astrologer 38.19 8 (musical note) 82.14 bank note 84.14
astrology 38.19 babble 96.7 bank statement 84.2
astronaut 22.12 baboon 14.2 banquet 74.7
astronomer 22.12 baby 33.1-33.2 bar (in music) 82.8
astronomical (in astronomy) 22.12 baby equipment 33.5 bar (legal profession) 37.10
astronomical (very large) 84.17 babyminder 33.4 barbaric 45.17
astronomy 22.12 baby-sitter 33.4, 63.9 barbarity 45.17
astrophysicist 22.13 baby-sitting 33.4 barbecue 74.7
astrophysics 22.13 baby-sling 33.5 barbecue (of roast mutton) 74.7
astute 59.13 bachelor 35.10 bare 31.5
asylum 39.13 back (v) 7.6 barefoot 31.5
atheism 38.18 back (in anatomy) 64.0 barelegged 31.5
atheist 38.18 back (position) 2.2 bargain 84.9
atrocious 45.20 back(bone) 14.6 bargaining 84.9
atrocity 45.17 back(wards) 3.2 barge 8.8
attached 91.4 background 83.3 baritone 82.11
attack 66.1 backpack 32.2 bark (of a tree) 18.8
attempt 51.4 backup (in computing) 98.2 bark (make a noise) 14.7
attention 44.2 backwards 3.2 barley 79.6
attentive 44.2 bad 37.16 barley sugar 73.8
attic 24.12 baddie82.4 barman 74.9
attic room 24.12 badger 15.5 Bar Mitzvah 38.3
Attorney General 36.3 bad luck 94.1 barn 79.3
attractive 62.7 bad-tempered 47.22 bar of soap 69.2
aubergine 70.13 bag 6.2, 32.2 baron 36.11
auburn 62.20 baggage handler 8.15 baroness 36.11
audacity 39.15 bag-snatching 43.24 barrier 51.9
audible 63.16 bail 37.11 basement 24.12
audience 35.8, 63.14, 82.2 bailiff 84.3 basil 73.3
August 9.3 bait 81.2 Basque 96.25
aunt 34.5 bake 74.1 bass 82.11
authentic 88.2 baker 78.6 bass clef 82.14
author 59.19 baker's (shop) 78.2 bassoon 82.10
authorization 37.13 baker's yeast 71.1 bassoonist 82.10
autobiography 59.16 baking powder 71.1 bastard 57.10, 96.21
auto(mobile) insurance 97.4 balance (bank account) 84.2 baste 20.3
autumn 9.4 balance sheet 84.8 bat (animal) 15.5
auxiliary (verb) 96.26 balcony 24.12 bath 24.22
available 84.9 balderdash 57.2 bathroom 24.22-24.24
Ave Maria 38.14 bale of hay 79.6 bathroom scales 58.26
avenue 58.13 ballet slipper 25.8 bath sponge 69.2
average (between extremes) 95.1 ball of wool 83.6 bath towel 69.2
average (in mathematics) 58.20 ballot 36.4 bathtub 24.22
aviation 8.10 ballpoint pen 59.21 baton 82.9
aviator 8.10 banal 95.1 batter (injure) 67.1
avocado 70.13 banana 70.2 bauble 52.12
avoid (general term) 5.2 band 82.9 bawl 96.14
avoid (strictly exclude in a diet) bandage 68.4 be 87.1
32.6 bang 63.17 beach 22.6
awake 64.12 banister 5.14 beacon 8.14
away 87.5 bank (for money) 84.1 beak 14.6
awesome 45.20 bank (of river) 22.6 beam (headlight) 7.6
awful 45.19-45.20 bank balance 84.1 beaming 47.9
awkward (clumsy) 44.7 bank charge 84.2 bean 70.11
awkward (tricky) 51.7 bank clerk 84.1 beanpole 62.8
awkwardness 44.7 bank draft 84.2 bear (animal) 14.2
axe 27.5 banker 84.1 bearable 57.4
axle 7.2 banker's order 84.2 bear-cub 14.2
244 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
beard 64.1 bib 33.5 blaze 20.6
beast 48.5 Bible 38.15 bleach 30.5
beat (hit) 67.1 bicker 39.9 bleat 14.7
beat (in competition) 52.7 bicycle 7.12 bleed 66.5
beat (in music) 82.8 bicycle lamp 21.5 blend 27.1
beating (up) 67.1 bidet 24.22 bless 38.14
beautiful 49.1-49.2 big (fat) 62.1 blessed 38.14
beauty 49.1 big (large, tall) 58.1 blessing 38.14
beauty parlour 37.3 big cat 48.5 blind (unthinking) 38.7
beauty spot (in landscape) 49.1 bigger 58.2 blind (visually impaired) 66.3
beauty spot (on skin) 64.3 big-spending 85.3 blind in one eye 66.3
beaver 15.5 bill (law) 37.5 blindness 66.3
because of 61.1 billion 58.23 blink (n) 63.6
become 87.1 billy-goat 14.1 blink (v) 21.3
bed 24.21 bin 32.5 blister 66.2
bedding 24.22 binder 77.3 block (immobilize) 51.12
bedsitter 24.2 binoculars 63.10 block (of flats/apartments) 24.3
bedspread 24.21 biodegradable 26.3 blockade 51.12
bee 16.3 biographer 59.16 blockage 51.9
beech 18.10 biographical 59.16 block letter 96.33
beef 72.5 biography 59.16 bloke 35.4
beehive 16.4 biology 59.8 blond 62.20
beer 75.2 bird (animal) 16.5 blood 62.15
beetroot 70.14 bird (woman) 35.5 blood pressure 68.4
beets 70.14 birth 33.2 blood pudding 72.8
beg 96.16 birth control 64.21 bloodthirsty 48.5
beginner 1 1.1 birthday 38.2 blossom 18.3
behave 42.1 birthmark 64.3 blouse 25.4
behaviour (general term) 42.1 biscuit 71.2 blow (n) 67.1
behaviour, good (of children) 66.13 bisexual 64.22 blow (v) 26.4
behind (position) 2.2, 3.2 bishop 81.7 blow up 1.7 4
beige 63.12 bison 14.2 blue 63.12
belief 38.6 bit (piece) 91.3 blueberry 70.4
believer 38.6, 38.14 bit (small amount) 58.7 blues 82.7
believing 38.6 bitch (animal) 15.3 blue tit 16.5
bell 63.17 bitch (term of abuse) 57.10 bluffing 43.10
belongings 41.15 bitter 73.2 blunder 60.1
belong to (be owned by) 41.15 bizarre 95.2 board (for announcements) 8.19
belong to (be part of) 91.4 black 30.3, 62.20, 63.12 board game 81.7
belt 25.13 blackberry 70.4 boast 43.10
bench (in park) 81.3 blackbird 16.6 boastful 43.10
bend (change the shape of) 1.7 blackboard 59.7 boastfulness 43.10
bend (in road) 7.8 blackcurrant 70.4 boat 8.1, 8.7
bend (stoop) 62.14 blackhead 64.3 bob (v) 5.16
benefit 76.3 black hole 22.13 body 62.19
Bengali 96.25 black ice 23.6 body care 69.0
bent (shape)1.5 blackmail 43.26 bodyguard 14.5
bequeathe 41.7 black pudding 72.8 body search 37.8
bereavement 38.5 black sheep 43.19 body weight 62.2
berth (v) 8.3 bladder 62.17 bodywork 7.2
berth (n) 8.20 blade 27.5 bogie (railway) 8.17
best man 38.4 blame 37.15 boil 74.1
bet 81.8 bland 73.4 boiler 28.2
better 57.8 blank 90.4 boilerman 8.21
better, to get 68 1 blanket 24.21 boiling hot 23.8
beyond 2.1 blank out 88.4 boldness 39.15
biased (financially) 53.4 blaspheme 96.21 bolster 24.21
biased (generally) 43.13 blasphemy 96.21 bolt (door, window) 31.1
1
Engltsh-french index 245
bort (for nut) 27.5 bray 14.7 bud 18.8
borted 31.1 breach 43.22 Buddha 38.12
bone 62.15 bread 71.1 Buddhism 38.10
bonnet 7.2 break (at school) 59.7 Buddhist 38.10
book 59.14, 59.20 break (rest) 64.14 budget 84.8
bookseller 59.20 break (v) 91.6 budget account 84.3
bookshelf 24.16 breakdown 46.2 buffalo 14.2
bookshop 59.20 breakfast 74.4 buffer 8.18
bookshop owner 78.6 breast (in anatomy) 64.1 bugger off 4.2
boot (footwear) 25.9 breath 64.4 buggy 33.5
boot (of car) 7.2 breathe 64.4 build (n) 64.1
border 6.4 breathing 64.4 build (v) 27.10
bore (fail to interest) 10.2 breed 64.17 builder 27.10
bore (dig a hole) 91.14 breeze 23.4 building 24.3-24.5
bored 10.2 bricklayer 24.6 building permit 27.10
boredom 10.2 bride 38.4 building plot 27.10
boring 10.2, 67.10 bridesmaid 38.4 building site 27.10
bom 13.1 bridge 7.10 building trades 24.6
borrow 84.4 briefcase 25.12 bulb 21.5
boss 37.2 briefs 25.6 Bulgarian 96.25
bottle 32.2, 75.6 bright (luminous) 21.4 bull 14.1
bottle (for baby) 33.5 brights (on a car) 7.6 bullet 39.5
bottle carrier 32.2 brilliance 59.2 bullock 14.1
bottle opener 75.6 brine 73.6 bully 48.5
bottom (position) 2.2 bring 5.1 bum bag 84.14
bough 18.8 bring about 61.2 bump (on road) 7.8, 63.27
bouillon cube 73.6 bring back 5.1 bump (shape)1.6
boulder 22.4 bring into line 37.1 bumper 7.2
bounce 5.11 bring together 40.5 bun 71.3
boundary 2.1 brisk 48.1 bunch 35.8
boundless 87.1 broad bean 70.1 bungle (through carelessness) 44.5,
boutique 78.3 broadcast 82.3 91.10
bow (bend) 62.14 broad-minded 45.11 bunk 8.20
bow (in music) 82.10 broccoli 70.11 buoy 8.3
bow (ribbon, tie) 25.13 brochure 97.3 bureau de change 84.13
bowl 24.18 broiler 24.17 burglar 43.26
bow to (give way) 40.7 broker 84.8 burgle 43.26
boxed set 82.15 bronze 19.2 burial 38.5
box file 32.2 brooch 25.13 burn (n and v) 20.6-20.8
boyfriend 45.6 brood 54.3 bury 38.5
bra 25.6 brook 22.8 bus 7.12
brace 65.4 broom 30.6 bush 18.7
bracelet 25.13 brothel 64.20 business 84.5
braces 25.13 brother 34.2 business associate 84.5
bracket (in punctuation) 96.29-96.30 brother-in-law 34.4 business manager 84.6
brain 62.17 brown (colour) 62.20, 63.12 business school 84.6
brainless 59.4 brown (in cooking) 74.1 busy 52.4
brake (n) 73 brownie point 52.12 butch 35.6
brake (v) 7.6 browse 98.2 butcher 78.6
branch (of a bank) 84.1 bruise 64.3 butcher's shop 72.10, 78.2
branch (of a tree) 1 8.8 bruised 70.8 butcher's trade 72.4
brand 55.2 brush (v & n) 30.6 butter 72.2
brandy 75.5 Brussels sprout 70.11 buttercup 18.2
brass (metal) 19.2 brutal 48.5 butterdish 24.19
brass (section of orchestra) 82.10 brutally 48.5 butterfly 16.3
brave 39.15 bubble bath 69.2 butterfly net 81.2
bravery 39.15 buck rabbit 15.4 buttock 64.1
brawl 39.7 buckle 25.9 button 83.6
1
246 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
buttress 38.13 captain (of an aircraft) 8.15 catch (seize) 41.13
buy 84.9 captain (of a ship) 8.9, 39.4 catch (surprise) 47.6
buy back 84.9 car 7.1 catch on (become fashionable) 45.5
buyer 84.9 car (train) 8.20 catch on (understand) 53.2
buy out 84.9 carbon 20.1 category 55.2
buyout 84.9 card 81.6 catering staff 74.9
bye-byes 64.7 cardboard 26.3 caterpillar 16.3
by-election 36.4 cardboard box 32.2 caterwaul 14.7
bypass 7.8 card game 81.6 Catholic 38.11
cardigan 25.5 cattle 14.1, 79.8
C (musical note) 82.14 cardinal number 58.21 cauliflower 70.11
cabbage 70.11 care (attention) 44.2 cause 61.1-61.2
cabin (in an aircraft) 8.12 careful (neat) 44.2 caution 44.2
cabin (on board ship) 8.2 careful (exclamation) 39.1 cautious 44.2
cabin boy 8.9 carefully 48.4 cavity (hollow) 31.6
cache 88.4 careless 44.4 cavity (insulation) 90.4
cafe 74.8 carelessness 44.4 caw 14.7
cagoule 25.11 car-ferry 8.8 CD 82.15
cake 71.3 carnivorous 14.4 CD player 82. 15
cake shop 78.2 carousel 81.3 CD Rom drive 77.2
cake shop owner 78.6 carpenter 24.6 ceiling 24.15
calculate 58.16 carpeting 24.16 celebrate 38.2
calculation 58.16 earphone 7.3 celebration 38.2
calculator 58.19 car pound 7.5 celebrity 52.1
calendar 9.1 carriage (train) 8.20 celery 70.14
calf 14.1 carrier (basket) 5.4 cell 62.15
call (telephone) 98.4 carrot 70.12 cellist 82.10
call (v: name) 55.13 carry (v: bear) 5.4 cello 82.10
call (v: shout) 96.14 carry (v: transport) 5.1 celluloid 26.3
called 55.13 carrycot 33.5 cellulose 26.3
calmly 47.3 cart 7.12 cement 26.3
camel 14.2 cartoon 83.3 cemetery 38.5
camera 83.4 cartoon strip 59.17 censor 37.14
camp 81.2 carve 91.13 censorship 37.14
camper 81.2 carving fork 24.19 centigram 58.25
camping 81.2 carving knife 24.19 centilitre 58.37
camp site 81.2 case (container) 32.2 centime 84.13
can 75.6 case (for pillow) 24.21 central reservation 7.9
canal 22.8 case (instance) 87.3 century 9.9
Cancer 38.19 cash 84. 11 ceramic 26.3
candidate (for a job) 76.2 cash in 67.3 cereal crop 79.6
candidate (in an election) 36.4 cash machine 84.1 ceremonial dress 25.1
candle 21.5 cash desk 78.5 ceremony (general term) 43.4
candy 73.8 cashier 84.1 ceremony (religious) 38.3
candyfloss 81.3 casino 81.8 certain 92.6
cane (in gardening) 80.1 cassette 82.15 certainly 92.6
canopy 18.8 cassette player 82.15 certainty 92.6
canteen 32.2 cassette recorder 82.15 certificate 97.4
canticle 38.14 cast iron 19.2 certify 92.7
canvas 83.2 castle (fort) 24.4 chain 31.7
cap 25.10 castle (in chess) 81.7 chair(man) 37.4
capacity 58.37 casualty department 65.2 chair(woman) 37.4
cape 22.6 cat 15.2 chair (seat) 24.16
capital (letter) 96.28 catalogue 56.1 chalk 26.3
capital (money) 84.9 catalytic converter 7.2 chamber music 82.7
Capricorn 38.19 catamaran 8.7 champion 52.8
capsule 68.2 catch (capture) 81.2 chance 94.1
captain (in the army) 39.2 catch (hear) 53.2 Chancellor of the Exchequer 36.3
1 1
English-French index 247
chancy 39.11 chestnut 70.9 circumstance 87.3
chandler's (shop) 8.5 chestnut tree 18.10 cistern 24.22
change (alter) 89.2 chew 74.11 citrus fruit 70.3
change (buy or sell currency) 6.4 chicane 51.9 civil law 37.6
change (shift gear) 7.6 chick 14.1 civil status 55.14
change (small coins) 84.12 chicken (farm animal) 14.1 clam 72.12
change down 7.6 chicken (meat) 72.9 clammy 20.2
change into 89.2 chief petty officer 39.4 clap (applaud) 45.15
change purse 84.14 child (general term) 34.2 clap (of thunder) 23.6
channel 82.3 chill (n) 23.7 clarinet 82.10
character (in fiction) 59.15 chilly 23.7 clarinettist 82.10
character (temperament) 42.1 chimney 24.10 clash 82.8
charcoal 83.2 chimpanzee 14.2 class 59.1
charge (accuse) 37.11 chin 64.1 class test 59.10
charitable 41.8 china 26.3 classical music 82.7
charity 41.8 Chinese 96.25 classifying 56.1
chartered accountant 84.15 chipboard 26.3 classroom 59.7
chase 5.9 chisel 27.5 claw 14.6
chat 96.22 chit-chat 96.22 clay (material) 26.3
chat(ter) 96.22 chives 73.3 clean (adj) 30.1
chatting 96.22 chock-a-block 90.3 clean (general verb) 30.5-30.9
chat up 45.7 chocolate (confectionery) 73.8 clean (one's teeth) 69.4
chauffeur 7.5 chocolate (drink) 75.4 cleaner 30.4
chauvinist 35.6 choice 56.3 cleaning 30.4
cheap (adj & adv) 84.16 choir 82.11 cleanliness 30.1
cheaply 84.16 choose 56.3 clear (evident) 41.6
cheat 43.22-43.23 chop 72.6 clear (not overcast) 23.1
check (pattern) 1.4 chopping board 24.17 clear (v: from obstruction) 68.3
check (tyres on a car) 7.7 choral 82.11 clearly 41.6
check (v & n: control) 37.1 choral singing 82.1 clemency 43.17
check (v: verify) 63.3, 92.7 chord 82.14 Clementine 70.3
checkerboard 81.7 chorister 82. 11 clergy 38.13
cheek (in anatomy) 64.1 Christ 38.12 clever 59.13
cheek (insolence) 43.9 christen 55.13 cliff 22.6
cheekiness 43.9 christening 38.3 climate 23.1
cheeky 43.9 Christian 38.10 climb (up) 5.14
cheeriness 47.8 Christian denominations 38.1 climbing frame 81.3
cheer up 48.2 Christianity 38.10 clinic 65.2
cheese 72.2 Christmas 9.5 cloakroom 24.13
cheese seller 72.1 chromosome 62.15 clock 9.8
cheese shop 72.1 chrysalis 16.3 clock on 76.4
cheese shop owner 72.1 chrysanthemum 18.6 clock-radio 9.8
cheese-grater 24.18 chubby 62.3 clog 25.9
cheetah 14.2 chuck out 32.7 clone 55.6
chef 74.9 church 38.13 close (in time) 13.5
chemist 68.2, 78.6 churchgoer 38.14 close (near) 3.6
chemist's shop 78.3 cider 75.2 close (shut) 31.1
chemistry 59.8 cigar 68.5 close friend 45.9
cheque 84.2 cigarette 68.5 close relative 34.9
cheque book 84.2 cigarette butt 68.5 closet 24.20
cheque stub 84.2 cigarette case 5.4, 32.2 closing (n) 31.1
cherry 70.4 cigarette holder 68.5 cloth 26.2
cherry tree 18.12 cigarette shop 78.3 cloth (for dusting) 30.7
chervil 73.3 ciggie/cig 68.5 clothes 25.1
chess 81.7 cinema 82.2 clothes manufacturing 27.9
chessboard 81.7 circle 1.2 clothes, accessories and cosmetics 25
chest (in anatomy) 64.1 circular (adj) 1.2 clothes peg/pin 30.9
chest (of drawers) 24.20 circumference 1.2 clothing 25.1
1
248 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
cloud 23.5 comet 22.14 computing 98.1
cloudy 23.5 come up with 12.2 comrade 45.9
cloying 45.21 comfort 45.1 conceal 88.4
club (on playing card) 81.6 comfortable 45.1 conceit 43.12
cluck(ing) 14.7-14.8 comfortably 45.1 conceivable 92.4
clumsiness 44.7 comforter (bedding) 24.21 conceive 33.2
clumsy 44.7 comic 82.2 conception 33.2
coach (in sport) 46.6 comma 96.29 concert 82.12
coach (vehicle) 7.12 commander 39.4 concerto 82.13
coal 28.3 commendable 45.15 concierge 24.9
coal tit 16.5 commentator 96.4 conclusion 61.3
coarse 63.27 commerce 84.7 concur 40.5
coast 22.6 commie 36.6 condemn 37.15, 40.1
coastal 22.6 commitment 40.9 conditional 96.26
coastline 22.6 committee 37.4 conditioner 69.3
coat (garment) 25.1. 25.4 commodore 39.4 condom 64.21
coat (of animal) 14.6 common 55.1 conductor (orchestral) 82.9
coat (v: in cooking) 31.3 common sense 66.13 conductor (rail) 8.21
coat (v: in decorating) 26.4 communicate 97.1 cone 1.3
coat rack 5.4 communications 97.1 cone-shaped 1.3
cob 18.3 communism 36.5 confess (in an interrogation) 40.7
cocker spaniel 15.3 community 35.3, 36.1 confess (one's sins) 38.14
coconut 70.9 compact disc 82.15 confession 38.14
cod 72.11 companion 45.10 confessional 38.14
code 88.6 company (firm) 37.3, 84.6 conflict 40.1
coffee 75.4 company director 84.6 conformist 54.1
coffee break 64.14 company name 84.6 confrontation 96.13
coffin 38.5 compare 55.3 confused 66.10
cohabitee 45.7 comparison 55.3 congratulate 45.15
coil (shape)1.3 compartment (on a train) 8.20 congratulations 45.15
coin 84.14 compass (in geography) 3.3 congregate 35.9
cold (adj) 23.7 compass (in geometry) 58.19 conifer 18.7
cold (ailment) 66.2 compassion 43.16 conjugate 96.26
collaboration 46.2 competence 59.2 conjugation 96.26
collapse (fall) 5.12,91.7 competent 59.2 conjunction 96.26
collar 25.2 competition 81.12 conquer 39.6
collarbone 62.16 competitiveness 81.12 conscience 43.1
collect (assemble) 27.1 competitor (in business) 84.5 conscientious 44.2
collect (garner) 41.11 competitor (in sport) 81.11 consequence 43.1, 61.3
collect (pick up) 41.12 complain 96.15-96.16 considerable 88.7
collection (of collectables) 29.4 complaint 96.15 consonant 96.27
collection (of the mail) 97.2 complete 91.1 constantly 10.1
collision 67.2 completely 91.1 constitute 91.4
colon 96.29 complexion 64.3 consul 36.9
colonel 39.2 complicated 51.5 consular 36.9
colour 63.12, 83.2 compliment 45.15 consulate 36.9
colour sergeant 39.2 complimentary 45.15 consult 65.1
column 82.1 compose 82.6 consultant 40.8, 65.2
comb 69.3 composer 82.6 contact 97.1
combine 27.1 composition 82.6 contact lenses 63.10
combine harvester 79.4 compost heap 80.1 container 32.2
come (move towards) 4.1 compress 68.4 contemplate 53.3
come (occur) 87.2 comprise 91.4 contemporary 12.3
come (sexual climax) 64.18 compulsory 93.1 contempt 57.1
come back 4.1 computer 77.2 contemptuous 57.1
comedian 82.4 computer game 98.1 content 96 8
comedy 82.2 computer specialist 98.1 contest 81 12
come in 4.1 computer-assisted 98.1 contraception 64.21
English-French index 249
contraceptive 54.21 cotton (material) 83.6 cretin 59.5
contract 37.5 cotton (thread) 26.1 crevasse 31.6
contrast 55.7-55.8 cotton candy 81.3 crew (aircraft) 8.15
contribution 76.3 cotton wool 68.4 crew (ship) 8.9
control 37.1 couchette 8.20 crib (n) 33.5
control oneself 66.13 cough 66.2 crib (v) 89.4
control tower 8.14 counsel 37.11 criminal law 37.6
controversial 40.1 count 58.20 criticism 39.10, 96.3
controversy 40.1 counter 78.5 criticize 96.15
conundrum 51.6 countertenor 82.11 croak(ing) 14.7
convalescence 68.1 countess 36.11 crochet 83.6
convenience 32.3 country 22.2 crochet hook 83.6
convenient 32.3 country house 24.4 crocodile 16.1
convent 38.13 countryside 22.2 crook 43.23
conversation 96.22 coup 36.7 crooked 43.23
converse 96.22 courage 39.15 crop 79.5-79.6
converter 7.2 courgette 70.13 cross (angry) 47.22
convey 96.2 courier 97.2 cross (shape) 1.4
conviction 38.6 course (in a meal) 74.6 crossroad 7.8
convince 40.6 course (of treatment) 68.4 crotch 25.2
convincing 88.7 course (vocational) 59.11 crouch 62.13
cook 74.1, 74.9 court(house) 37.11 crow 16.6
cooked 74.1 court (in sport) 81.13 crowd 35.8
cooker 24.17 court (royal) 36.10 crown (in dentistry) 65.4
cooking 74.1 court (tribunal) 37.11 crown (of monarch) 36.9
cool 43.5 courteousness 43.6 cruel 45.17
cooler, to get 23.7 cousin 34.5 cruelty 45.17
coordinate 37.1 cover (of book) 39.14 crumb 71.1
cop (policeman) 37.9 cover (v & n: general term) 31.3-31.4 crumpet 35.7
copilot 8.15 coverall 25.4 crush (crowd) 35.8
copper 19.2 covered 31.3 crush (smash) 91.9
copse 18.9 covering 31.4 crust 71.1
Copt 38.11 cow 14.1 cry 47.20
Coptic 38.11 coward 45.22 cube (measurement) 58.37
copulate 64.17 cowardly 45.22 cube (shape) 1.3
copy (n & v) 89.4, 98.2 cowshed 79.3 cubic (in measurements) 58.37
copyright 59.19 crab 17.2 cubic (in shape) 1.3
coral 17.2 crab (edible) 72.12 cubic metre 58.37
coral reef 17.2 crack (drug) 68.6 cucumber 70.14
cordial (drink) 75.3 crack (in skin) 31.6 cuddle 48.4
core 70.7 craft (ship) 8.1, 8.7 cuddly 48.4
cork 75.6 crafty 59.13 cuff 25.2
corkscrew 75.6 cramp 66.5 cufflink 25.13
corn 79.6 crash 63.17 cup 24.18
corner (n) 81.10 crash helmet 25.10 cupboard 24.17
cornflower 18.2 crass 59.4 curate 38.13
coronation 36.9 crate 5.4, 32.2 cure 68.1
corporal 39.2 crawl 5.6 cured 68.1
corpse 67.4 crayfish 72.12 curiosity 47.4
correct 60.2 cream 72.2 curly bracket 96.29
correctly 60.2 creature 14.3 currant 70.6
corridor (on train) 8.20 creche 64.14 currency 84.13
cosmetics 25.14 creditor 84.3 current (present) 9.10, 12.3
cosmetics bag 32.2 creep (forward) 5.6 current (stream) 22.8
cosmonaut 22.12 creep (n: toady) 37.17 curse 96.21
cost 84.11 cremate 38.5 cursor 77.2
costly 84.17 cremation 38.5 curtain 24.16
cot 33.5 creosote 27.6 curtsey 62.14
5
250 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
curve 1.5 dawdle 13.10 delicatessen 78.2
curves (woman's body) 1.1 day after tomorrow 9.2 delicious 73.4
curving 1.5 day before yesterday 9.2 delighted 47.8
cushion 24.16 daydreamer 54.3 delirious 66.11
custody (of a child) 63.7 dazed 59.4 delirium 66.11
custom 38.1 dead 67.4 deliver 5.1
customer 84.9 dead on (exactly) 60.2 demand (n) 36.7
customs 6.4 deaf 66.3 demand (v) 96.16
customs officer 6.4 deafening 63.16 demo 36.7
cut (hairdressing) 69.3 deafness 66.3 democracy 36.5
cut (in prices) 58.12 deaf person 66.3 democratic 36.5
cut (n & v: general term) 91.11-91.14 deal 68.6 demolition 91.7
cut (of meat) 72.6 dealer (drugs) 68.6 demonstration 36.7
cute 49.1 dealer (general term) 84.7 demonstrator 36.7
cutlery basket 32.2 dealer (on the Stock Exchange) 84.10 dense 58.13
cutlet 72.6 dearness 84.17 dent 91.9
cutting board 24.17 death 67.4 dental 65.4
cut up (in food preparation) 74.2 death penalty 67.8 dental care 69.4
cylinder 1.3 death sentence 67.8 dental floss 69.4
cylindrical 1.3 debate 96.18 dental hygiene 65.4
cymbal 82.10 debris 20.7 dental surgeon 65.4
cymbalist 82.10 debt 84.3 dented 1.6
cypress 18.11 decade 9.9 dentist 65.4
Czech 96.25 decaf 75.4 deodorant 69.2
decapitate 91.12 depart 4.2
D (musical note) 82.14 December 9.3 department (in a hospital) 65.2
dad(dy)34.1 decent (good enough) 57.4 department (in a store) 78.5
daily (everyday) 10.3 decent (moral) 43.1 department store 78.4
daily (newspaper) 82.1 decent (not sexually offensive) 57.9 departure 4.2
dairy (on a farm) 79.3 deciduous 18.10 depraved 37.16
dairy (shop) 72.1 decigram 58.25 depreciation 85.1
dairy (shop) owner 72.1 decilitre 58.37 depth 58.13
dairy product 72.1 decimate (diminish) 58.12 derision 7.2, 47.14
daisy 18.2 decimate (destroy) 91.7 descendant 34.6
dam 51.9 deck 8.2 descended from 34.6
damage (v) 91.6-91.1 declare (at customs) 6.4 describe 96.13
damp 20.2 decline (v) 91.15 desert 20.5, 22.10
dampness 20.2 decompose 67.4 deserted 90.4
dance (n & v) 82.5 decorate 49.2 design 1.4
dancer 82.5 decorating 27.6 desk 59.7
dandelion 18.2 decoration (interior decor) 52.12 despair 47.19
danger 39 decoration (medal) 27.6 despairing 47.19
Danish 96.25 decrease (n) 58.12 desperate 47.19
daredevil 39.11 deep 58.13, 63.13 despise 57.1
daring 39.15 deeper, to become 58.10 despondent 54.3
dark 21.1, 63.13 deer 14.2 dessert 74.6
darkness 21.1 deface 91.8 dessert spoon 24.19
darkroom 83.4 defeat 39.6 destitute 84.19
darling 45.8 defence 37.11 destroy 91.7
dashboard 7.4 defend 39.6 destruction 91.7
dash off 44.5 defendant 37.11 detached house 24.1
data processing 98.1-98.2 deficiency 74.13 detail (general term) 55.10
database 77.2 define 96.13 detail (precise circumstance) 87.3
date (calendar) 9.1, 9.5 definite 92.6 detain 41.11
date (fruit) 70.6 dehydrate 20.5 detergent 30.9
dated 12.4 delay (lateness) 13.2 deterioration 91.15
daughter (child) 34.2, 35.10 delay (postponement) 13.6 determination 51.3
daughter-in-law 34.4 delete 59.21 determined 51.3
English-French index 251
develop (flourish) 47.16 disappointment 47.18, 47.21 do away with 32.6
develop (in photography) 83.4 disapproval 37.15 dock 37.11
device 55.1 disaster 20.6 docker 8.9
devil 38.12 disco 82.5 doctor 65.1
devour 74.11 disconcerted 47.7 doctor's surgery 65.1
devout 38.16 discord 40.1 document 97.4
diagonal 1.5 discount 84.8 document case 25.12
diameter 1.2 discover (see) 63.5 doe (female deer) 14.2
diamond 19.1 discover (understand) 53.2 doe (female rabbit) 15.4
diamond (on playing-card) 81.6 discussion 96.18 dog 15.3
diaper 33.5 disdain 57.1 doggy 15.3
diaphragm (contraceptive device) disdainful 57.1 doll 81.5
64.21 disease 66.1 dollar 84.13
diaphragm (in anatomy) 62.17 disembark 8.6 doll's house 81.5
diary (office stationery) 77.3 disgust (n & v) 45.21 dolphin 17.2
diary (personal workplan) 9.1 disgusting 45.21 dolphinarium 17.4
diary (private journal) 59.16 dish (for serving) 24.19 dominate 37.1
dictate 96.5 dish (for vegetables) 24.19 donate 41.7
dictation 96.5 dishcloth 30.8 donation 41.8
dictatorship 36.5 dishes (washing up) 30.8 donkey 14.1
dictionary 59.17 dishonest 43.21 donor 41.8
die 67.3 dishonesty 43.21 door 24.10
dieresis 96.29 dishpan 24.17 doorbell 63.17
diesel engine 8.17 dishrack 24.17 doorknob 24.10
diet 62.9 dishrag 30.8 door knocker 24.10
difference 55.8 dishwasher 30.8 double (identical person) 55.6
different 55.7 dishwater 30.8 double (twice as much) 58.9
differentiate 55.8-55.9 dismantle 91.6 double bass 82.10
differently 55.7-55.8 display (on a computer) 98.2 double bass player 82.10
difficult 51.5 display (place on show) 41.4 double glazing 90.4
difficulty 51.5 disposable 32.6 double room 24.24
dig 80.1 dispute (n) 40 doubled up (with laughter) 47.10
dignified 43.4 disrespect 43.9 doubt 92.8
digs 24.2 disrespectful 43.9 doubtful 92.8
dilemma 51.6 dissident 54.1 doubting 92.8
dimension 58.13 distance 3.5 dough (in baking) 71.1-71.3
diminish 58.12 distance-learning 3.5 dough (money) 84.12
dimmer switch 24.16 distance-teaching 3.5 dove 16.5
dinghy 8.7 distant 3.7 download 98.4
dinner 74.4 distracted 87.5 downpour 23.6
dinner plate 24.19 distress 47.19 downstairs 24.14
dinner set 24.19 distress call 46.4 dozen 58.23
dip (n) 22.10 distress signal 46.4 drachma 84.13
dip (v) 20.3 disturbed sleep 64.11 drag 5.3
direct (v) 37.1 ditch 79.2 drain (drink up) 90.4
direction (for finding the way) 41 .3 dive (jump from a height) 5.13 drain (withdraw water from) 20.5
direction (for use) 32.1 dive (jump into water) 20.3 draining board 24.17
director 82.2 divide (in arithmetic) 58.17 drama 82.2
dirt 30.2 divide (share) 27.2 dramatic 47.5
dirtiness 30.2 divided up 91.3 drastic 54.4
dirty 30.2-30.3 divider 77.3 drat! 96.21
disability 66.3 dividing (up) 27.2 draught 23.4
disability pension 76.3 divine 38.16 draughtboard 81.7
disabled 66.3 division 58.17 draw (lots) 56.4
disagreement 40.1 divorce 38.4 draw (make a picture) 1.4
disappear 4.2 DIY 27.4 drawer 24.20
disappoint 47.21 DNA 62.15 drawing 83.1, 83.3
disappointed 47.18 do 27.4 dread 45.24
252 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
dreadful 45.20 dumpster 32.5 education 59.1
dream 64.9 dunce's cap 59.4 educational background 59.1
dreamy 54.3 dung 79.7 educational system 59.1
dreary 10.2 dungarees 25.4 eel 72.11
dress 25.3-25.4 dungeon 64.6 effect 61.2
dressing (for salad) 73.6 dust 30.7 effeminate 35.7
dressing gown 25.7 dustbin 32.5 effort 51.7
dressing table 24.20 dustbin bag 32.2 egg (chicken's) 72.2
dress up 13.4 dustcart 32.5 egg (of insect) 16.3
dried fruit 70.6 duster 30.7 egg (of human female) 62.18
drift (v) 8.3 dustman 32.5 eggbox 32.2
drill (n) 65.4 dustpan 30.6 eggplant 70.13
drink (n) 75.1 dust sheet 31.4 eiderdown 24.21
drink (v: general term) 75.7 Dutch 96.25 either. . . or 56.3
drink (v: to excess) 75.8 duty (moral obligation) 43.1 ejaculate 64.18
drive (of a house) 24.10 duty (period of time at work) 63.7 elation 47.2
drive (on computer) 77.2 duvet 24.21 elbow 64.1
drive (to despair) 47.19 duvet cover 24.21 elder 33.8
drive (v: a car) 7.6 elderly
*
33.6-33.7
driver (of a car) 7.5 E (musical note) 82.14 eldest 33.8
driver (of an engine) 8.21 e-mail (system) 98.4 election 36.4
driver's license 97.4 e-mail message 98.4 electric cable 27.7
driving 7.5 eagle 16.6 electric chair 67.8
driving licence 97.4 eaglet 16.6 electric drill 27.5
drizzle 23.3 ear (capacity for hearing) 63.14 electrical wire 27.7
drop (medicine) 68.2 ear (in anatomy) 64.1 electrician 24.6
drop (of rain) 23.7 earl 36.11 electricity 27.7
drop (reduction) 58.12 early 13.1 electronic communications 98.4
drop (small quantity) 58.8 ear-muffs 39.14 electronic office equipment 77.2
drop by 4.3 earring 25.13 elegance 49.1
dropper 68.2 earshot 63.19 elegant 49.1
drought 20.5 Earth 22.14 elephant 14.2
drown 67.7 earth 80.3 elephant calf 14.2
drug 68.6 ease 51.13 elevator 5.14
drug abuse 68.6 easel 83.2 elf 88.11
drug addict 68.6 East 3.4 eliminate 32.6
drug squad 68.6 east 3.3 elm 18.10
drum 82.10 Easter 9.5 elsewhere 87.5
drunk 75.8 Easter Monday 9.5 Elysee Palace 36.3
drunkard 75.8 eastern countries 3.4 emaciated 62.8
dry 20.5 easy 51.13 embassy 36.9
dry-cleaners' 78.7 easy listening 82.2 embellish 49.2
dry-cleaning 30.9 eat 74.10-74.11 embezzlement 43.22
dry dock 8.5 eau de Cologne 25.14 embrace 45.12
drying-up cloth 30.8 eccentric (extravagant) 95.2 embroidery 83.6
dryness 20.5 eccentric (original) 12.2 embryo 33.2
dry out 20.5 echo 96.20 embryonic 91.3
duchess 36.11 economic 86.1 emerald 19.1
duck 14.1 economical 86.1 emergency phone 7.9
duckling 14.1 economics 86.1 emergency room 65.2
ducky 45.8 economist 86.1 emotion 42.3
duet 82.9 economy 86.1 emotional 42.3
dueto61.1 edge (limit) 2.1 emotional need 96.16
duke 36.11 edit (in computing) 98.2 emperor 36.11
dull 10 2 edit (in publishing) 59.19 employ 76.1
dumb 63.20 editor 59.19 employee 76.1
dumbo 59.5 editorial (article) 82.1 employer 76.1
dummy 33.5 educate 59.1 employment 76.1
1 1 1 1
English-French index 253
empowered to 59.2 erode 91.15 exhaustion 64.10
empress 36.11 erosion 91.15 exhaust pipe 7.2
empty (adj) 90.4 erotic 64.16 exhibit 41.4-41.5
empty (n) 90.4 eraser 59.21 exist 87.1
empty (v) 90.4 erratum 60.3 exit 24. 11
enamel (n) 26.3 erroneous 60.1 exit (on motorway) 7.9
enamel (v) 26.4 error 60.1 expenditure 84.1
enclosed 91.4 escalator 5.14 expenses 84.8
encore 96.20 estate (housing development) 24.1 expensive 84.17
encourage 46.6 estate (landed property) 22.1 experiment 51.4
encouragement 46.5 estate car 7.1 expert 59.3
encouraging 46.5 estimate (n) 53.3 expire 64.4
encyclopaedia 59.17 estimate (v) 53.3 explain 96.13
end (v) 1 1 .2 estimation (guess) 53.3 explanation 96.13
endless 87.1 estimation (respect) 45.16 explode 47.23
end of the line 1 1.2 euthanasia 67.5 exploit 32.1
end up with 61.3 evade 5.2 exploiting 32.1
endure 37.17 evasive 5.2 export 84.5
enemy 39.8 even 58.20 exporter 84.5
energetic 48.1 evenly 47.3 exposed 31.5
energy 28.3 event 87.3 express 96.2
engaged (occupied) 24.22 evergreen 18.11 exquisite 73.4
engaged (telephone) 52.4 everlasting 87.1 extend 13.6
engagement 38.4 everyday 10.3 extension lead/cord 27.7
engine (machine) 28.1 evidence 37.1 extensive 58.1
engine (of a locomotive ) 8.17 evocative of 64.5 extramarital 45.7
engine (of an aeroplane) 8.12 ewe 14.1 extraordinary 95.2
engine driver 8.21, 28.1 exact 60.2 extra time 13.6
engineer 40.8 exactly 60.2 extravagant (luxurious) 84.17
engineer (train driver) 8.21 exaggerate 96.19 extravagant (wasteful) 85.3
English 96.25 examination (general term) 63.3 eye 63.1, 64.1
enjoy (have fun) 47.15 examination (in education) 59.10 eyeball 64.1
enjoy (savour) 74.1 examination (medical) 65.1 eyebrow 64.1
enlarge (general term) 58.2 examine 63.3 eyelash 64.1
enlarge (in photography) 83.4 exasperated 47.22 eyelid 64.1
enlargement 83.4 exasperation 47.22 eye lotion 68.2
enmity 39.8 excellent 57.5 eye-shadow 25.14
enough 91.2 except 91.5 eyesight 63.1
enquiry 96.16 exceptional 95.2 eye up and down 63.4
ensemble 82.9 excess weight 62.2
ensure 39.12, 92.7 exchange (v) 41.10 F (musical note) 82.14
enterprising 51.3 excitable 42.3 fabric 26.1
enthusiast 45.4 excited 47.2 fabric conditioner/softener 30.9
entitle 55.13 excitement 47.2 fabric store owner 78.6
entitled to 37.13 exclaim 96.14 fabulous 57.5
entourage 5.10 exclamation 96.14 face 64.1
entrance 4.1 exclamation mark 96.29 fact 88.2
entryphone 24.10 exclusion 91.5 factory 27.9
envelope 97.2 excuse (n) 43.18 faculty 59.1
envoy 36.9 excuse (v) 43.18 fade away 91.15
epidemic 66.1 execute 67.6 fag-end 68.5
equal 55.4 executioner 45.18 fail 52.11
equality 55.4 exercise (school task) 59.1 failure 52.9
equator 22.2 exercise (sport) 81.9 faint 66.5
equipment 77.2 exercise book 59.7 fair (adj) 43.14
era 9.9 exhaust 64.10 fairness 43.14
eraser 59.21 exhausted 64.10 fairy 88.11
erection 64.18 exhausting 64.10 faith (creed) 38.9
254 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
faith (trust) 38.6 fatten (in cattle-rearing) 79.7 file (document) 77.3
fall (drop) 5.12 fatty 72.6 file (in computing) 98.3
fall (occur) 87.2 faucet 24.22 file (put away) 56.1
fall (autumn) 9.4 fault 60.1 filing cabinet 77.3
fall asleep 64.8 fauna 14.3 fill 90.1-90.3
fall out 39.9 fawn 14.2 fill out 1.7
Fallopian tube 62.18 fax 98.4 fill up 90.1
fallow deer 14.2 fear (n & v) 45.22-45.25 filling (in tooth) 65.4
false (fake) 89.4 fearful 45.22 filly 14.1
false (lying) 88.3 fearless 39.15 film 82.2
false (not correct) 60.3 feather 14.6 filth (dirt) 30.2
false beard 89.4 feather duster 30.7 filth (term of abuse) 57.10
false bottom 90.4 feature 64.1 filthy 30.2
falsely 88.3 February 9.3 fin 14.6
false teeth 65.4 feeble 48.3 final 11.2
fame 52.1 feed (v: eat) 16.7 finally 11.2
family 34.6 feed (v: give as food) 74.10 find 50.7
family ties 34.6 feel (have as an emotion) 42.4 find out 53
family tree 34.6 feel (understand) 53.2 finger 64.1
famine 74.13 feel (when touching) 63.22 fingernail 64.1
famous 52.1 feeler 14.6 finish 11.2
fan (for the face) 25.13 feeling (emotion) 42.3 finish off (kill) 67.6
fan (supporter) 45.4, 45.13 feeling (impression) 88.9 Finnish 96.25
fanciful 88.8 feel pain 66.5 fir 18.11
fang 14.6 feel passionately 50.1 fire 20.6-20.9
fanny pack 84.14 feel sick 66.2 fire (piece of apparatus) 24.23
fantastic 57.5 feel sorry 43.16 fire engine 20.9
far 3.7 feel stiff 66.5 fire extinguisher 20.9
farm (converted farm) 24.5 fellow-guest 74.12 firefighter 20.9
farm (working farm) 79.1 fellow human being 35.1 fire hydrant 20.9
farm building 79.3 felt 26.2 fireplace 24.16
farmer 79.1 female 35.7 firm (convinced) 38.7
farmhouse 79.1 feminine (female) 35.7 firm (to the touch) 63.25
farming 79 feminine (in grammar) 96.26 first aid 68.3
farmland 79.2 feminine hygiene 69.7 first aid kit 32.2
farm machinery 79.4 femininity 35.7 first-aid worker 68.3
farm worker 79.1 fence 24.10, 51.9 first name 55.14
farmyard animal 14.1 fennel 73.3 first night 82.2
Far North 3.4 ferocious 48.5 fiscal 86.2
fascism 36.5 ferociously 48.5 fish (n) 17.1
fascist 36.6 ferret 15.5 fish (v) 72.1 1,81.2
fashion (n) 12.3 ferry 8.8 fish bone 72.11
fashion (v) 1.7 fertilization 33.3 fishbowl 17.4
fast (general term) 13.7 fertilize 79.7 fish course 74.6
fast (of clock) 13. 1 fertilizer 79.7 fish dealer 78.6
fasteners 31.7 festival 9.5 fish farm 17.4
fastening 31 fiasco 52.10 fisherman, fisherwoman 72.11
fast-food restaurant 74.3 fib 88.3 fishing 72.11
fast-forward 82.3 fiction 59.15 fishing rod 81.2
fat (adj & n: in food) 72.3 fidget 62.23 fishmonger 73.6
fat (adj: obese) 62.1 field 79.1-79.2 fish shop 78.2
fat (n: fatty tissue) 62.2 field marshal 39.2 fish tank 17.4
fat (n: in meat) 72.6 fierce 48.5 fist 64.1
fatal 67.10 fig 70.6 fit (healthy) 48.1
fat-free 62.6 fig-leaf 18.3 fit (seizure) 66.1
father 34.1 fight 39.6-39.8 fit of the giggles 47.9
father-in-law 34.4 figure (in arithmetic) 58.20 fit out 8.5
fatness 62.1 figure (shape of body) 64.1 fix 2.3
1
English-French index 255
fixed 63.26 foal 14.1 four-letter word 43.8
flabbergasted 47.7 foetus 33.2 four-star (petrol) 7.7
flake off 91.8 fog 23.5 fox 14.2
flambe74.1 fog horn 63.17 fox-cub 14.2
flan 71.3 fold 1.7 fraction 58.18
flannel 69.2 folder 77.3 fragile 48.3
flap 5.16 folding screen 88.6 fragmented 91
flash (sudden burst of light) 21.5 foliage 18.8 frail 48.3
flash of lightning 23.6 folk music 82.7 frame (border) 2.1
flat (apartment) 24.2, 24.8 follow 5.8-5.9 frame (of mind) 42.2
flat (in music) 82.14 fondle 63.22 franc 84.13
flat (level) 63.28 fondness 45.3 France 22.2
flatten 63.29 font 38.13 frank 88.1
flat out 13.8 food 74.5 free (at liberty) 37.12
flat tire 7.5 food processor 24.17 free (gratis) 84.11
flaunt 41.2 food shops 78.2 freedom 37.12
flautist 82. 10 foolhardiness 39.15 free enterprise 36.5
flavour 73.1 foolhardy 39.15 freeze (n: halt) 51.12
fledgeling 16.5 foot (body part) 64.1 freeze (v: weather) 23.7
flex 27.7 footplateman 8.21 freeze frame 82.3
flexible (not rigid) 63.24 forbid 37.14 freezer 24.17
flexible (supple) 44.6 forbidden 37.14 freighter (air) 8.11
flick (of the finger) 67.1 foreground 82.2-82.3 French (language) 96.25
flies (on trousers) 25.2 forehead 64.1 French (nationality) 22.2
flight 16.7 foreigner 6.4 French (subject in education) 59.8
flight attendant 8.15 Foreign Office 36.3 French horn 82.10
flight lieutenant 39.3 Foreign Secretary 36.3 French horn player 82.10
flight sergeant 39.3 foreman, forewoman 37.2 Frenchman, Frenchwoman 22.2
flimsy 48.3 foreplay 64.18 frequency 10.1
float (n: for boat) 8.2 forest 18.9 frequent 10.1
float (v: bob) 5.16 forge ahead 51.1 fresh 70.8
flood (n) 23.6 forged 89.4 freshness 70.8
flood (v) 20.3 forger 89.4 friction 40.2
floor (storey in a building) 24.1 forgery 89.4 Friday 9.2
floor (lower surface of a room) 24.15 forget 64.6 fridge 24.17
floorboard 24.15 forgetful 64.6 friend 45.9
floorcloth 30.6 forgetfulness 64.6 friendliness 43.15
floor covering 24.15 forgive 43.18 friendly 43.15, 45.11
flop 52.10 fork (cutlery) 24.19 friendship 45.9
floppy disk 77.2 fork (for gardening) 80.2 fright 45.20, 45.22
floss 69.4 form (assemble) 35.9 frighten 45.22
flour 71.1 form (document) 97.3 frighten away 45.24
flow 20.4 form (n: shape) 1.7 frightened 45.22
flower 18.3 formal 43.4 frightful 45.20
flowerbed 80.1 format 98.2 frog 15.5
flowing 22.8 former 33.6 front (direction) 3.2
flu 66.2 fornicate 64.17 front (position) 2.2
flush 24.22 fortify 48.2 front door 2.2
flute 82.10 fortnight 9.2 frost 23.2, 23.7
flutter 1 6.7 fortunate 94.1 fruit 70.1
fly (cunning) 59.13 fortune 84.18 fruit brandy 75.5
fly (n: insect) 16.3 fortune hunter 84.18 fruit cake 71.3
fly (v: aeroplane) 8.13 fortune teller 81.3 fruitful 52.7
fly (on trousers) 25.2 forward 3.2 fruit syrop 75.3
fly (v: used of bird) 16.7 forward march 57.7 fruit tree 18.12
fly away 16.7 fossil 22.4 fruity 70.1
flying 8.10 foster 33.4 fry (in cooking) 74.1
flying officer 39.3 foul 81.10 fry (young fish) 17.1
1 1 1
256 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
frying pan 24.17 garment 25.1 get (sthg) wet 20.3
fucking hell 96.21 garment bag 31.4 get (understand) 53.2
fuck off 4.2 gas (asphyxiate) 67.7 get along (together) 40.5
fuel 28.3 gas (domestic supply) 28.3 get going 11.1
fuel (for jet aeroplane) 8.12 gas (in chemistry) 20.1 get on (well) with 45.1
fulfil 47.16 gas (petrol) 7.7 get out of (avoid) 5.2
fulfilment 47.16 gas chamber 67.8 get over (it) 47.7
full 90.1, 90.3 gas cylinder 32.2 get ready 13.4
full on 67.2 gas gauge 7.4 get rich 84.18
full stop 96.29 gas pump 7.7 get rid of (kill) 67.6
fun (amusement) 47.12 gas station 7.7 get rid of (throw away) 32.6
fun (mockery) 47.14 gas tank 7.7 get round (a problem) 51.11
funeral 38.5 gate 24.10, 51.9 getting on a bit 33.7
funfair 81.3 gateau 71.3 get tired 64.10
funnel (of ship) 8.2 gatepost 24.10 get under way 11.1
funny 47.12 gather 35.9 get up 62.11
fur 14.6 gathering 35.8 ghastly (horrifying) 45.20
furious 47.22 gaudy 63.13 ghastly (ugly) 49.3
furnish 24.15 gauge (petrol) 7.4 ghost 88.12
furnished 24.2 Gaullism 36.5 giant 58.1
furniture 24.15 gay 64.22 giblets 72.7
fury 47.22 gear (when driving) 7.6 gift 41 .8
fuse 27.7 gear stick/shift 7.3 gifted 59.12
fuselage 8.12 Gemini 38.19 gill 14.6
future (tense of verb) 96.26 gender 96.26 ginger 73.3
future (time to come) 9.10 gene 62.15 giraffe 14.2
general (army officer) 39.2 girlfriend (female friend) 45.9
general (non-specific) 55.11 girlfriend (lover) 45.7
G (musical note) 82.14 general practice 65.1 girlfriend (person in love)
gadget 55.1 general practitioner 65.1 45.6
gag (n: joke) 47.13 generalization 55.11 give 41.7, 41.8
gag (suppress) 63.21 generalize 55.11 give (communicate) 97.1
gaga 66.12 generally 55.1 give away 41.8
gait 5.6 generation 34.6 give out 41.10
galaxy 22.14 generic 55.11 give way (bow to) 40.7
gallery 41.4 generosity 43.15 glance (look quickly) 63.2
gamble 81.8 generous 43.15 glass (for drinking) 24.19
gambler 81.8 genitals 64.1 glass (substance) 26.3
gambling 81.8 genius 57.6 glasses 63.10
game (food) 72.9 gentle 48.4 glaze 26.3-26.4
game (in card playing) 81.5 gentleness 48.4 gleam 21.3
game (in sport) 81.12 gently 48.4 gleaming 21.4
gander 14.1 genuine 88.2 glider 8.11
gang 35.8 genus 55.2 glimpse 63.5
gangplank 8.6 geographer 22.1 glisten 21.3
gap 31.6 geographical 22.1 glistening 21.4
gaping wide 31.2 geography (physical features) 22.1 glitter 21.3
garage 24.10 geography (subject in education) 59.8 glittering 21.4
garbage 32.5 geological 22.1 globe 22.2
garbage bag 32.2 geologist 22.1 globe artichoke 70.13
garbage can 32.5 geometry 58.16 gloom 21.1
garbage chute 32.5 gerbil 15.4 glorious 52.2
garbage disposal 32.5 German 96.25 glory 52.2
garbage man 32.5 German shepherd dog 15.3 glove 25.11
garbage truck 32.5 gesticulate 62.21 glow 21.5
garden (n) 24.10 gesture 62.21 glue 27.1
gardener 80.1 get (acquire) 41.14 gnaw 74.1
gardening 80.1-80.2 get (sb) used to 10.3 gnome 88.11
aarlic 70.13 get (sthg) right 52.7 go (n: attempt) 51.4
M
1
:
-
257
goal 81.10 granny/grandma 34.3 guaranteed 92.6
go around 5.15 grape 70.2 guard (for protection) 39.13
go away 4.2 grapefruit 70.3 guard (on a train) 8.21
go back (up) 5.14 grape-picking 79.5 guard (tour of duty) 63.9
go bad 70.8 grass (drug) 68.6 guardian angel 38.12
go black 30.3 grass (turf) 80.1 guess 53.3
gobble gobble 14.8 grasshopper 16.3 guide 41.3
go cold 23.7 grass snake 16.1 guide book 41.3
god 38.12 grate (in a fireplace) 24.16 guilder 84.13
goddaughter 38.3 grate (in cooking) 74.2 guillotine 67.8
goddess 38.12 gratuitous 93.2 guilt 37.15
godfather 38.3 grave 38.5 guilty 37.15
godmother 38.3 gravestone 38.5 guinea fowl 72.9
go down 5.13 gravy 73.6 guinea pig 15.4
godson 38.3 graze 91.12 guitar 82.10
go in 4.1 great (big) 58.1 guitarist 82.10
go in for 81.10 great (excellent) 57.5 gulf 22.2
gold 19.2 greatness 52.2 gullible 38.8
goldfish 15.4 greedy 74.12 gum (in anatomy) 64.2
good (rewarding) 52.7 Greek 59.8, 96.25 gum (rubber) 26.3
good 43.1-43.2, 57.3 green 63.12 gum shield 39.14
good-for-nothing 32.4, 59.6 greengrocer 78.6 gunfire 39.6
good-humoured 47.8 greengrocer's shop 78.2 gust 23.4
goodie 82.4 greenhouse 80.1 gutter (in the street) 7.1
goodness 43.1 greet 45.12 gutter (on a building) 24.10
goose (animal) 14.1 greetings 45.12 guy 35.4
goose (insult) 59.5 grey 63.12 gymnastics 81.9
gooseberry 70.4 grievous bodily harm 67.1 gym shoe 25.9
go out (with) 45.7 grill (n) 24.17
go overboard 8.6 grill (v) 74.1 haberdasher 78.6
gorilla 14.2 grocer 78.6 haberdasher's (shop) 78.3
go round 5.15 grocer's (shop) 78.2 habit 10.3
gosling 14.1 groom 38.4 hack at 91.14
Gospel 38.15 grotesque 57.2 hailstorm 23.2
gossip 96.23 ground 80.3 hair (of an animal) 14.6
gossipy 47.4 ground floor 24.12 hair (of people) 64.1
go through (live through) 87.1 group (of musicians) 82.9 hair band 25.10
go through (pass through stages) group (crowd) 35.8 hairbrush 69.3
16.3 group (form a crowd) 35.9 hair care 69.3
go up 5.14 group (put together) 29.5 hair colour 62.20
gourmet 74.12 group captain 39.3 haircut 69.3
government 36.3 groupie 5.10 hairdresser 69.3
governor 37.2 grove 18.9 hair dryer 69.3
GP65.1 grow (become taller) 58.2 hairspray 69.3
grab (hold of) 41.13 grow (crops) 79.5 half 58.18
graceful (harmonious) 49.1 grow (increase in prosperity) 58.9 half a dozen 58.23
graceful (svelte) 62.7 growl 14.7 half a pint (of beer) 75.2
gracefulness 49.1 grown-up 35.1 half-brother 34.4
grammar 96.26 growth 58.9 half-light 21.1
grammatical 96.26 grow up 58.2 half-sister 34.4
gramophone 82.15 grub 74.5 half-starved 62.8
grandad/grandpa 34.3 grudge 39.10 hall 24.13
grandchild 34.3 grumble (be in a bad mood) 47.24 hallway 24.11
granddaughter 34.3 grumble (protest) 96.10 halogen lamp 24.16
grandfather 34.3 grumpy 47.24 halve 58.12
grandmother 34.3 grunt 14.7 ham 72.8
grandparent 34.3 G-string 88.6 hamburger 74.3
grandson 34.3 guarantee 92.6-92.7 hammer 27.5
1
258 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
hamster 15.4 haystack 79.6 herbivore 14.4
hand (in anatomy) 64.1 hazard 39.11 herbivorous 14.4
hand (in calligraphy) 96.33 hazelnut 70.9 herbs 73.3
hand (of cards) 81.6 head (in anatomy) 64.1 herd 79.8
hand (sailor) 39.4 head (mind) 62.19 here 87.1
handbag 25.12 headband 25.10 hermit 35.10
hand drill 27.5 headgear 25.10 hero 39.15
handful 58.7 headlight 7.2, 7.6 heroic 39.15
handicap (disability) 66.3 headline 82.1 heroin (drug) 68.6
handicapped person 66.3 head office 37.4 heroine 39.15
handkerchief 25.15 headphones 82.15 heroism 39.15
handle (of a tool) 27.5 headscarf 25. 11 herring 72.11
handle (manipulate) 63.22 health 66.7 heterosexual 64.22
handler (baggage) 8.15 healthy 66.7 hide 88.4
hand over 41.7 heap 29.4 hiding place 88.4
handset 98.4 heap up 29.5 higgledy-piggledy 29.5
handshake 45.12 hear 63.14 high 58.13
handsome 49.1 hearing 63.14 higher (advanced) 57.8
handwriting 96.32 hearse 38.5 higher (better) 57.8
handy 32.3 heart 62.17 higher education 59.1
hang 67.7 heartburn 66.2 high-rise 24.3
hangar 8.14 hearth 24.16 high-speed train 8.20
hang around 13.1 hearts (on playing card) 81.6 high traffic road 7.10
hang out (washing) 30.9 hearty eater 74.12 highway 7.9
hangover 75.8 heat 23.8 hilarious 47.12
happen 4.1, 87.2 heater 24.23 hill (downward incline) 5.13
happiness 47.8 heating (system) 24.23 hill (mountain) 22.3
happy 47.8 heatwave 23.6 hill (upward incline) 5.14
happy event 47.8 heaven 38.17 hillside 22.3
happy families 81.6 heavy 58.25 Hindi 96.25
hard 63.25 heavy vehicle 28.1 Hindu 38.10
hard disk (drive) 77.2 hectogram 58.25 Hinduism 38.10
hard knock 52.10 hectolitre 58.37 hip 64.1
hard-on 64.18 hedge 79.2 hippopotamus 14.2
hard shoulder 7.9 hedgehog 15.5 hiring (for a job) 76.2
hardware store owner 78.6 heel (in anatomy) 64.1 hiss 14.7
hardworking 39.15 heel (on a shoe) 25.9 history 59.8
hare 15.5 heifer 14.1 hit 67.1-67.2
harmful 57.10 height (altitude) 22.3 hoax 47.13
harmless 48.4 height (of an object) 58.13 hob 24.17
harmony 82.8 height (of a person) 58.1 hobby 81.2
harp 82.10 helicopter 8.11 hoe 80.2
harpist 82.10 heliport 8.14 hold (of ship) 8.2
harvest 79.5 helium 20.1 hold (retain) 41.11
harvesting 79.5 hell 38.17 hold (sthg) against 39.10
haste 13.8 helmet 25.10 holder (for pot plant ) 88.6
hat 25.10 help(n & v) 46.1-46.4 hold tight(ly) 41.11
hatbox 32.2 help (provide a remedy) 68.1 hole (general term) 31.6
hatch 16.7 help oneself 74.5 hole (in hosiery) 91.8
hate 45.19 helper 46.2 hole (in tooth) 90.4
hateful 45.19 helpful 46.1 holiday 64.14
hatred 45.19 helpfulness 46.1 holidaymaker 64.14
haunt 88.12 helpless 48.3 hollow 90.4
have (sb) on 43.10 help out 46.3 holy 38.16
haven 39.13 hem 25.2 holy spirit 38.12
hawk 16.6 hen 14.1 holy water 38.14
hay 79.6 herbalist 18.5 home 20.6
hay-making 79.5 herbal tea 18.5 homeless person 24.9
1
English-French index 259
home nurse 63.9 human (being) 35.1 llustrious 52.1
Home Secretary 36.3 humidity 20.2 magination 88.8
homework 59.7 humility 43.1 magine 88.8
homo 64.22 humorous 47.12 magined 88.8
homosexual 64.22 humour 47.12 mam 38.13
honest 43.20 hump 63.27 mitate 89.4
honestly 43.20 hundred times as much 58.9 mitation 89.4
honesty 43.20 Hungarian 96.25 mmaculate 30.1
honey 73.7 hunger 74.13 mmature 33.9
honeymoon 38.4 hungry 74.13 mmediate 13.9
hood (car) 7.2 hunt 5.9 mmediately 13.5, 13.9
hood (garment) 25.10 hurdle 51.9 mmerse 20.3
hoof 14.6 hurl 5.5 immersion 20.3
hook (for fishing) 81.2 hurricane 23.6 mmoral 37.16
hook (for hanging objects) 31.7 hurried 13.8 mmorality 37.16
hook (up) 27.1 hurriedly 13.8 mpassive 39.15
hooked on 68.6 hurry 13.8 mperative (mood) 96.26
hoot (of laughter) 47.9 hurry up 13.8 mperfect (tense) 96.26
hooter 63.17 hurt 66.1 mperialism 36.5
hop 5.11 husband 34.4 mpersonator 89.5
hope to 51.1 hush 63.21 mport 84.5
horizon 20.10 hut 24.5 mportant 54.4
horizontal 2.2 hydroelectric power 28.3 mporter 84.5
horn 14.6 hydrogen 20.1 impossibility 92.3
horoscope 38.19 hygiene 69.1 mpossible 92.3
horrible (horrifying) 45.20 hygienic 30.1 mprobable 92.5
horrible (ugly) 49.3 hypermarket 78.4 mprove 89.3
horror 45.21, 45.23 hypodermic needle 68.4 mprovement 89.3
horse (animal) 14.1 hypothesis 53.3 impulsive 51.3
horse (drug) 68.6 hysterical 47.2 nadvertently 60.1
horseback riding 81.25 naudible 63.20
hose (garment) 25.6 ce cream 73.7 ncensed 47.23
hospital 65.2 ce cream seller 81.3 ncest 64.19
hospital ship 8.8 con 98.3 ncestuous 64.19
hostess 8.15 dea 54.5 ncident87.3
hostile 39.8 dentical 55.4 ncline (v) 10.3
hostility 39.8 dentify 55 nclude 91.4
hot (spicy) 73.6 dentity 87.1 ncluded 91.4
hot (very warm) 23.8 dentity card 97.4 ncognito 55.14
hot dog 74.3 deology 36.5 ncome tax 86.2
hotel 24.24 diot 59.4 ncompatibility 40.2
hotline 96.17 diotic 59.4 ncompetence 59.6
hot water bottle 24.21 die 44.3 ncompetent 59.6
hour 9.8 gnition 7.4 ncomplete 91.3
house (n) 24.1, 24.8 gnore (be unaware of) 52.3 ncorrect 60.3
house (v) 29.8 gnore (not to care) 47.14 ncrease (n & v) 58.9
house plant 18.4 gnore (snub) 91.5 ndeed 92.6
house slipper 25.9 II (n) 57.10 ndependent 35.11
housework 30.4 II (unwell) 66.1 ndicate 7.6
housing 24.8 llegal 37.5 ndicative (mood) 96.26
hovel 24.1 llegible 96.33 ndicator 7.4
hover 16.7 llness 66.1 ndifference 45.14
hovercraft 8.7 llusion 88.8 ndifferent 45.14
howl 96.14 llusory 88.8 ndividual (n & adj) 35.1
hub cap 7.2 Ilustrate83.1 ndolent 44.3
huge 58.1 llustrating 83.3 ndoors 24.11
hulk 62.4 llustration 83.3 ndustrial dispute 76.5
hull 8.2 llustrator 83.1 ndustrial tribunal 76.3
1 1 11
260 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
inept 59.6 insurance company 39.12 Italian 96.25
inexperience 33.10 insurance policy 39.12 tch 66.6
inexperienced 33.10 insurance premium 39.12
in fact 88.7 insure 39.12 acket 25.4
infantry 39.2 intact 91.1 ack of spades 81.6
infatuation 45.7 integrity 43.20 ailer37.2
infection 66.2 intelligence 59.12 am 73.7
inferior 57.12 intelligent 59.12 anuary 9.3
inferiority 57.12 intend to 51.1 apanese 96.25
inferno 20.6 intention 51.2 aw 64.1
infinite 87.1 interactive 98.2 azz 82.7
infinitive (mood) 96.26 interest 84.8 ehovah 38.12
infinity 3.7 interest (money) 53.4 elly 73.7
in flagrante (delicto) 47.6 interested 47.4, 53.4 ellyfish 17.2
inflation 86.3 interesting 53.4 erkin 25.4
inflexible 40.3 interfere 40.10 erusalem artichoke 70.13
influence (n & v: control) 37.1 international 22.2 esus (Christ) 38.12
influence (persuade) 40.6 international trading 84.5 et fuel 8. 12
influential 87.1 Internet 98.4 ew 38.10
inform 96.8 nterpret 96.13 ewel 25.13
informal 43.5 nterpreter 96.13 ewellery box 32.2
informally 43.5 nterpreting 96.13 ewess 38.10
information technology 98. nterregnum 36.9 ewish 38.10
infuriated 47.22 nterrogation 96.16 ob76.1
in general 55.1 nterrogative 96.26 ob centre 76.2
ingredient 73.3 nterrogative form 96.26 ob interview 76.2
inhale 64.4 ntervene 40.10 oin (v) 76.5
inject 68.6 ntestine 62.17 oiner 24.6
injection 68.4 ntonation 96.27 oint (cigarette) 68.6
injury 66.1 ntroduce 45.12 oint (in anatomy) 62.15
injustice 43.13 ntroduction 45.12 oint (of meat) 72.5
inland revenue 86.2 nvade 39.6 oin up 27.1
in-laws 34.4 nversion 96.26 oke 47.13
inn 74.8 nverted commas 96.30 oker 81.6
innocence 43.1 nvest 84.8 ot down 96.32
innocent 43.1 nvestment 84.8 ournal 82.1
innovative 12.2 nvestment analyst 84.8 ournalism 82.1
inscribe 96.32 nvigilate 63.8 ournalist 82.1
insect 16.3 nvigilating 63.7 ourney 6.2
inside 2.2 nvisible 63.1 oy 47.8
insist 96.19 nvisibly 63.1 oystick8.12
insistence 96.19 n vitro 33.3 udaism 38.10
insolence 43.9 nvoice 84.11 udge (evaluate) 57.13
insolent 43.9 rate 47.22 udge (in court) 37.11
insomnia 64.1 re 47.22 udgment 57.13
inspiration 54.5 ron (metal) 19.2 udiciary 37.6
install 2.3 ron (v) 30.9 ug 24.18
installation 2.3 roning board 30.9 uice 75.3
instalment 84.9 ronmonger 78.6 uicy 20.2
instant 13.9 ronmonger's (shop) 78.3 uly9.3
instantly 13.9 rony 47.14 umble 29.3
instep 64.1 rregular (in grammar) 96.26 ump 5.11
institute 37.3 rregular (shape) 1.6 umpiness 47.1
institution 37.3 rritated 47 22 umpy 47.1
instrument (in music) 82.10 rritation 47.22 unction (on motorway) 7.9
insult 43.8 Islam 38.10 unction (road) 7.8
insurance broker 39 12 isolated 35.11 une9.3
insurance claim 39.12 issue 41.9 unior 57.12
261
English-French index
knight 81.7 launderette 78.7
junkie 68.6
knit 83.6 laundering 30.9
Jupiter 22.14
knitted 25.5 laundry 78.7
juror 37.11
justice 43.14 knitting 83.6 law (act) 37.5
knitting needle 83.6 law (system of justice) 43.14
juvenile 33.9
knock 67.2 lawfully 37.5
kangaroo 14.2 know 53.0 lawn 80.1
koala (bear) 14.2 lawn bowling 81.24
kaolin 26.3
kaput 67.4 Koran 38.15 lawnmower 80.1
lawyer 37.10
keen (general term) 45.13
47 4 lab (for photography) 83.4 lay (an egg) 16.7
keen (to learn)
label 55.14 lay (have sex with) 64.17
keenness 45.13
labour 33.2 lay (secular) 38.18
keep (preserve) 41.11
keep (retain) 63.8 labour force 76.1 lay down 68.3
labour pain 66.5 layer 31.3
keep quiet 63.2
lace 26.2 layoff 76.2
keeper 63.9
lack (n) 87.2 lay-off 76.2
kernel 70.9
lack (v) 91.3 lay person 38.18
key (general term) 31.2
ladder (in hosiery) 91.8 laze around 44.3
key (ignition) 7.4.
ladder (steps) 27.6 laziness 44.3
key (piano) 82.10
lake 22.5 lazy 44.3
key ring 5.4
lamb (animal) 14.1 lazybones 44.3
key signature 82.14
computer) 77.2 lamb (meat) 72.5 lead (be ahead of) 57.8
keyboard (of a
musical instrument) 82.10 lamb (term of endearment) 45.8 lead (direct) 37.1
keyboard (a
lamp 21.5 lead (electrical) 27.7
kickoff 11.1
lampshade 24.16 lead (metal) 19.2
kid 14.1
lance corporal 39.2 leader 37.2
kidnap 43.26
land (estate) 80.3 lead-free 7.7
kidnapper 43.26
land (in farming) 79.7 lead pencil 59.21
kidnapping 43.26
landed estate 22.11 leaf 18.3
kidney (food) 72.7
landing 5.14 leaflet 97.3
kidney (in anatomy) 62.17
67.5-67.6 landing gear 8.12 leaf through 63.2
kill
landlord, landlady 24.9 lean (adj) 72.6
killer 67.6
landlubber 8.6 lean (v) 62.4
kiln 26.3
lane (in stadium) 81.13 lean-to 24.5
kilo 58.25
lane (on motorway) 7.9 leap 5.11
kilogram 58.25
language (educational subject) 59.1 learn 59.1
kilometre 3.5
55.2 language (human faculty) 96.24 learned 59.12
kind (in classification)
lapel 25.2 learner 59.1
kind (nice) 43.15
lap up 75.7 learning 59.1
kindness 43.15
larch 18.11 lease 84.7
king (in chess) 81.7
lard 72.8 leather 26.2
king (monarch) 36.11
large 58.1 leave (behind) 64.6
king (on playing cards) 81.6
larva 16.3 leave (depart) 4.2
kingfisher 16.6
last (adj) .2 ledger 84.15
kiss 45.12 1 1
late (deceased) 67.4 leek 70.13
kit 27.5
late (delayed) 13.2 leer at 63.4
kitchen 24.17
late (in life) 13.2 left (direction) 3.2
kitten 15.2
latecomer 13.2 leg (in anatomy) 64.1
kiwi fruit 70.5
lately 11.2 leg (of animal) 14.6
knackered 64.10
latest 11.2 leg of lamb 72.6
knead 63.22
latex 26.3 leg of mutton 72.6
knee 64.1
Latin 59.8 legal 37.5
kneecap 62.16
laugh 47.9 legal consultant 40.8
knee-high stocking 25.6
laughable 57.2 legal profession 37.10
kneel 62.13
laughter 47.9-47.10 legible 96.33
kneeling 62.13
launch (boat) 8.7 legislate 37.5
knickers 25.6
knife 24.19 launder 30.9 leguminous 70.10
1
262 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
leisure 81.1 limp (not firm) 62.23 look (appearance) 88.9
lemon 70.3 limp (v) 5.6 look (scrutinize) 63.1, 63.3
lemonade 75.3 line (drawing) 1.5 look after (maintain) 30.4
lemon sole 17.3 line (of a poem) 59.18 look after (watch over) 63.8
lend 84.4 line (railway) 8.18 looking after 63.7
length 58.13 line (v: border) 2.1 look through 63.2
leniency 43.17 linen 26.2 loose cover 31.4
lenient 43.17 liner 8.8 loot 43.26
lens 83.4 linesman 81.11 looting 43.26
lentil 70.13 linger 5.6 Lord Chancellor 36.3
Leo 38.19 lion 14.2 lorry 7.12
leopard 14.2 lion cub 14.2 lose weight 62.9
leotard 25.8 lioness 14.2 loss 84.8
lesbian 64.22 lip 64.1 lot of 58.3
lesson 59.1 lipstick 25.14 lottery 81.8
lethal 67.10 liquid 20.2 loud 63.19
let off 43.18 lira 84.13 loudhailer 63.18
letter (of the alphabet) 59.14, 56.28 lisp 96.6 loudspeaker 63.18
letter (written communication) 97.2 listener 63.14 lout 43.7, 48.5
letterbox 24.10 listen to 63.14 love 45.3, 45.6-^5.8
letterhead 97.3 lit 21.4 love (lovemaking) 64.17
lettuce 70.14 literary 59.18 lover 45.7
level 24.12 literature 59.18 love story 45.6
level crossing 7.8 lithe 44.6 loving 45.6
level out 63.29 litheness 44.6 lower 58.12
liar 88.3 litre 58.37 lower case 96.28
liberation 37.12 litter 32.5 loyal 45.11
Libra 38.19 little 58.4 loyalty 45.11
librarian 59.20 live (be alive) 87.1 lozenge 68.2
library 59.20 live (reside) 24.7 luck 94.1
license plate 7.2 lively 53.4 luggage 6.3
lid 31.4 liver (food) 72.7 luggage rack 5.4
lie (falsehood) 88.3 liver (in anatomy) 62.17 lukewarm (indifferent) 45.14
lie down 62.12 livestock 79.8 lukewarm (not hot) 23.8
lieutenant 39.2, 39.4 living room 24.16 lump (shape)1.6
lieutenant colonel 39.2 lizard 16.1 lumpy 63.27
lieutenant commander 39.4 load (in computing) 98.2 lunch 74.4
life 87.1 load (weight) 58.25 lung 62.17
life assurance/insurance 39.12 loads of 58.3 luxurious 45.1
lift 5.14 loafer 44.3 luxury hotel 24.24
light (adj: clear) 63.13 lobby 24.13 lychee 70.5
light (adj: not heavy) 58.24 lobe of the ear 64.1 lying down 62.12
light (n) 21.2, 21.3, 21.5 lobster 72.12 lyrics 59.18
light (v) 20.8 lobster farm 17.4
light up 21.3 local (near) 3.6 machine (general term) 28.1
lighter 68.5 lock 31.1 machine gun 39.5
lightning 23.6 locker 32.2 machine tool 28.1
like (v) 45.3 locomotive 8.17 machining 28.1
liked 45.5 lodge 24.2 macho 35.6
likely 88.7 logical 66.13 mad 66.10
lily 18.6 loiter 5.6 madam 17.3
lily-of-the-valley 18.6 lollipop 73.8 made up of 91.4
limb 64.1 loneliness 35.1 madman 66.10
lime (fruit) 70.3 lonely 35.11 madness 66.9-66.10
lime (substance) 26.3 loner 48.5 madwoman 66.10
limit 91.2 long 58.13 maestro 37.2
limited 91.2 long Johns 25.6 magazine 82.1
limp (n) 66.3 long-haul 8.11 maggot 16.3
1 1 1
English-French index 263
magic 88.10 marriage (general term) 38.4 melon 70.2
magician 88.10 marriage (related by) 34.4 member (of a committee) 37.4
magic trick 88.10 marriage contract 38.4 member (participant) 59.11
magic wand 88.10 marrow 70.13 memory (faculty) 64.5-64.6
magnificent 49.1 Mars 22.14 memory (in computing) 98.1
magnifying glass 63.10 marsh 22.5 mental 62.19
mail 97.2 Marshal of the RAF 39.3 mental health 62.19
main course 74.6 martial 39.1 mentally 62.19
main road 7.10 marvel 57.6 mentally ill 66.10
maisonette 24.2 marvellous 57.5 mention (v) 96.3
Majesty 36.9 mascara 25.14 menu (in a restaurant) 74.8
major (army officer) 39.2 masculine (in grammar) 96.26 menu (in computing) 98.3
majority 58.3 masculine (male) 35.6 mercilessly 43.17
make 27.8 masculinity 35.6 Mercury 22.14
makeshift (job) 27.4 mask 88.6 mercury 19.2
make-up 25.14 mask(ing) card 88.6 merry-go-round 81.3
Malagasy 96.25 mass 38.14 mesmerizing 53.4
male 35.6 massage 63.22 mess (bad piece of work) 44.4
malingering 87.5 masses of 58.3 mess (hopeless situation) 51.6
malnutrition 74.13 mast 8.2 31 message 96.8
mammal 14.4 master (of ship) 8.9 messenger 96.8
man 35.6 master (painter, of a household) 37.2 mess up 52.1
manage (be in charge of 37.1 ) masterpiece 57.6 metal 19.2
manage (succeed) 52.7, 92.2 match (in games) 81.4 metallurgist 19.2
management (people in charge) 76.5 match (in sport) 81.12 metallurgy 19.2
manager 37.2 mate 45.9 metamorphosis 16.3
manageress 37.2 material (substance) 26.3 meteor 22.14
mandarin 70.3 material (textile) 26.1 meteorology 23.1
maneuver 5.1 maternity hospital 65.2 meter 7.4
mango 70.5 maternity leave 76.3 method 56.2
manicure 69.6 mathematics 58.16 methodical 29.1
manicure kit 32.2 maths 59.8 metro 7.12
mankind 35.6 mauve 63.12 me(o) w 14.7, 14.8
manoeuvre 5.1 mawkishness 42.3 miaow 14.8
manor house 24.4 maximum 58.3 microwave (oven) 24.17
mantlepiece 24.16 May 9.3 midday 9.7
manufacturer 27.9 maze 51.6 middle 2.2
manufacturing 27.9 meadow 79.2 middle class 36.2
manure 79.7 meagre 62.6 midnight 9.7
many 58.3 meal 74.4 migraine 66.2
map 22.2 mean 96.31 mike 63.18
marble (substance) 26.3 meaning 96.31 military 39.1
marble (toy) 81.5 measure 58.14 milk (n) 72.2
March 9.3 measurement 58.14 milk (v) 79.8
march (v) 5.6 meat 72.4 Milky Way 22.14
marchioness 36.11 meat jelly 73.6 milky 72.2
Mardi Gras 9.5 mechanic 28.1 milligram 58.25
mare 14.1 mechanism 28.1 millilitre 58.37
margarine 72.3 medal 52.12 mince 91.13
marigold 18.2 media 82.1 mind 62.19
mark (currency) 84.13 median strip 7.8 mineral 22.4
mark (v: stain) 30.3 medical 65.1 miniature 58.5
marker buoy 8.3 medicinal herb 18.5 mini hi-fi 82.15
market 84.10 medicine 68.1 minimum 58.7
market garden 79.2 medium-haul 8.1 minion 57.12
market price 84.10 meek 43.1 minister 38.13
market value 84.10 megaphone 63.18 Minister for Finance 36.3
marquess 36.11 melodic 82.8 minor 57.11
264 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
mint (herb) 73.3 moo (v) 14.7 move forward 5.6
minute (time) 9.8 mooch around 44.3 move in 24.7
mirror (general term) 24.21 mood (humour) 42.2, 47.8 movement 5.0
mirror (in car) 7.3 mood (in grammar) 96.26 mow 80.1
misanthropist 35.10 moon 22.14 much 58.3
misappropriation of funds 43.22 moonlight 21.1 muddy 30.2
miscarriage of justice 60.1 mooring buoy 8.3 muffle 63.21
misleading 88 3 mooring line 8.2 mugging 43.26
misprint 60.1 moorings 8.3 mule 14.1
missing 91.3 mop 30.6 mullah 38.13
mist 23.5 moped 7.12 multimedia 77.2
mistake (due to carelessness) 44.4 mop up (with a sponge) 30.5 multiple 58.9
mistake (general term) 37.15, 60.1, moral 43.1 multiplication 58.17
60.3 morality 43.1 multiply 58.17
mistakenly 60.1 morally 43.1 multiply (increase) 58.9-58.10
mistress (head of household) 37.2 moral sense 43.1 mum(my) 34.1
mistress (lover) 45.7 moron 66.12 municipal 36.1
misty 23.5 mortal 67.10 municipality 36.1
misunderstanding 60.1 mortar 39.5 murder 67.6
mixer tap 24.22 mortgage 84.4 murderer 67.6
mixture 68.2 moses basket 33.5 murderess 67.6
mix-up 51.6 mosque 38.13 muscle 62.15
moan (expression of pain) 96.15 mosquito 16.3 muscular 62.15
moan (grumble) 96.10 mosquito net 16.3 museum 41.4
mockery 47.14 motel 24.24 mushroom (expand) 58.11
model 58.5 moth 16.3 mushroom (vegetable) 70.13
model appartment 41 .4 mother 34.1 music 82.6-82.7
model house 41.4 mother-in-law 34.4 music lover 45.4
modem 77.2 motor 8.12 music theory 82.14
modern 12.3 motorbike 7.12 music theory book 82.14
modernize 12.3 motorcycle 7.12 musical (adj) 82.6
modest 43.11 motorist 7.5 musical (n) 82.12
modesty 43.11 motorized bicycle 7.12 musician 82.6
modification 89.2 motorway 7.9 Muslim 38.10
modify 89.2 motorway exit 7.9 mussel 17.3
Mohammed 38.12 motorway junction 7.9 mustard 73.6
moisten 20.3 motorway sliproad 7.9 mute 66.3
mole 15.5 mould 26.3 mutton 72.5
moment 9.8, 9.10 mountain 22.3 muzzle 14.6
mom(my) 34.1 mountain bike 7.12 mystery 88.5
monarch 36.9 mourn 38 5
monarchy 36.9 mourning 38.5 nail 27.5
monastery 38.13 mourning (clothes) 38.5 nailbrush 69.6
Monday 9.2 mouse 15.5 nail care 69.6
money 84.12 mouse (computer) 77.2 nail clippers 69.6
money box 84.14 moustache 64.1 nail file 69.6
money changer 84.13 mouth 64.1 nail scissors 69.6
money supply 84.12 mouth (of river) 22.8 naive 33.10, 88.1
monitor (computer) 77.2 mouth-to-mouth 68.4 naively 33.10
monitor (supervisor) 63.9 mouthwash 69.4 naivety 88.1
monk 38.13 move (change one's residence) 24.7 name 55.12, 55.14
monkey 14.2 move (general term) 62.23 nanny goat 14.1
monotonous 10.2 move (n: in a game) 81.7 nap 64.9
monotony 10.2 move (stir the emotions) 42.4 napkin 24.19
monster 45.18 move apart (separate) 27.3 nappy 33 5
month 9 3 move away 3.7 narcotic (drug) 68.6
monthly 9.3 move closer 3.6 narrow 58.13
moo (n) 14.8 moved 42.3 narrower, to become 58 6
5 1
English-French index 265
nasty 57.10 next day 9.2 nut (food) 70.9
nation 22.2 nibble at 74.11 nut (for tightening) 27.5
national 22.2 nick (prison) 37.9 nutcracker 70.9
nationality 22.2 nick (steal) 43.25 nutmeg 73.3
natural (logical) 66.13 nickname (n) 55.14 nuts (mad) 66.12
nctural (normal) 95.1 nickname (v) 55.13 nutshell 70.9
nature 42.1 nice 43.1 nylon 26.2
naughty 57.10 niece 34.5
nausea 45.21 night watchman 63.9 oak 18.10
nauseating 45.21 nightie 25.7 oats 79.6
nauseous 45.21 nightingale 16.6 obedience 37.17
naval 8.1 nightmare 64.11 obedient 43.2
navel 64.1 nightwear 25.7 obese 62.1
navy 39.4 nimble 44.6 obey 37.17, 43.2
near 3.6 nipple 64.1 obituary 38.5
neat (careful) 44.2 nirvana 47.3 object (in grammar) 96.26
neat (tidy) 29.2, 30.1 nobility (aristocracy) 36.12 object (thing) 55.1
neatly (carefully) 44.2 nobility (of mind) 36.12 obligation 93.1
necessary 93.1 noble 36.12 obliging 46.1
necessity 93.1 nobleman, noblewoman 36.12 obnoxious 57.10
neck 64.1 nod (indicate) 41.1 oboe 82.10
necklace 25 13 nod (salute) 45.12 oboist 82.10
nectarine 70.2 nod (say yes) 62.22 obscure 52.3
need (v) 93.1 noise 63.15, 63.16, 63.17 observe 63.3
needle 83.6 noisily 63.16 obstacle 51.9-51.11
needlework 83.6 noisy 63.16 obvious (evident) 41.6, 88.9
needy 84.19 non-commissioned officer 39.1 obvious (visible) 63.1
negation 96.26 non-metalled 7.10 obviously 41.6
negative (in grammar) 96.26 nonsense! 57.2 occult 88.12
negative (in photography) 83.4 noodle 71.3 ocean 22.5
negotiation 40 normal 95.1 octave 82.14
neigh 14.7 normally 95.1 October 9.3
neighbourhood 3.6 north 3.3 octopus 17.2
neighbouring 3.6 north wind 23.4 odd (in arithmetic) 58.20
nephew 34.5 Norwegian 96.25 odd (strange) 95.2
Neptune 22.14 nose 64.1 of course 40.5
nerve (cheekiness) 43.9 nose (of animal) 14.6 offal 72.4
nerve (in anatomy) 62.15 nosiness 47.4 off-colour 66.8
nervous (fearful) 45.24 nostril 64.1 offence 37.7
nervous (jumpy) 47.1 nosy 47.4 offer (n) 84.7
nervous (pertaining to the nerves) note 82.14 offer (v) 41.8
62.15 notebook 59.21 office 77.1
nest 16.5 notice (v) 63.5 office work 77
net 72.11 noun 96.26 office worker 77.4
net curtain 24.16 novel (story) 59.15 off-licence 78.2
network (of roads) 7.8 November 9.3 off-line 98.2
network (v: in computing) 98.4 now 9.10 off-putting 45.21
networking 98.4 nowadays 9.10 offspring 34.6
neurosis 66.11 noxious 57.10 often 10.1
neurotic 66.11 nuclear power 28.3 ogle 63.4
never 9.5 nucleus 62.15 oil (for food preparation) 72.3
New Testament 38.15 number (in arithmetic) 58.20 oil (fossil fuel) 28.3
New Year 9.5 number (in grammar) 96.26 ointment 68.2
new 12.1 number (telephone) 98.4 Old Testament 38. 15
news 12.3, 96.8 number plate 7.2 old 33.6
newsagent's 78.3 numismatics 84.12 old age 33.6
newspaper 82.1 nun 38.13 old hat 12.4
next 9.10 nurse 65.2 old maid 35.10
1 1 1 1 1
266 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
old-fashioned 12.4 otter 15.5 paintbrush (in art) 83.2
olive grove 18.9 Our Father 38.14 paintbrush (in decorating) 27.6
omission 64.6 outboard motor 8.7 painter (artist) 83.1
omit 91.5 outburst (of anger) 47.22-47.23 painter (decorator) 27.6
omnivore 14.4 outdoors 24.11 painting (and decorating) 27.6
omnivorous 14.4 outing 6.2 painting (in art) 83.1
on-line 98.2 outlaw 37.14 painting (picture) 83.3
one-eyed 66.3 out of breath 64.4 pair 29.4
onion 70.13 out of control 47.2 pal 45.9
only child 35.10 out of date 12.4 pale 63.13
ooze 20.4 out of one's mind 66.1 palette 83.2
opal 19.1 output 86.1 pallbearer 38.5
open (accessible) 45.1 outside 2.2 palm 64.1
open (general term) 31.2 outstanding 57.5 Palm Sunday 9.5
open (not covered) 31.5 outward show 88.9 palpate 63.22
open government 43.20 ovary 62.17 pancake 74.3
opening 31.2 ovation 45.15 pancreas 62.17
open-mouthed 47.7 oven 24.17 panda 14.2
opera 82.11 overall 25.4 pang (of sadness) 47.18
opera singer 82.11 overcast 23.1 panic 45.23
operate on 65.3 overcoat 25.4 pansy 18.2
operating table 65.3 overdo 96.19 pant 64.4
operating theatre/room 65.3 overdraft 84.2 panther 14.2
operation 65.3 overfill 90.3 panties 25.6
operator 98.4 overflow (v) 20.4 panty-liner 69.7
operator (on switchboard) 77.4 overfull 90.3 paper (document) 97.4
opinion 96.1 overheads 76.3 paper (newspaper) 82.1
opponent 39.8 overleaf 59.14 paper (substance) 26.3
opportunity 87.3 overnight bag 6.3 paper clip 31.7
opposite 55.7 overripe 70.8 paper pulp 26.3
oppressive 64.4 overseer 63.9 papyrus 26.3
oral 59.10 overtake 7.6 paragraph 96.30
orange (colour) 63.12 overtime (sport) 13.6 parallel (adj: in geometry) 1.5
orange (fruit) 70.3 overtime (work) 76.4 parallel (n: in geography) 22.2
orchard 79.2 overture 82.13 parallel line 1.5
orchestra 82.9 overweight 62.1, 62.2 paramedic 65.2
order 56.1 overwork 76.7 paranoia 66.11
orderly 29.1 owe 84.4 paranoid 66.11
ordinary 95.1 owl 16.6 parcel 97.2
ordinary seaman 39.4 own 41.15 pardon (n) 43.17
ore 22.4 owner 41 15 pardon (v) 43.18
organ (in anatomy) 62.15 ownership 41.15 parent 34.1
organ (in music) 82.10 own up to 40.7 park (recreation area) 81.3
organization 37.3 oxygen 20.1 park (v) 7.5-7.6
organist 82.10 oyster 72.12 parking meter 7.1
organized 29.1 ozone layer 20.10 Parliamentary 36.4
organizing 37.3 parquet floor 24.15
orgasm 64.18 pacifier (for babies) 33.5 parrot 15.4
orifice 31.6 package (in computing) 98.3 parsley 73.3
original (out of the ordinary) 12.2 package (parcel) 97.2 parsnip 70.12
originality 12.2 packaging 31.4 part (in a play, film) 82.4
orphan 35.10 packet 32.2 part (piece) 91.3
orthodox 38.11 padlock 31.1 partial to 45.3
ostracize 91.5 page 59.14 participle 96.26
ostrich 16.5 pain 66.5 particular 55.1
other 55.7 painful 66.5 particularly 55.10
other (one) 55.7 paint (in art) 83.1-83.2 partner 45.7
other person 55.7 paint (in decorating) 27.6 partnership 84.5
1
English-French index 267
part of speech 96.26 pencil case 59.7 photography 83.4
party (celebration) 38.2 penholder 5.4 physical 62.19
party (political) 36.5 penis 64.1 physically 62.19
pass (in a car) 7.6 pen-name 55.14 physics 59.8
pass (season ticket) 6.1 pension 4.2 pianist 82.10
passage 24.13 pensioner 33.7 piano 82.10
pass away 67.3 Pentecost 9.5 pick (n) 80.2
passenger 6.2, 8.6 people 22.2 pick (v) 79.5
passion 50.1 pepper (seasoning) 73.3 picking 79.5
passion fruit 70.5 pepper (vegetable) 70.13 pickled 73.6
passive 52.6 pepper mill 24.18 pick out 63.18
pass out 66.5 pepper (shaker) 24.18 pickpocket 43.24
passport 97.4 pepperpot 24.18 pick up 45.7
past (bygone times) 9.9 perch 16.7 picnic 74.7
past historic 96.26 percussion (section of an orchestra) picnic area 7.9
pasta 71.3 82.10 pie 71.3
paste (for wallpaper ) 27.6 percussionist 82.10 piece (of music) 82.13
pastel 83.2-83.3 perfect (tense) 96.26 piece (portion) 91.3
pastiche 89.4 perfect (the very best) 57.3 pierce 31.6
pastime 64.14, 81.1 perfection 57.3 pierced 31.6
pastry 71.3 perfectly 57.3 pig 14.1
pasture (for grazing) 79.2 performer 96.13 pigeon 16.5
path 58.13 perfume 25.14 pigeon-toed 5.6
pathetic 57.10 perish 67.3 piggy bank 84.14
pattern (in sewing) 83.6 permission 37.13 piglet 14.1
pattern (shape) 1 .4 permit 97.4 pigsty 79.3
pavement 7.11 Persian 96.25 pillow 24.2
paw (be overfamiliar) 63.22 persist 96.19 pilot (on a ship) 8.9
paw (of animal) 14.6 person (human being) 35.1 pilot (in an aeroplane) 8.15
pawn 81.7 person (in grammar) 96.26 pilot officer 39.3
pay 84.9 personality 42.1 pimple 64.3
pay back 84.4 person in charge 37.2 pin (n: for fastening) 31.7
paying 84.9 perspective 83.3 pin (v: attach) 27.1
payment 84.9 persuade 40.6 pincers 27.5
PC (computer) 77.2 persuasion 40.6 pinch 43.25
pea 70.11 peseta 84.13 pincushion 83.6
peace (absence of war) 39.12 pet (animal) 15.1,48.4 pine 18.11
peace (quiet) 47.3, 63.20 pet (term of endearment) 45.8 pine grove 18.9
peaceful 47.3 petrol 7.7 pineapple 70.5
peacefully 47.3 petrol gauge 7.4 pink 63.12
peach 70.2 petrol pump 7.7 pious 38.16
peach tree 18.12 petrol station 7.7 pip 70.7
peacock 16.5 petrol tank 7.7 pipe (in plumbing) 27.7
peak 22.3 petticoat 25.6 pipe (smoker's) 68.5
peanut 70.9 petty officer 39.4 pirate 89.4
pear 70.2 pew 38.13 Pisces 38.19
pear tree 18.12 pewter 19.2 pistachio 70.9
pearl 19.1 pharmacist 68.2 pitch 81.13
pebble 22.4 pharmacy 68.2 pitfall 51.9
pecan nut 70.9 phase (in time) 9.9 pith 70.7
peck at 16.7 phobia 66.11 pitiless 40.3
pedal (in a car) 7.3 phone (n & v) 98.4 pitilessly 43.17
pedal (on a piano) 82.10 photo 83.4 pity 43.16
pedestrian 7.11 photocopier 77.2 place (general term) 6.2, 22.1
peel 74.2 photocopy 77.2 placenta 33.2
peer (n) 55.4 photogenic 83.4 plagiarism 89.4
pelvis 62.16 photograph 83.4 plagiarist 89.4
penalty area 81.10 photographer 83.4 plain (adj) 43.5
268 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
plain (n) 22.10 points (railway) 8.18 portly 62.1
plaintiff 37.11 points operator 8.21 portrait 83.3
plan 51.2 poison 67.7 Portuguese 96.25
plane (in geometry) 63.29 poke (around) 47.4 pose 83.1
planet 22.14 polar bear 14.2 position (circumstances) 87.4
plane tree 18.10 polecat 15.5 position (n & v: place) 2.2-2.3
planning permission 27.10 police custody 37.8 position (posture) 62.10
plant (n) 18.1 policeman 37.8 positive 92.6
plant (v) 80.1 police officer 37.8 possibility 92.0
plaque 65.4 police raid 37.8 possible 92.1
plaster (bandage) 68.4 policewoman 37.8 possibly 92.1
plaster (material) 26.3 policy 36.3 post (mail) 97.2
plasterboard 26.3 policyholder 39.12 post (v) 97.2
plastic bag 32.2 Polish 96.25 postage 97.2
plastics 26.3 polish (for furniture) 30.7 postal 97.2
plateau 22.10 polite 43.6 postcard 97.2
platform (railway station) 8.19 politeness 43.6 postcode 97.2
play (at cards) 82.6 political 36.3 postman 97.2
play (have fun) 47.12, 81.4 politically 36.3 postmark 97.2
play (in sport) 81.10 politician 36.3 post office 97.2
play area 81.3 politics 36.3 postpone 13.6
player 81.4 polka-dot 1.4 posture 62.10
playhouse 82.2 poll 96.12 postwoman 97.2
playwright 82.2 polls 36.4 pot (container) 83.5
pleasant 57.4 pollute 30.3 pot (drug) 68.6
pleased 47.8 pollution 30.3 potato 70.12
pleasure 47.15 polyester 26.2 potato sack 32.2
plenary 91.1 polymer 26.3 pot-belly 62.2
plenty 58.3 polymerize 26.4 potted plant 18.4
Plexiglas 26.3 polystyrene 26.3 potter 83.5
pliers 27.5 pompous 43.4 potter's clay 83.5
plot 59.15 pond 22.5 potter's wheel 83.5
Plough 22.14 pondering 54.3 pottery 83.5
plough (n) 79.4 pony-trekking 81.20 poultry 72.4, 72.9
plough (v) 79.1 poodle 15.3 pound (sterling) 84.13
plug (for the bath) 24.22 poor (mediocre) 95.1 pound (v: hit) 67.1
plug (on an appliance) 27.7 poor (short of money) 84.19 pound (weight) 58.25
plum 70.2 poor (unfavourable) 57.10 pour 20.4
plumber 24.6 pop music 82.7 pout out 90.4
plumbing 27.7 pope 38.13 poverty 84.19
plum tree 18.12 poplar 18.10 poverty-stricken 84.19
plunge 5.13 poppy 18.2 powder 39.5
pluperfect (tense) 96.26 popular 45.5 power 37.1
plural 96.26 populate 22.2 powerful (influential) 37.2
plus 58.17 porch 38.13 powerful (robust) 48.1
Pluto 22.14 porcupine 15.5 powerless 48.3
ply (of a ship) 8.3 pore 64.3 practical joke 47.13
plywood 26.3 pork 72.5 practise 46.6
poach 74.1 pork butcher 78.6 praise 45.15
pocket 25.2 pork butcher's shop 78.2 praiseworthy 45.15
pocket watch 9.8 porn 64.16 pram 33.5
poem 59.18 pornographic 64.16 pray 38.14
poetic 59.18 portal 38.13 prayer 38.14
poetry 59.18 porter (caretaker) 24.9 prayer book 38.14
point (of the compass) 3.3 porter (in a railway station) 8.21 prayer stool 38.13
point at 41.1, 62.22 portfolio 32.2 preach 38.14
pointless 32.4 porthole 8.2 preacher 38.14
point of view 57.13 portion 74.5 precious 85.1
1
English-French index 269
precious stone 19.1 procrastinate 13.6 psychological 66.10
precision 55.10 procrastination 13.6 psychologist 66.10
prediction 53.3 procreate 64.17 psychosis 66.11
preeminence 57.8 produce 27.8 psychotic 66.11
prefer 56.3 product 27.9 P.T.O. 59.14
pregnancy 33.2 productivity 79.7, 86.1 pubescent 35.2
pregnant 33.2 profanity 96.21 pubic hair 64.1
prejudice 43.13 professional 59.3 publication 59.19
prematurely 13.1 professor 59.9 public opinion 96.12
prepare (cook) 74.1 profit 84.8 publish 59.19
prepare (general term) 13.4 profitable 84.8, 86.1 publisher 59.19
preposition 96.26 programme (broadcast) 82.3 publishing house 59.19
prescription 65.1 programme (brochure) 82.2 pudding 74.6
presence 87.1 programme (software) 98.3 pull 5.3
present (gift) 41.8 progress 89.3 pull (out of shape) 1.7
present (tense) 96.26 prohibition 37.14 pulpit 38.13
present (time) 9.9 project 51.2 pulse 68.4
presentation box 32.2 projectile 5.5 pump (for petrol) 7.7
preservation 39.12 proletariat 36.7 pump (machine) 28.2
preserve 39.12, 73.6 promise 40.9 pumpkin 70.13
preserving jar 32.2 pronominal 96.26 pun 47.13
press (lean on) 63.22 pronoun 96.26 punctual 13.3
press (machine) 28.2 pronounce 96.6 punctuation 96.29
press (media) 82.1 pronounced 96.6 puncture 7.5
pressure cooker 24.17 pronunciation 96.27 punish 37.1
pretence (deception) 88.9 propaganda 36.5 Punjabi 96.25
pretence (showing off) 43.10 propel 5.5 puny 48.3, 66.8
pretend (to be sb) 89.5 propeller 8.12 pupa 16.3
pretend (to do sthg) 88.8 property 41.15 pupil (at school) 59.1
pretty 49.1 prophecy 38.12 pupil (of the eye) 64.1
prevail upon 66.13 prophet 38.12 puppet 88.8
price (cost) 84.11 prophetic 38.12 puppy 15.3
price (worth) 85.1 proposal 40.8 purchase 84.9
pride 43.12 propose to 51.1 purchase price 84.9
pride of place 54.4 proposition 41.8 purchasing power 84.9
priest 38.13 prose 59.18 pure 43.1
priesthood 38.13 prosecute 37.11 purgatory 38.17
primary 59.1 prosecution 37.1 purity 43.1
Prime Minister 36.3 prose style 59.18 purple 63.12
prince 36.11 prostitute 64.20 purr 14.7
princess 36.11 prostitution 64.20 purse (bag) 25.12
principle 43.1 prostrate 47.19 purse (for money) 84.14
principled 43.20 prostration 47.19 purse-snatching 43.24
printed matter 97.3 protect 39.13 pursue 5.9
printer (machine) 77.2 protection 39.13 pursuer 5.10
printer (person) 59.19 protector 39.13 push (encourage) 46.6
printout 98.2 protectorate 39.13 push (propel) 5.3
prison 37.9 protest 96.15 pushchair 33.5
prisoner 37.9 Protestant 38.11 pussycat 15.2
private (soldier) 39.2-39.3 protractor 58.19 put (general term) 2.3
prize 52.12 proud 43.12 put down (kill) 67.9
proactive 52.5 prove 41.1 put down (place lower) 2.3
probability 92 proven 88.2 put off 13.6
probable 92.4 provide 41.9 put on (bluff) 43.10
probably 92.4 provincial 22.11 put on (a brake) 7.6
problem 51.6 prune (fruit) 70.6 put on (gain) 62.5
procedure 56.2 prune (v: in gardening) 80.1 put on (stage) 82.2
process 56.2 psalm 38.14 put on (wear) 25.3
9
270 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
put out (extinguish) 20.9 railway guard 8.21 receptionist 77.4
put together (bring together) 35.9 railway line 8.18 recession 86.3
put together (build) 27.1 railwayman 8.21 recital 82.12
put to sleep 67.9 railway signal 8.18 recite 96.5
putty 90.2 railway staff 8.21 recommend 40.8
put up (accommodate) 24.8 railway station 8.19 recommendation 40.8
put up with 37.17 railway track 8. 1 8-8. 1 record 82.15
pyjamas 25.7 rain (n) 23.3 recording 82.15
pyramid 1.3 rain (v) 23.2 record player 82.15
pyramid-shaped 1.3 rainbow 23.6 record rack 32.2
raincoat 25.4 recovery position 68.3
raindrop 23.3 rectangle 1.2
quack 14.7
rainfall 23.3 rectangular 1.2
quack quack 14.8
rainy 23.3 rectum 62.17
quadruplets 33.1
raise (one's voice) 63.19 recuperate 68.1
quaint 12.4
raisin 70.6 red (colour) 63.12
quality newspaper 96.12
rake 80.2 red (in politics) 36.6
quantity 58.7
ram 14.1 redcurrant 70.4
quarrel (n) 40.2
Ramadan 9.5 red-eyed 47.20
quarter (fraction) 58.18
random 56.4 red-haired 62.20
quarter (of the moon) 91 .3
ransom 43.26 redo 96.20
quartet 82.9
rant 47.24 reduce 58.12
queen (monarch) 36.11
rape 64.19 reef 17.2, 51.9
queen (on playing card) 81.7
rappelling 81.20 reel (of cotton) 83.6
queen of hearts 81.6
raspberry 70.4 referee 81.11
question 96.16
raspberry bush 18.12 reference 96.3
question mark 96.29
rat 15.5 reference book 59.17
question form 96.26
rate (of exchange) 84.13 referendum 36.4
queue 2.2
rather 56.3 refine 57.7
quick 13.7-13.9
ratings 82.3 refit (a ship) 8.5
quickly 13.7
rattle (baby's) 33.5 reflation 86.3
quick-witted 13.7
rattle (of football fan) 63.17 reflexive 96.26
quiet (adj) 47.3
raw 74.1 reform 89.2
quiet (n) 63.20-63.21
razor blade 69.5 refractory 26.3
quietly (calmly) 47.3
reach (arrive) 4.1 refreshment 74.7
quietly (silently) 63.20
reach (attain) 52.7 refrigerator 24.17
quintal 58.25
reactor 28.2 refuge 39.13
quote 96.5
read 59.14, 59.20 refugee 39.13
rabbi 38.13 read (aloud, laboriously) 96.6 refusal 40.4
rabbit 15.4 read (out) 96.5 refuse 40.4
race (ethnic group) 55.2 reader 59.20 reggae (music) 82.7
race (for horses) 81 .26 reading 59.14, 59.20 regicide 36.9
racism 43.13 reading age/level 59.20 region 22.11
racist 43.13 ready (for use) 32.1 register (n: at school) 59.7
racket 63.15 ready (general term) 13.4 register (n: in store) 78.5
radiator 24.23 ready-to-wear 13.4 register (v) 96.32
radio 82.3 real (true) 88.2, 88.7 registered trademark 84.5
radio-alarm 9.8 reality 88.7 registration document (of vehicle)
radio station 82.3 realize 53.2 97.4
radish 70.14 rear admiral 39.4 regulate 37.5
radius 1.2 rear mirror 7.3 regulation 37.5
rag (for cleaning) 30.7 reason (cause) 61.1 rehearsal 96.20
rag (newspaper) 82.1 reason (mental faculty) 66.13 rehearse 96.20
rage 47.22 reassure 39.12 reheat 23.8
rail (transport by) 8.16 rebellion 36.7 reign 36.9
railroad line 8.18 receipt 84.11 reject 39.9
railroadman 8.21 recent 13.5 relationship (between friends) 45.9
railway 8.21 recently 13.5 relationship (between lovers) 45.7
railway crossing 7.8 reception 38.4, 74.7 relative (family member) 34 6
English-French index 271
relax 64.13 responsible (serious-minded) 54.4 roar (shout) 96.14
relaxation 64.13 rest 64.13 roast 74.1
relaxing 64.13 restaurant 74.8 roast beef 72.5-76.6
release 37.12 result 61.3 robber 43.24
relevant 57.9 resuscitation 68.4 robe (nightwear) 25.7
reliability 44.1 retell 96.20 robin 16.5
reliable 44.1 retirement 4.2 robust 48.1
religion 38.9 retort (v) 96.17 rock 22.4
religious (believing) 38.6 reverse (v) 7.6 rock face 22.3
religious (non-secular) 38.9 revolt 36.7 rock 'n' roll 82.7
relish 74.11 revolution (rotation) 5.15 rocky 22.4
rely on 44.1 revolution (uprising) 36.8 rodent 14.4
remark 96.3 reward 52.12 rogue 43.23
remarkable 45.16 rewind 82.3 roll (of fat) 62.2
remember 64.5 rhinoceros 14.2 roll (of film) 83.4
remind 64.5 rhyme 96.27 roll (one's rs) 96.6
reminiscent of 55.5 rhythm 82.8 roll over 5.12
remorse 43.19 rib (cut of meat) 72.6 roller 80.2
remove 41.12 rib (in anatomy) 62.16 roller (for paint) 27.6
rendering (on brickwork) 24.10 ribbon 25.13 Romanian 96.25
rent (v) 24.9 rib cage 62.16 roof 24.10, 31.4
reopen 31.2 rich 84.18 roof contractor 24.6
repair (n: in car maintenance) 46.2 rickshaw 7.12 roof-rack 7.2
repair (n: in DIY) 27.4 ride 81.3 room 24.24
repair (v) 46.3 ride (on horseback) 81.20 roost 16.7
repatriate 6.4 ridicule 57.2 rooster 14.1
repay 84.4 ridiculous 57.2 root 18.3
repayment 84.3 riding breeches 81.25 root vegetable 70.12
repeat 96.20 rifleman 39.6 rope 31.7
repeat oneself 96.20 right (appropriate) 57.9 rosary 38.14
repent 43.19 right (correct) 92.6 rot 67.4
repetition 96.20 right (direction) 3.2 rotary press 28.2
replace 89.1 right (normal) 95.1 rotation 5.15
replica 89.4 right of access 38.4 rotten 70.8
report 96.9 rigid 40.3 rough (to the touch) 63.27
repossession 84.3 rind 70.7 roughly (speaking) 58.23
reprieve 43.18 ring (jewellery) 25.13 round (shape) 1.2
reproduce 89.4 ring (v) 63.17 roundabout 7.8
reproduction 89.4 ringing 63.17 route 6.2
reproductive system 62.18 rinse 30.5 routine 10.2-10.3
reptile 16.1 rinsing 30.5 row (line) 1.5, 29.4
repulsion 45.21 rip (out) 27.3 row (quarrel) 40.2
repulsive 45.21 rip off 43.22 rowboat 40.2
reputation 52.1 rip-off 43.22 rowing boat 8.7
repute 52.1 ripe 70.8 royal 36.9
request 96.16 ripen 70.8 rubber blade (on windshield) 7.3
required 93.1 ripple (move) 5.16 rubber (eraser) 59.21
reschedule 84.3 rise (go up) 5.14 rubber (material) 26.3
rescue 46.3 rise (n & v: increase) 58.9 rubbish 32.5
rescuer 39.12 rise (swell) 1.7 rubbish bin 32.2
reservoir 22.5 risk 39.11 rubbish chute 32.5
reside 24.7 risky 39.11 rubbish collection 32.5
residence 24.8 ritual 38.0 rubbish dump 32.5
resort 6.2 road (local) 7.10 rub out 59.21
respect 45.16 road (main) 7.10 ruby 19.1
respectable 57.3 roadblock 51.9 rucksack 32.2
responsibility 37.15 road sign 7.8 rudder 8.2
responsible (guilty) 37.15 roar (animal noise) 14.7 rude 43.7-43.8
272 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
rudely 43.8 salt and pepper 62.20 scheme 51.2
rudeness 43.7 salt cellar 24.18 schizophrenia 66.11
rug 24.16 salt mill 24.18 schizophrenic 66.11
ruin (financially) 84.19 salt shaker 24.18 school 37.3, 59.1
ruin (spoil) 91.10 salty 73.2 schoolbag 24.12
ruined 84.19 sample (n) 41.5 schoolchild 59.1
rule 37.5 sample (v) 51.4 school report 59.7
ruler 59.21 sample page 41.5 schoolteacher 59.9
rum 75.5 sand 22.7 science(s) 59.8
rumble strip 7.8 sandal 25.9 scissors 27.5
rumour 96.23 sandbank 22.7 scorching 23.8
run (flow) 20.4 sand dune 22.7 score 81.10
run (move fast) 5.7 sandpit 81.3 Scorpio 38.19
run (manage) 37.1, 37.4 sandy 22.7 scrap 39.7
run after 5.7 sanitary towel/napkin 69.7 scratch 91.8
run along 4.2 sanity 66.13 scrawl 96.33
run away 4.2, 5.2 sap 18.8 scrawny 62.8
runny 20.2 sapphire 19.1 scream 96.14
run off 4.2, 5.6 sarcasm 47.14 screech 96.14
run one's eye over 63.2 sardine 72.11 screen (of computer) 77.2
run over 91.9 Satan 38.12 screen (television) 82.2
runway 8.14 satin 26.2 screw (n) 27.5
rush 13.8 satisfaction 47.16 screw (v) 64.17
rush (up) 5.7 satisfy 47. 16 screwdriver 27.5
Russian 96.25 Saturday 9.2 scroll 98.2
rust 19.2 Saturn 22.14 scrub 30.5
rusty 19.2 sauce 73.5-73.6 scrubland 18.10
rye 79.6 saucepan 24.17 scruffy 44.4
saunter 5.6 sculpt 83.5
sabotage 91.10 sausage 72.8 sculpting 83.5
sacred 38.15 savage 48.5 sculptor 83.5
sad 47.17 savagely 48.5 sculpture 83.5
sadden 47.17 savagery 48.5 sea 22.5
saddlebags 62.2 save (in computing) 98.2 seafood 72.12
sadism 45.17 save (put money by) 84.2 seal 17.2
sadistic 45.17 save (retain) 41.11 sealed 31.1
sadly 96.15 savings 84.2 sea-lion 17.2
sadness 47.17 saviour 39.12 seam 83.6
safe 39.12 savoury 73.2 search engine 98.4
safety 39.12 savoury food 73.6 seasick 8.6
safety belt 7.3 saw(v: cutoff) 91.14 season 9.1
safety pin 33.5 saw (tool) 27.5 season (in cooking) 73.6
Sagittarius 38.19 saxophone 82.10 seasoning 73.6
sail 8.2 saxophonist 82.10 season ticket 6.1
sail boat 8.7 scale (in music) 82.14 seat (in a car) 7.3
sailing 8.3 scale (of a fish or snake) 14.6 seat (on a bus, on the underground) 62.12
sailing ship 8.7 scale (on a map) 58.14 seat (on a train, a plane) 8.20
sailor 8.9 scales (for weighing) 58.26 seaweed 22.7
saint 38.12 scallion 70.14 secateurs 80.2
saint's day 38.2 scan (look quickly) 63.2 second 9.8
salad 70.14 scan (ultra-sound) 33.3 secondary 59.1
sale 84.9 scandal 43.19 second floor 24.12
salesperson 84.9 scapegoat 37.18 second-hand 12.1
sales rep 84.7 scared 45.25 second home 24 1
saliva 64.2 scarf 25.11 secret 88.5
salmon 72.11 scatter 5.5 secret police 37.9
saloon (car) 7.5 scene 82.2 secretary (of a committee) 37.4
salt 73.3 scent 25.14 Secretary of the Interior 36 3
6
English-French index 273
Secretary of State 36.3 service (religious) 38.14 she-elephant 14.2
secretary (typist) 77.4 set 82.3 she-rat 15.5
section 91.3 settee 24. 1 she-wolf 14.2
sector (of education) 59.1 setting (at table) 24.19 shear 79.8
secular 38.18 settle 24.7 shears 80.2
secularism 38.18 settle in 24.7 shed 24.5
sedan 7.5 set up (in association with) 45.10 sheep (animal) 14.1, 79.8
see (be friends with) 45.7 set up (install) 2.3 sheep (person) 89.5
see (v: general term) 63.1 sew 83.6 sheepish 43.19
seed 18.3 sewer 32.5 sheers 24.16
seek 88.4 sewing 83.6 sheet 24.21
seem 88.9 sewing machine 83.6 shelf 24.16
seesaw 81.3 sex 64.15 shell (of animal) 14.6
segment (of fruit) 70.7 sexism 43.13 shell (weapon) 39.5
select (general term) 56.3 sexist 43.13 shell (v: in vegetable preparation) 74.2
select (in computing) 98.2 sexual 64.15 shellfish 72.12
selection 56.3 sexual abuse 64.19 shelter 39.13
self-centred 43.3 sexual act 64.17 shepherd 79.8
self-centredness 43.3 sexual intercourse 64.17 shepherdess 79.8
self-importance 43.12 sexual orientation 64.22 shift (group of people working
selfish 43.3 sexually 64.15 together) 35.8
selfishness 43.3 sexy 64.16 shift (period of time spent at work)
self-satisfaction 43.12 shade 21.1 76.4
self-satisfied 43.12 shadow 21.1 shift down 7.6
self-service shop 78.4 shake (hands) 45.12 shimmer 21.3
sell 84.9 shake (one's head) 40.4, 62.22 shimmering 21.4
sell-by date 70.8 shake (n) 5.3 shin 64.1
selling price 84.9 shake (shiver) 45.25 shin pad 39.14
sell off 84.9 shallot 70.13 shine 21.3-21.5
semblance 88.9 shallow 58.13 shiny 21.3
semester 59.1 shambles 29.3 ship 8.1, 8.7-8.8
semi-colon 96.29 shame 43.19 shipbuilder 8.5
send 97.2 shameful 43.19 shipbuilding 8.5
senile 66.12 shampoo 69.3 shipowner 8.5
seniority 33.6 shandy 75.2 shipping 8.3
senses 63 shanty town 24.1 shipping forecast 8.3
sensible 66.13 shape 1.1 shipping lane 8.3
sensitive 42.3 shape (state of health) 66.7 shipwreck 8.4
sensitiveness 42.3 shapeless 1.6 shipwrecked 8.4
sentence (in grammar) 96.26 shapely 62.7 shipyard 8.5
sentence (judicial) 37.11 share (distribute) 41.10 shirt 25.4
sentenced 37.11 share (investment) 84.8 shit 96.21
sentimental 42.3, 59.4 share-cropper 79.1 shoal (offish) 17.1
separate (live apart) 38.4 shareholder 84.8 shock 47.6
separate (set apart) 27.2 shark 17.3 shoe 25.9
separation (act of separating) 27.2 sharp (acid) 73.2 shoe box 32.2
separation (living apart) 38.4 sharp (angle) 1.2 shoebrush 25.9
September 9.3 sharp (clever) 59.13 shoelace 25.9
sequel 61.3 sharp (in music) 82.14 shoe polish 25.9
serene 47.3 sharp (rude) 96.17 shoot 39.6
serenity 47.3 shattered 64.10 shoot down 67.6
sergeant 39.2 shaver 69.5 shooting 39.6
series 29.4 shaving 69.5 shoot up (inject drugs) 68.6
serious 54.4 shaving brush 69.5 shop 78.1, 84.7
seriously 54.4 shaving cream 69.5 shopkeeper 78.6, 84.7
sermon 38.14 shawl 25.11 shoplifting 43.24
serrated 63.27 she-bear 14.2 shopping basket 32.2
server 77.2 she-camel 14.2 shopping cart 78.5
274 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
shopping list 78.1 silent 63.20 sleep 64.7-64.11
shops 78.1 silently 63.20 sleeper 8.20
shore 22.6 silk 26.2 sleepiness 64.7
shortbread biscuit 71.2 silo 79.3 sleeping bag 81.2
shorter, to become 58.6 silver 19.2 sleeping car 8.20
shoulder (of lamb) 72.6 silverware box 32.2 sleeping policeman 7.8
shoulder blade 62.16 simmer 74.1 sleepless night 64.11
shout (call out) 96.10 simple 43.11 sleepwalking 64.11
shout (yell) 96.14 simplistic 59.1 sleep with 64.17
shout (abuse) 96.14 sin 37.16 sleet 23.3
shout (for help) 46.4 sincere 88.1 sleeve 25.2
shove 5.3 sincerity 88.1 slender 62.7
show deceptive appearance)
( 88.9 sinfulness 37.16 slenderness 62.7
show (v: general term) 41.1 sing 82.11 slice 74.2
show (v: guide) 41.3 sing (of birds) 14.7 slide (in photography) 83.4
show (exhibition) 41 .4 singer 82.11, 96.13 slide (toboggan) 81.3
show (on stage) 82.2 singing 82.11 slide holder 32.2
showcase 41.4 single-crop farming 79.1 slide rule 58.19
shower (equipment) 24.24 single out 41.1 slim (adj) 62.7
shower (rain) 23.3 singular 96.26 slim (v) 58.12
shover (have a s.) 69.2 sink (n) 24.17, 24.22 slimness 62.7
shower attachment 24.22 sink (v) 8.4 sling (for baby) 5.4
shower curtain 24.22 sip 75.7 slink away 5.6
shower gel 69.2 siren 63.17 slip (lingerie) 25.6
show flat 41.4 sister 34.2 slip on 25.3
show house 41 .4 sister-in-law 34.4 slipper 25.9
show off (flaunt) 41.2, 43.10 sit (down) 62.12 slip-road (off motorway) 7.9
show off (reveal) 31.5 sit up 62.1 1-62.12 slit 31.6
showroom 41.4 sitting 45.1 slob 62.4
show up 4.1 situation 87.4 slope 22.3
shred (small amount) 58.7 six-pack (of beer) 32.2 sloppiness 44.4
shrewd 59.13 size (dimensions) 58.1, 62.1 sloppy 44.4
shrink 58.6 size (of clothes, shoes) 58.14-58.15 slouching 62.14
Shrove Tuesday 9.5 skate (fish) 72.11 slow (failing to keep time) 13.2
shrub 18.7 skeleton 62.16 slow (not fast) 13.10
shuffle (cards) 81.6 sketch 83.3 slow down 7.6
shut 31.1 ski 81.21 slowly 13.10
shut in 31.1 ski boot 81.21 slowness 13.10
shutter 24.10 skiing 81.21 slug 15.5
shut up 63.21 skilful 44.6, 59.2 slur 96.23
shy 48.5 skill 44.6, 59.2 sly 59.13
sick, to be 66.1-66.2 skimpy 62.6 smack 67.1
sicken 45.21 skin 64.3 small 58.4
sick leave 76.3 skin (of fruit) 70.7 smaller 58.6
sickly 66.8 skinny 62.15 small fry 17.1
side 22.6 skip 32.5 small (lower case) letter 96.28
sideboard 24.16 skirt 25.4 smart 29.2
side plate 24.19 ski stick 81.21 smash 91.7
sidewalk 7.11 skull 62.16 smear 30.3
sidle up to 5.6 sky 20.10 smile 47.11
siege 39.6 skyscraper 24.3 smoke 68.5
sight 63.11 slammer (prison) 37.9 smoking 68.5
sign 96.32 slap 67.1 smooth 63.23, 63.28
sign (in astrology) 38.19 slash 91.12 smooth out 63.29
signal (on railway line) 8.18 slate 24.10 smother 91.9
signal (v: show) 40.4 slaughter 67.6 smug 43.12
signal box 8.18 slaughterhouse 67.9 smutty 64.16
silence 63.20-63.21 slave 37 18 snack 74.5
1
English-French index 275
snag 51.9 sort (out) 56.1 spirit 88.12
snail 15.5 so-so 57.4 spirits (alcohol) 75.5
snake 16.1 soul 38.17 spirits (mood) 48.1
snap back 96.17 sound (healthy) 66.7 spiritual 38.17
snapshot 13.9 sound (noise) 63.15 spite 47.24
sneak (tell) 96.9 sound barrier 8.13 spiteful 47.24
sneakers 25.9 sour 73.2 splash 20.3-20.4
sneer 47.9 source 22.8 spleen 62.17
snitch 96.9 South 3.4 split 91.14
snore 64.9 South Pole 22.2 spokesperson 96.4
snow (v) 23.2 south 3.3 sponge (for cleaning surfaces) 30.5
snowball (n) 23.7 souvenir 64.5 sponge (for the bath) 69.2
snowball (v) 58.11 sow (pig) 14.1 sponge bag 32.2
snug 45.1 sow (v) 80.1 sponsor 96.8
soak 30.5 space 31.6 spool (of thread) 83.6
soaking 30.5 spade 80.2 spoon 24.19
soap 69.2 spades (on cards) 81.6 sport 81.9
soap dish 5.4 spaniel 15.3 sports wear 25.8
sob 47.20 Spanish 96.25 sportsman, sportswoman 81.11
sober 75.8 spanking 67.1 spotless 29.1
sobriety 75.8 spare 43.18 spread 58.2-58.10
soccer 81.14 spare time 81.1 spread (open) 5.3, 27.3
soccer field 81.13 sparkle 21.3 spreadsheet 77.2
social 36.1 sparkling 21.4 spring (move forward) 5.1
social class 36.2 sparrow 16.6 spring (season) 9.4
socialism 36.5 speak (general term) 96.1-96.10 spring onion 70.14
society 36.1 speak (make a statement) spruce 18.11
sock 25.4 40.10 spud 70.12
socket 27.7 speaker 82.15 spurt (up) 5.14
socket protector 88.6 special (exceptional) 95.2 spurt out 20.4
soft 62.23 special (specific) 55.10 squabble 40.2
soft drink 75.3 specialist (doctor) 65.2 squaddy 39.1
soft fruit 70.4 specialist (expert) 59.3 squadron leader 39.3
software 98.3 species 55.2 square (shape) 1.2
software package 98.3 specific 55.10 square bracket 96.29
soil 80.3 specifically 55.10 squash (vegetable) 70.13
solar energy 28.3 specify 55.10 squat (down) 62.13
solar system 22.14 speculation 53.3 squeeze 5.3
soldier 39.1 speech 45.15, 96.1 squirrel 15.5
sole (of foot) 64.1 speed 13.7 stab 91.12
sole (of shoe) 25.9 speed limit 7.8 stable 79.3
solicitor 37.10 speed up 13.8 stack 29.4-29.5
solid (n) 20.3 spell (magic trick) 88.10 stadium 81.13
solidarity 45.10 spell (n & v) 96.28 staff 8.15, 76.1
solitary 35.11 spelling 96.28 staff sergeant 39.2
solo 82.9 spelt 96.28 stage 82.2
soloist 82.9-82.10 spend 84.11 stage fright 82.4
Somali 96.25 sperm 62.18 stagger 5.6
sometimes 10.1 sphere 1.3 staggering 47.5
son 34.2, 35.10 spherical 1.3 stain (n) 30.3
son-in-law 34.4 spice 73.6 stain remover 30.9
song 82.13 spider 16.3 stair 5.14
song (of bird) 14.7 spider's web 16.4 staircase 5.14
soon 13.5 spill (upset) 5.12 stale 62.23
soprano 82.11 spill over (spread) 58.10 stall 7.6
sorbet 73.7 spilt 5.12 stallholder 84.7
sore 66.5 spin 5.15 stammer 96.6
sorrow 47.18 spinach 70.11 stamp 97.2
sort 56.1 spine 62.16 stand (for election) 36.4
1
276 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
stand (trial) 37.11 stock exchange 84.10 studio flat/apartment 24.2
stand (up) 62.11 stocking 25.6 stuff (fill) 90.2-90.3
standard 58.24 stocklist 84.8 stuff oneself 74.11,90.3
standard lamp 24.16 stoker 8.21 stumbling block 51.9
standing 62.11 stomach (in anatomy) 62.17 stump 18.8
stanza 59.18 stone 22.4 stun 67.9
staple (n) 31.7 stone (of a fruit) 70.7 stunned 47.7
staple (v) 27.1 stone chipping 24.2 stupid 59.4
star (in astronomy) 22.14 stone marten 15.5 stupidity 59.4
star (merit award) 52.12 stony 22.4 stutter 96.6
starch 30.9 stooping 62.14 style 5.6, 55.2
starling 16.6 stop (cease) 1 1.2 subject (branch of knowledge) 59.8
start (n & v: general term) 11.1 stop (prevent) 51.12 subject (in grammar) 96.26
start (n: in a competition) 4.2 stopover 6.2 subjunctive 96.26
start (up) 11.1 stopper 24.22 sublieutenant 39.4
start again 96.20 stores 78.0 submarine 8.8
start on (begin) 91.13 stork 16.6 submariner 8.9
starter 74.6 storm 23.6 submissive 37.17
state (condition) 87.4 story 59.15 submit 37.17
state (declare) 96.2 stoup 38.13 subsidy (welfare) 76.3
statement 96.2 stove 24.17 substitute 89.1
station 8.19 stowaway 8.6 subtle 73.4
station buffet 8.19 straight (ahead) 3.2 subtract 58.17
station concourse 8.19 straight (shape)1.5 subtraction 58.17
station master 8.21 straightaway 13.9 subway (train) 7.12
station wagon 7.1 straighten (realign) 1.7 succeed 52.7
stationery 59.21, 77.3 straighten up 62.1 success 52.7
statue 83.5 strange 95.2 successful 52.7
stave 82.14 strangle 67.7 suck 74.11
steady oneself 41.11 straw 79.6 sucker 38.8
steak 72.6 strawberry 70.4 suck up (of a vacuum cleaner) 30.6
steal 43.24-43.26 stream 22.8 sudden 13.9
steam 28.3 street 7.11 suddenly 13.9
steel 19.2 street fighter 39.7 suede 26.2
steel industry 19.2 strengthen 48.2 suffering 66.5
steel worker 19.2 stretch (make longer) 58.10 sufficient 91.2
steep 1.5 stretch (relax) 64.9 sugar 73.8
steeple 38.13 strike (v: hit) 67.1 sugary 48.4
steerage 8.2 strike (work stoppage) 36.7 suggest 40.8
steering wheel 7.3 striker 36.7 suggestion 40.8
stepbrother 34.4 string (cord) 31.7 suicide 67.5
stepdaughter 34.4 string (in music) 82.10 suit (be suitable) 57.9
stepfather 34.4 stripe 1.4 suit (of playing cards) 81.6
stepmother 34.4 striped 1.4 suit (woman's) 25.4
steps 24.10 stroke (illness) 66.1 suitable 57.9
stepsister 34.4 stroke (touch) 63.22 suit bag 31.4
stepson 34.4 stroll 5.6 suitcase 6.3, 25.12
stereo 82.15 stroller 33.5 sultana 70.6
stereo system 82.15 strong (flavour) 73.4 sum 58.16-58.17
steward, stewardess 8.15 strong (robust) 48.1-48.2 sum (of money) 58.16
stewed 73.7 structure 56.1 summer 9.4
sticky 27.1 struggle 51.8 sun 22.14
stiff (not flexible) 63.26, 66.5 strut 5.6 Sunday 9.2
stilted 45 2 stubble 79.6 super (gas) 7.7
sting (v) 66.6 stubborn 51.3 superfluous 93.2
stitch 83.6 stuck 45.2 superior 57.8
stock 84.7 student (at secondary school) 59.1 supermarket 78.4
stock cube 73.6 studio 82.2 supernatural 88.12
1
English-French index 277
supersonic 8.13 switch on 21.3 tasteless 73.4
supervise 63.7 syllable 96.27 tasty 73.1
supervisor 63.9 sympathize 43.16 Taurus 38.19
supper 74.4 symphony 82.13 tawny 63.12
supple 63.24 symptom 66.4-66.5 tax 86.2
supply 28.3 synagogue 38.13 taxable 86.2
support (assist) 46.6 syrup 73.7 taxation 86.2
support (bear the weight of) 5.4 system 56.2 taxi 7.12
supporter 45.4 taxpayer 86.2
suppository 68.2 table 24.16 taxpayers' money 84.12
sure 92.6 table (list of items) 97.3 tea (drink) 75.4
surface area 58.14 tablecloth 24.19 tea (meal) 74.4
surgeon 65.3 tablet 68.2 teabag 75.4
surgery 65.3 tableware 24.19 tea caddy 32.2
surgical spirit 68.4 taboo 37.14 teach 59.1
surplus 93.2 tackle 81.10 teacher 37.2, 59.9
suppress 32.6 tactful 43.15 teaching 59.1
surprise 47.5 tactfulness 43.15 teaching profession 59.9
surprised 47.7 tail (follow) 5.9 tea leaves 75.4
surprising 47.5 tail (of animal) 14.6 team (in sport) 81.11
surrender 39.6 take 5.1 team (workmates) 35.8
surrogate mother 33.3 take action 52.5 tear (drop) 47.20
surround 2.1 take away (in arithmetic) 58.17 tear (v) 27.2-27.3
surrounding area 22.1 take-away 74.3 tease 47.14
surroundings 3.6 take back 41.12 teat 33.5
surveillance 63.7 takeoff (aircraft) 8.13 technique 56.2
surveyor 24.6 take off (one's clothes) 25.3 tedious 10.2
suspect 37.8 take off (remove) 41.12 teenager 35.2
suspender belt 5.4 take on (as an associate) 45.10 teleconference 98.4
suspicion 37.8 take on (hire) 76.2 telephone 98.4
Swahili 96.25 take out (insurance) 39.12 telephone number 98.4
swallow (believe without question) take place 87.2 telephoto lens 83.4
38.8 take shape 1.7 telescope 22.13
swallow (bird) 16.5 talcum powder 69.2 television 82.3
swallow (eat) 74.11 talent 59.2 television series 82.3
swan 16.6 talk (n) 96.18 tell 96.1-96.2, 96.8
swap 41 10 talk (reveal information) 43.26 tell (reveal) 96.9
swarm 16.4 talk (v) 96.1 tell apart 55.8
sway 5.16 talk back 96.17 teller (bank) 84.1
swear 96.21 tall 58.1, 62.7 telling the time 9.8
swearword 43.8, 96.21 talon 14.6 telly 82.3
sweat 64.3 tame 48.4 temp 77.4
sweater 25.5 tamed 48.4 temper 47.23
Swedish 96.25 tampon 69.7 temperament 42.1
sweep 30.6 tangible 88.7 temperamental 66.10
sweet (adj) 73.2 tank (military vehicle) 39.5 temperature 68.4
sweet (n) 73.8 tank (petrol) 7.7 temperature (fever) 66.5
sweet chestnut 70.9 tanker 8.8 temple 38.13
sweet chestnut tree 18.10 tap (n) 24.22 temporary job 76.1
sweetcorn 70.13 tap (v) 67.1 tempting 73.4
sweeten 73.8 tap-dancing 82.5 tenant 24.9
sweetish 73.2 tape recorder 82.15 tendency 10.3
sweetmeats 73.8 tar (n) 26.3 tender (gentle) 48.44
swell 1.7 tar (v) 26.4 tender (of meat) 63.23
swindle 43.22 tart 71.3 tenderly 48.4
swing 81.3 task 76.7 tenderness 48.4
switches operator 8.21 taste (n) 73.1 tenor 82.11
switchboard 98.4 taste (v) 74.10 tense (in grammar) 96.26
1
278 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
tense (not relaxed) 47.1 throw around (spend lavishly) 85.3 toenail 64.1
tenseness 47.1 throw away 32.6-32.7 toffee 73.8
tension 47.1 throw oneself 5.13 toilet 24.22
tent 81.2 throw out 32.7 toilet paper 24.22
term 59.1 thrush 16.5 toiletries 69.2
term of endearment 45.8 thumb 64.1 toilet paper roll 24.22
terminal (inside airport) 11.2 Thursday 9.2 toilet seat 24.22
terminus (of a railway line) 8.19 thyme 73.3 toilet tank 24.22
terrible 45.20 ticket 6.1 tolerant 43.17
terrific 57.5 ticket collector 37.2 toll 7.9
terrify 45.23 tickle 63.22 torn (cat) 15.2
territory 22.1 tidal power 28.3 tomato 70.14
terror 45.23 tidal wave 22.7 tommyrot 57.2
test (at school) 59.10 tide 22.7 tomorrow 9.2
test (medical examination) 65.1 tie 25.13 ton 58.25
test (out) 51.4 tie up 27.1 tone 63.15
test-tube baby 33.3 tiger 14.2 toneless 10.2
testicle 64.1 tights 25.6 tongue 64.2
text 97.3 tigress (animal) 14.2 tonne 58.25
textbook 59.7 tigress (woman) 14.5 tonsil 62.17
textile 26.1 tile 24.10 tool 27.5
theatre 82.2 till (in shop) 78.5 tool bag 27.5
theft 43.24, 43.26 timber 26.3 tool box 27.5
theory 53.3 time (at work) 76.4 tooth 65.4
therapy 68.1 time (duration) 9.7-9.10 toothbrush 69.4
therefore 61.3 time (for resting) 64.14 toothpaste 69.4
thermometer 68.4 time (off work) 64.14 top 2.2
Thermos flask 32.2 time (period of) 9.9 top (best) 57.8
thick 62.1 time (telling the) 9.8 top (of bottle) 75.6
thief 43.24 timely (opportune) 57.9 topical 12.3
thigh 64.1 timely (punctual) 13.3 topple over 5.12
thin 62.6 times (of trains, etc) 6.1 torch 21.5
thin (out) 80.1 timetable 6.1 tortoise 15.4
thing 55.1 timid 48.5 torturer 45.18
thingumabob 55.1 timpani 82.10 total (complete) 91.1
thingummy 55.1 timpanist 82.10 total (sum) 58.17
think 54.1-54.2 tin (container) 32.2 touch 63.22
thinker 54.1 tin (metal) 19.2 tough 63.25
thinking 54.1 tin opener 24.17 tour (on a bicycle) 81.20
thinness 62.6 tin plate 19.2 tour (trip) 6.25
third 58.18 tiny 58.5 tour of duty 63.7
thirst 75.1 tip (edge) 1.2 tour operator 6.2
thirsty 75.7 tip (money) 41.8 tour organizer 6.2
thorn 18.3 tiptoe 5.6 tourism 6.2
thorough 29.1, 44.2 tire (become weary) 64.10 tourist 6.2
thought 54.1 tire (on wheel) 7.2 tournament 81.12
thousand 58.23 tired 64.10 tow 5.3
thrashing 52.10 tiredness 64.10 towelling 26.1
thread (n)26.1 tiring 64.10 towel rail/rack 24.22
thread (v) 83.6 title (of a book) 59.14 tower block 24.3
threatening 48.5 title (of a noble) 36.11 town 22.2
three-dimensional 1.3 title (status) 55.14 town house 24.4
threshold 24.10 tittle-tattle 96.23 toy 81.5
thrifty 86.1 toad 15.5 trachea 62.17
thrill 47.2 toady 37.17 track (follow) 5.8
throat 64.1, 66.2 tobacco 68.5 track (in athletics) 81.13
throne 36.9 tobacconist 78.6 track (railway) 8.18-8.19
throw 5.5 toe 64.1 track suit 25.8
Englisb-french index 279
tractor 79.4 trim 80.1 twice as much 58.9
trade 84.5, 84.7 trio 82.9 twig 18.8
trade association 84.5 trip (journey) 6.2 twin 33.1
trade fair 84.5 trip (stumble) 5.12 twist 1.7
trademark 84.5 trip (taking drugs) 68.6 two-dimensional 1.2
tradition 38.1 triple 58.9 two-person room 24.24
traffic circle 7.8 triplets 33.1 type 55.2
traffic controller 8.15 triumph 52.7 typewriter 28.1
traffic jam 7.5 triumphant 52.7 typical 95.1
traffic light 7. 11 trolley 78.5 typist 77.4
tragedy 82.2 trombone 82.10 tyre 7.2
tragic 82.2 trombone player 82.10
trailer 79.4 trophy 52.12
train (high-speed) 8.20 trouser leg 25.2 ugliness 49.3
train 8.16, 8.20 trousers 25.4 ugly 49.3
train (v) 46.6 trout 72.11 ulterior motive 88.5
trained 48.4 trowel 80.2 ultra-sound 33.3
trainer 25.9 truck 7.12 umbilical cord 33.2
training 59.11 trudge 5.6 umbrella 25.11
train set 81.5 true 88.2 umbrella stand 5.4
traitor 57.10 truly 88.2 umbrella stroller 33.5
tramway 7.12 trumpet 82.10 umlaut 96.29
transaction 84.2 trumpeter 82.10 umpire 81.11
transfer 84.2 trunk (of car) 7.2 unassuming 43.5
transform 89.2 trunk (of tree) 18.8 unavoidable 93.1
transformation 89.2 trunk (piece of luggage) 6.3 unbending 40.3
transistor radio 82.3 trunk road 7.10 unbreathable 64.4
translate 96.13 trust 44.1 uncertain 92.8
translation 96.13 trustworthiness 44.1 uncertainty 92.8
translator 96.13 truth 88.2 uncle 34.5
transport 8.16 truthful 88.1 uncomfortable (ill at ease) 45.2
transporter 5.4 truthfulness 88.1 uncomfortable (in pain) 66.5
trash collection 32.5 try 51.4, 51.8 uncompromising 40.3
travel 6.2 try (it on) 43.10 uncontrolled 29.3
travel agency 6.2 try on 25.3 uncovered 31.5
travel agent 6.2 tuba 82.10 undaunted 39.15
travel bag 6.3 tuba player 82.10 undecided 92.8
travel book 6.2 tubby 62.3 underclass 36.2
travel insurance 6.2 Tuesday 9.2 underground train 7.12
traveller 6.2 tumble drier 30.9 undergrowth 18.8
traveller's cheque 6.2 tuna 72.11 underpants 25.6
travelling expenses 6.2 tune 82.8 understand 53.2
tray 24.18 tuneful 82.8 understudy 82.4
treasure 45.8 turban 25.10 undertake 52.5
Treasury Secretary 36.3 turbine 28.2 undertaker 38.5
treat 68.1 turbojet engine 8.12 underwear 25.6
treatment (for alcoholism) 75.8 turbulence 8.13 undo (general term) 91.6
treatment (general medical term) turkey 14.1 undo (untie) 27.3
68.1 Turkish 96.25 undress 25.3
treble clef 82.14 turn 87.1 unemployed person 76.2
tree 18.7 turn signal 7.4, 7.6 unemployment 76.2
trial (experiment) 51.4 turnip-70.12 unemployment benefit 76.2
trial (in court) 37.11 turnover 84.8 uneven 1.6, 63.27
triangle 1.2 turntable 82.15 unexpected 47.5
triangular 1.2 turn-up 25.2 unfair 43.13
trick (at cards) 81.6 turtle dove 16.6 unfairness 43.13
trick (of a prostitute) 64.20 tutu 25.8 unfinished 91.3
tricky 45.2, 51.5 tweezers 69.3 unfriendly 39.8
trigger 61.2 twelve-pack (of beer) 32.2 unhappy 47.17
1
280 The Cambridge French-Cnglish Thesaurus
unharmed 91.1 vase 24.16 visit (general term) 4.3
unimportant 57.11 vassal 57.12 visit (to the doctor) 65.1
union (of workers) veal 72.5 visual art 83
union member 76.5 vegan 18.1 viva 59.10
unique 95.2 vegetable 70.10 »vixen 14.2
unit 58.24 vegetarian 18.1 vocal (music) 82.11
universe 22.14 vehicle 7.12 vocational 59.11
university 59.1 veil 88.4 vodka 75.5
university teacher 59.9 vein 62.15 voice 63.19, 96.6
unjustly 43.13 velvet 26.2 volcano 22.3
unknown 52.3 venison 72.9 volume 58.24
unlikely 92.5 venture capital 39.11 volume (of alcohol) 75.2
unload 90.4 Venus 22.14 vomit 66.2
unmarried person 38.4 verb 96.26 vote 36.4
unoriginal 95.1 verdict 37.11 voter 36.4
unpleasant 51.5 vertical 2.2 voting 36.4
unreal 88.8 vessel 8.1 vowel 96.27
unrecognizable 55.14 vest 25.4 vulcanization 26.3
unripe 70.8 veto (v) 40.4 vulcanize 26.4
unshakeable 38.7 viable 92.1 vulgar 43.7
unthinkable 92.5 vice 37.16 vulnerable 48.3
untidiness 29.3 vice admiral 39.4 vulture 16.6
untidy 29.3 victim 37.18 vulva 64.1
untrue 88.3 victorious 52.7
unusable 32.4 victory (in war) 39.6 wader 16.5
unusual (rare) 95.2 victory (overcoming sthg) 52.7 waist 64.1
unusual (surprising) 47.5 videogame 81.4 waistcoat 25.4
unwell 66.8 view 63.11 wait 13.11
unwind 64.13 village 22.2 wait-and-see 52.6
upper case 96.28 vinegar 73.3 waiter 74.9
upright 2.2 vine leaf 18.3 waiting (general term) 13.11
upside down 2.2 vineyard 79.2 waiting (parking a car) 7.5
upstairs 24.14 viola 82.10 waiting room 13.11
Uranus 22.14 viola player 82.10 waitress 74.9
Urdu 96.25 violence 48.5 wake (for the dead) 38.5
use 32.1 violent 48.5 wake (up) 64.12
useful 32.3 violently 48.5 walk 5.6
useless 59.6 violet 18.2 wall 24.10
user-friendly 32.3 violin 82.10 wallet 84.14
uterus 33.2 violin case 32.2 wallpaper 27.6
utility room 30.9 violin concerto 82.13 wall-to-wall 24.16
utter 96.6 violinist 82.10 walnut 70.9
virgin 64.17 walrus 17.2
vacuum cleaner 30.6 virginity 64.17 want 51.1
vagina 62.18 Virgin Mary 38.12 war 39.1
vain 43.12 Virgo 38.19 ward 65.2
vainglory 52.2 virile 35.6 warden 63.9
valley 22.3 virtue 43.1 wardrobe 24.20
valuable 85.1 virtuoso 59.3 warehouse 84.7
value 85.1 virtuous 43.1 warlike 39.1
van 7.12 virus 98.1 warm (friendly) 45.11
vandalize 91.10 visa 97.4 warm (not cold) 23.8
vanish 58.12 viscount 36.11 warmth 23.8
vanity 43.12 viscountess 36.11 warning 37.15
variety 55.2 visibility 63.11 warrant officer 39.1
variety show 82.2 visible 63.211 warranty 92.6
various 55.7 visibly 63.1 warrior 39.1
vary 89.2 vision 63.11 warship 8.1
1 1 1
English-French index 281
wart 66.2 wedding reception 38.4 wild (not tamed) 48.5
wash (n) 69.2 wedding ring 38.4 wild (unrestrained) 95.2
wash (v) 30.5 wedding veil 38.4 wild boar 14.2
washbasin 24.22 Wednesday 9.2 wild sow 14.2
wash cloth 69.2 weed 80.1 will (testament) 38.5
washer 27.7 week 9.2 willow 18.10
washing 69.2 weekend 9.2 wimp 37.18, 48.3
washing facilities 24.24 weekly 82.1 win 52.7
washing line 30.9 weigh 58.25 wind 23.4
washing machine 30.9 weighing machine 58.26 windbreaker 25.11
washing up 30.8 weight 58.24-58.25 windmill 24.3
washing-up bowl 24.17 welcome 45.12 window 24.10
washing-up liquid 30.8 well (in good health) 66.7, 68.1 window display 78.5
washing-up water 30.8 well (satisfactorily) 57.3 window-ledge (in car) 7.3
wash up 30.8 well-behaved 43.2, 66.13 windowpane 24.10
waste (be wasteful) 85.2 well done 52.8 windowsill 24.10
waste (domestic refuse) 32.5 well-known 52.1 wind power 28.3
waste (ruin) 91.10 well-loved 45.5 windscreen 7.2
waste-disposal (unit) 32.5 Wellington boot 25.9 windscreen washer 7.3
watch (look at) 63.1 West 3.4 windscreen wiper 7.2
watch (supervise) 63.7 west 3.3 windshield 7.2
water (n) 75.3 whale 17.2 windsock 8.14
water (v) 20.3 whaler 17.2 wine 75.2
watercress 70.14 wheat 79.6 wine bucket 75.6
waterfall 22.9 wheat harvest 79.5 wine merchant 78.6
waterline 8.2 wheel 7.2 wine rack 5.4, 32.2
watermelon 70.2 wheelbarrow 80.2 wine shop owner 78.6
water softener 62.23 wheelchair 68.4 wing (of a bird) 14.6
water squirter 7.3 wheeze 64.4 wing (of an aeroplane) 8.12
water tower 24.3 whelk 72.12 wing commander 39.3
wave (gesture) 45.12. 62.22 while (in a little w.) 9.10 wink 63.6
wave (in the sea) 22.7 whim 51.2 winner 52.8
wavy 1.5 whip 67.1 winter 9.4
way (direction) 41.3 whiskers 14.6 wipe (down) 30.7
way (means) 56.2 whisky 75.5 wipe (off) 30.7
way of life 38.1 whisper (murmur) 96.7 wire 31.7
way in 24.1 whisper (rumour) 96.23 wisdom 66.13
way up 2.2 whistle 14.7,63.17 wish 51.2
weak 48.3 white 63.30 witch 88.11
weaken 48.3 whitewash 27.6 withdrawal symptom 68.6
weakling 48.3 whiting 17.3 witness (at a trial) 37.1
weakness 37.16, 48.3 whitlow 66.2 witness (at a wedding) 38.4
wealth 84.18 Whitsun 9.5 witness (general term) 96.9
wealth tax 84.18 whole 91.1 witness box 37.1
wealthy 84.18 wholly 91.1 witticism 47.13
weapon 39.5 whore 64.20 wizard 88.11
wear 25.3 wicked 37.16 wolf 14.2
wear and tear 91.15 wide (ample) 58.1 wolf-cub 14.2
wear oneself out 59.4 wide (large) 58.13 woman 35.5
wear out 91.15 widen 58.10 woman doctor 65.1
weather 23.1-23.2 wide open 31.2 woman farmer 79.1
weather report 23.1 wider, to become 58.10 womb 33.2
weave 26.1 widow 34.4 wonder 96.16
weaver 26.1 widower 34.4 wood (forest) 18.8-18.9
wedding 38.4 width 58.13 wood (material) 26.3
wedding bouquet 38.4 wife 34.4 woodpecker 16.5
wedding certificate 38.4 wig 89.4 wood pulp 26.3
wedding dress 38.4 wild (not cultivated) 18.2 woodwind (section) 82.10
282 The Cambridge French-Cnglish Thesaurus
woof 14.8 worship (in religion) 38.14 yacht 8.7
wool 83.6 worth (in terms of money) yard 24.10
word 96.1 85.1 yawn 64.9
word processor 77.2 wound 66.1 yell 96.14
work (book) 59.14 wrap 31.3 yellow 63.12
work (v: exploit) 32.1 wrap (up) 31.3 yesterday 9.2
work (v: function) 28.3 wraparound helmet 25.10 yew 18.11
work (labour) 76.3-76.6 wrath 47.22 yoghurt 72.2
workaholic 76.7 wrathful 47.22 young (adj) 33.2, 33.9
work out 53.3 wreath 38.5 young (n) 58.4
worker 76.6 wreck (v: ruin) 91.7 younger (in a family or group) 33.8,
working class 36.2 wrecker 8.4 33.9
workload 76.6 wren 16.6 youth 33.9
work of art 83.3 wrench (tool) 27.5 youthful 33.9
works committee 76.3 wring 1.7
work surface 24.17 wring dry 20.5 zany 57.2
world 22.2 wrist 64.1 zebra 14.2
worm 16.3 wristwatch 9.8 zigzag 51.9
worm-eaten 16.3 write 96.32 zip code 97.2
worried 45.2 writing 96.32 zodiac 38.19
worry 45.24 wrong 60.3 zucchini 70.13
worse 57.10, 91.15 wrongly 60.3
worsen 91.15
worsening 91.15 xylophone 82.10
worship (admire) 45.3 xylophonist 82.10
French-English index
abaisser 58.12 accroc91.8 adolescence 35.2
abandonne, e 35.11 accrocher 27.1 adolescent, e 35.2
abandonner 4.2 accroupi, e 62.13 adopter (comme enfant) 33.4
abat-jour 24.16 accroupir s' 62.13 adopter (selertionner) 56.3
abats (de volaille) 72.7 accueil 45.12 adoption 33.4
abattement (prostration) 47.19 accueillir 45.12 adoration 45.3
abattement (fiscal) 86.2 accusation 37.11 adorer (enthousiasme) 45.3
abattoir 67,9 accuse, e 37.11 adorer (religion) 38.14
abattre 67.6 accuser 37.11 adoucissant 30.9
abattu, e 47.19 achat 84.9 adoucisseur (d'eau) 63.23
abeille 16.3 acheter, s'acheter 84.9 adresse (agilite) 44.6, 59.2
abetir 59.4 acheteur 84.9 adresse (postale) 97.2
abimer 91.6, 91.8-91.9 achievement 11.2 adresser (par la poste) 97.2
abimer s' (pourrir) 70.8 achever (finir) 11.2 adresser s' (parler) 96.4
abimer s' (se deteriorer) 91.6 achever (tuer) 67.6 adroit, e 44.6, 59.2
aboiement 14.7 achopper 51.10 advenir 4.1
abondance 58.3 acide 73.2 adverbe 96.26
aboutir 61.3 acier 19.2 adversaire 39.8
aboyer 14.7 acquerir 41.14 aerobic 81.17
abricot 70.2 arte (effet de I'artion humaine) 87.3 aerogare 8.14
abruti, e 59.4 arte (terme general) 52.5 aeroglisseur 8.7
abrutir 59.4 arte de mariage 38.4 aeroport 8.14
abrutir s' 59.4 arte sexuel 64.17 affaiblir 48.3
absence 87.5 arteur 82.4 affaiblirs'48.3
absent, e 87.5 artif, -tive 52.4, 52.5 affaires (commerce) 84.5
absenteisme 87.5 action (terme general) 52.5 affaires (terme general) 41.15
absorbe, e dans ses pensees 54.3 action (investissement) 84.8 affame, e 74.13
absurde 57.2 artionnaire 84.8 affertif, -tive 42.3
absurdite 57.2 artiver 13.8 affection 45.3, 45.8
abus32.1 artivite 52.5 afficher, s'afficher 41.2
abus de confiance 43.22 artrice 82.4 affluence 35.8
abus sexuel 64.19 artualite 12.3 affreux, -ffreuse (horrifiant) 45.20
abuser 32.1 artuel, -tuelle 12.3 affreux, -ffreuse (laid) 49.3
abuser de qqn 64.19 artuellement 9.10 afrikaans 96.25
accelerateur 7.6 adaptateur 27.7 agace, e 47.22
accelerer (en voiture) 7.6 adapter, s'adapter 89.2 agacement 47.22
accelerer (terme general) 13.8 addition (augmentation) 58.9 age (d'une personne) 33.6, 33.7
accent (en parlant) 96.6 addition (en mathematiques) 58.17 age (periode) 9.9
accent (ponctuation) 96.29 additionner (augmenter) 58.9 age 33.6
acceptation 40.7 additionner (en mathematiques) 58.17 age de raison 66.13
accepter 40.7 additionner s' 58.9 agence (banque) 84.1
acces de colere 47.23 adequat, e 57.9 agence (nationale pour I'emploi) 76.2
accessoire 25.13 adipeux, -peuse 20.2 agence (tourisme) 6.2
accolade (embrassade) 45.12 adjertif 96.26 agenda 77.3
accolade (en ponctuation) 96.29 adjoint, e 46.1 agenouille, e 62.13
accompagnement 82.9 adjutant 39.1 agenouiller s' 62.13
accompagner 82.9 admettre 40.7 agent (dans un train) 8.21
accord (musique) 82.14 administrates, -trice 37.2 agent (de police) 37.8
accord (terme general) 40.5 admirable 45.16 agent (tourisme) 6.2
accorder s' 40.5 admiration 45.16 agglomere 26.3
accoster 8.3 admirer 45.16 aggravation 91.15
accoupler s' 64.17 ADN 62.15 aggraver, s'aggraver 91.15
accourir 5.7 ado 35.2 agile 44.6
284 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
agilite 44.6 aire pietonniere 7.11 amazone 81.25
agio 84.2 aise 45.1, 45.2 ambassade 36.9
agir 52.5 aise, e 51.13 ambassadeur, -drice 36.9
agiter la main 62.22 aisselle 64.1 ambulance 65.2
agiter les bras 62.22 ajourner 13.6 ambulancier, -ciere 65.2
agneau (animal) 14.1 alarmer 45.24 ame 38.17
agneau (en boucherie) 72.5 album (livre) 59.17 amelioration 89.3
agnostique 38.18 album (disque) 82.15 ameliorer, s'ameliorer 89.3
agrafe 31 .7 alcool 75.2 amener (apporter) 5.1
agrafer 27.1 alcool a 90 68.4 amener (causer) 61.2
agrandir (terme general) 58.2 alcoolique 75.8 amener s' 4.1
agrandir (en photographie) 83.4 alcoolise, e 75.2 amer, -mere 73.2
agrandir s' 58.2 alcoolisme 75.8 amethyste 19.1
agrandissement 83.4 alentours 22.11 ami, e (amoureux) 45.7
agreable 57.4 alerter 45.24 ami, e (camarade) 45.9
agressif, -ssive 48.5 alevin 17.1 amical, e 45.11
agression (de rue) 43.26 aleviner 17.1 amidon 30.9
agressivite 48.5 algebre 58.16 amiral 39.4
agricole 79.1 algue 22.7 amiral (de France) 39.4
agriculteur, -trice 79.1 alimentation (boutique) 78.2 amitie45.9, 45.10
agriculture 79.1 alimentation (en energie) 28.3 amnesique 64.6
agrumes 70.3 Allah 38.12 amnistie 43.17
ahuri, e 47.7 allee 24.10 amnistier 43.18
ahurissant, e 47.5 allemand, e 96.25 amour (sentiment) 45.6-45.8
aide 46.1 allergie 66.1 amour (sexe) 64.17
aider 46.3 allergique 66.1 amour (terme affectueux) 45.8
aigle 16.6 alliage 19.2 amoureux, -reuse 45.6
aiglon 16.6 alliance (bijou) 38.4 amour-propre 43.12
aigre 73.2 alliance (dans la famille) 34.4 ample 58.1
aigrefin 43.23 allie, e 46.1 ampli(ficateur) 63.18
aigrelet, -lette 73.2 allier s' 46.1 amplifier 63.18
aiguillage 8.18 alligator 16.1 ampoule (en pharmacie) 68.2
aiguille (couture) 83.6 allocation 76.3 ampoule electrique 21.5
aiguille (montagne) 22.3 allonge, e 62.12 amputer 91.12
aiguille a tricoter 83.6 allongers' (s'etirer) 58.10 amusant, e 47.12
aiguilleur (pour avion) 8.15 allonger s' (se coucher) 62.12 amuser, s'amuser 47.12
aiguilleur (pour trains) 8.21 allumer (feu) 20.8 amygdale 62.17
ail, aulx 70.13 allumer (lumiere) 21.3 analyse 65.1
aile (d'avion) 8.12 allure (d'un cheval) 81 .25 analyste en placements 84.8
aile (d'oiseau) 14.6 allure (style) 5.6 ananas 70.5
aile (du nez) 64.1 alphabet 96.28 anarchisme 36.5
aile libre 81.22 alphabetique 96.28 anatomie 62.15-64.1
aileron 14.6 alphanumerique 96.28 ancien, -cienne 33.6
ailleurs87.5 alpinisme 81.20 ancre 8.2, 8.3
aimable 43.15 alpiniste 81.20 ane 14.1
aimant, e 45.6 altimetre 8.12 aneantir 91.7
aime, e 45.5 altiste 82.10 anesse 14.1
aimer (enthousiasme) 45.3 altitude (en avion) 8.13 anesthesie 65.3
aimer (passion) 45.6 altitude (geographie) 22.3 anfractuosite 31.6
aimer mieux 56.3 alto (chanteuse) 82.11 ange 38.12
aine, e (adj & n) 33.8 alto (instrument) 82.10 angine 66.2
air (apparence) 88.9 aluminium 19.2 anglais 96.25
air (ciel) 20.10 amabilite 43.15 angle 1.2
air (en I'air) 29.3 amande 70.9 anguille 72.11
air (musique) 82.8, 82.11 amant 45.7 animal (de la ferme) 14.1
air (plein) 31.5 amarre 8.2, 8.3 animal (familier) 15.1
aire de jeu 81.3 amasser 29.5 animal (marin) 17.2
aire de pique-nique 7.9 amateur 45.4 animal (sauvage) 14.2
1
French-English index 285
anime, e 53.4 apprehension 45.24 arracher 27.3
anniversaire 38.2 apprenant, e 59.1 arrestation 37.8
annoncer 96.8 apprendre 59.1 arret (cessation) 1 1.2
annonceur 96.8 apprenti 59.11 arret (sur image) 82.3
anomalie 95.2 apprentissage 59.1 arreter (cesser) 1 1.2
anon 14.1 appreter 13.4 arreter (mettre au repos) 64.14
anonner 96.6 appreter s' 13.4 arreter (police) 37.8
anonyme 55.14 apprivoise, e 48.4 arriere (position) 2.2
anonymement 55.14 approfondir, s'approfondir 58.10 arriere (en voiture) 7.6
anorexie 62.9 approprie, e 57.9 arriere-pensee 88.5
anorexique 62.9 appuyer 63.22 arriere-plan 83.3
anormal, e 95.2 apres-demain 9.2 arrivee 4.1
A.N. P.E. 76.2 apte 59.2 arriver (faire avec succes) 52.7
antenne (de television) 24.10 aptitude 59.2 arriver (se passer) 87.2
antenne (de voiture) 7.2 aquarium 17.4 arriver (venir) 4.1
antenne (d'insecte) 14.6 aqueux, -queuse 20.2 arroser 20.3
antilope 14.2 arabe 96.25 art (dramatique) 82.2
aout 9.3 araignee 16.3 art (martial) 81.18
apercevoir 63.5 arbitre 81.11 artere 62.15
aperitif 75.2 arborer 25.3 artichaut 70.13
apeure, e 45.22 arbre 18.7-18.12 article (chose a vendre) 55.1
aplanir 63.29 arbrisseau 18.7 article (de journal) 82.1
aplatir 63.29 arbuste 18.7 article (de marine) 8.5
apostrophe 96.29 arc (forme) 1.3 article (en grammaire) 96.26
apostropher 96.10 arc (en sport) 81.23 articulation 62.15
apparaitre 88.9 arc-en-ciel 23.6 artiste(-peintre) 83.1
appareil (avion) 8.11 archai'que 12.4 artistique 83.1
appareil (dentaire) 65.4 archer 81.23 artistiquement 83.1
appareil (machine) 28.1 archet82.10 as 81.6
appareil-photo 83.4 architecte 24.6 ascenseur 5.14
apparence 88.9 architecture 24.6 ascension 5.14
apparent, e 88.9 ardoise 24.10 aspect 88.9
apparenter s' 55.5 ardu, e 51.6 asperge 70.11
apparition 4.1 arete 72.11 asphyxier, s'asphyxier 67.7
appartement 24.2 argent (metal) 19.2 aspirateur 30.6
appartement-temoin 41.4 argent (monnaie) 84.8-84.14 aspirer (en fumant) 64.4
appartenir 41.14 argile 26.3 aspirer (nettoyer) 30.6
appat 81.2 argument 40.6 assaisonnement 73.6
appel (de detresse) 46.4 aride 20.5 assaisonner 73.6
appel (liste de noms) 59.7 aridite 20.5 assassin 67.6
appel (terme general) 96.14 aristocrate 36.12 assassiner 67.6
appeler (a I'aide) 46.4 aristocratie 36.12 assecher 20.5
appeler (crier) 96.14 aristocratique 36.12 assedic 76.2
appeler, s'appeler (nommer) 55.13 arithmetique 58.16 assemblee 35.8
appellation 55.12 armagnac 75.5 assembler 27.1
appendice 62.17 armateur 8.5 assembler s' 35.9
appentis 24.5 armature 82.14 assener 96.10
appetissant, e 73.4 arme 39.5 asseoir s' 62.12
applaudir 45.15 armee 39.2-39.3 assiette 24.19
applaudissement 45.15 armement 39.5 assise (bien a.) 45.1
application 44.2 armer (dans la marine) 8.5 assis, e (terme general) 62.12
applique, e 44.2 armer (dans I'armee) 39.5 assistance 46.2
appliquers' 57.9 armoire 24.20 assistant 46.1
apporter 5.1 armure 39.5 association 34.5
appreciation (de I'argent) 85.1 arnaque 43.22 associe, e 84.5
appreciation (opinion) 57.13 arnaquer 43.22 associer, s'associer 45.10
apprecier 47.15 arnaqueur 43.23 assoiffe, e 75.7
apprehender 45.24 aromate 73.3 assommer 67.9
1 1 1
286 The Cambridge French-Cnglish Thesaurus
assourdissant, e 63.16 augmentation 58.9 avorter 33.3
assurance (automobile) 97.4 augmenter 58.9 avouer 40.7
assurance (tourisme) 6.2 aulne 18.10 avril 9.3
assure, e 39.12 aulx 70.13
assurement 92.6 aupres de 3.6 babouin 14.2
assurer, s'assurer 92.7 aussitot, aussitot que 13.9 baby-sitter 33.4
asticot 16.3 autel 38.13 baby-sitting 33.4
astre 22.14 auteur (dramatique) 82.2 bac a sable 81.3
astrologie 38.19 auteur (d'un texte) 59.19 bacler 44.5
astrologue 38.19 authentique (vrai) 88.2 badge 25.13
astronaute 22.12 auto 7.1 badminton 81.14
astronome 22.12 autobiographie 59.16 baffle 63.18
astronomie 22.12 autobus 7.12 bagage 6.3
astronomique 22.12 autocar 7.12 bagagiste 8.15
astrophysicien, -cienne 22.12 automne 9.4 bagarre 39.7
astrophysique 22.13 automobile 7.1 bagarrer se 39.7
astucieux, -cieuse 59.13 automobiliste 7.5 bagarreur 39.7
atermoiement 13.6 autorisation 37.13 bague 25.13
atermoyer 13.6 55 autoroute 7.9 baguette (du chef d'orchestre) 82.9
athee 38.18 autre 55.7 baguette (magique) 88.10
atheisme 38.18 autrement 55.7-55.8 baie 70.4
athlete 81.15 autruche 16.5 bail 84.7
athletique 81.15 autrui 55.7 bailler 64.9
athletisme 81.15 auxiliaire (assistant) 46.1 baillonner 63.21
Atlantique 22.2 auxiliaire (terme grammatical) 96.26 bain 24.22
atome (petite partie) 58.7 avaler (croire) 38.8 bain moussant 69.2
atroce 45.20 avaler (manger) 74.1 baiser (avoir des rapports sexuels avec)
atrocite 45.17 avance (d'auteur) 59.19 64.17
attache-case 25.12 avance (d'une armee) 39.6 baiser (embrasser) 45.12
attacher27.1 avance (en a.) 13.1 baisse 58.12
attaches (du corps) 62.7 avance (rapide) 82.3 baisser 58.12
attaches (familiales) 34.6 avance, e 13.2 bal 82.5
attaque 66.1 avancer (marcher) 5.6 balai 30.6
attarder s' 5.6 avancer (montre) 13.1 Balance 38.19
atteindre 4.1 avant-hier 9.2 balance 58.26
attendre 13.11 aventure (liaison amoureuse) 45.7 balancoire 81.3
attente 13.11 aventure (terme general) 59.15 balayer (avec un balai) 30.6
attentif, -tive 44.2 aventure 39.11 balayer (regarder) 63.2
attention (application) 44.2 avere, e 88.2 balayette 30.6
attention (en cas de danger) 39.1 averse 23.3 balcon 24.12
attention (faire a.) 63.8 aveugle (credule) 38.7 baleine 17.2
attentisme 52.6 aveugle (qui ne voit pas) 66.3 baleinier 17.2
attentivement 44.2 aviateur 8.10 balise (pour avions) 8.14
attitude 62.10 aviation 8.10 balise (pour bateaux) 8.3
attraction 81.3 aviatrice 8.10 balivernes 57.2
attraper (capturer) 81.2 avion 8.10 balle39.5
attraper (saisir) 41.13 avion-cargo 8.11 banal, e95.1
attrister, s'attrister 47.17 avion-espion 50.6 banane 70.2
attroupement 35.8 avion-taxi 8.11 banc (de corail) 17.2
attrouper s' 35.9 avis 96.11 banc (d'eglisel 38.13
aubaine 94.2 avis de recherche 50.5 banc (de poissons) 17.1
auberge 74.8 avocat (fruit) 70.5 banc (de sable) 22.7
aubergine 70.13 avocat (tribunal) 37.10 banc (des accuses) 37.11
au-dela 38.17 avocat-conseil 40.8 banc (des temoins) 37.1
audible 63.16 avoine 79.6 banc (public) 81.3
auditeur 63.14 avoir (obtenir) 41.14 bancaire 84.1
auditoire 63.14 avoir (possessions) 41.15 bande (groupe) 35.8
auditrice 63.14 avortement 33.3 bande (sur autoroute) 7.9
1
French-English index 287
bander 64.18 beau-fils 34.4 bidule55.1
banlieue 22.11 beau-frere 34.4 bien (en philosophie) 43.1
banque 84.1 beau-pere 34.4 bien (en bonne sante) 66.7
banquet 74.7 beaute 49.1 bien (tres satisfaisant) 57.3
banquier, -quiere 84.1 beaux-arts 83.1 bien eleve, e 43.6
bapteme 38.3 bebe 33.1-33.3 bien-pensant, e 54.1
baptiser 55.13 bebete 59.4 bien portant, e 66.7
bar mitsva 38.3 becasse 59.5 bien sur 40.5
baratiner 45.7 beche 80.2 bien vu, e 45.5
barbant, e 10.2 begayer 96.6 bientot 13.5
barbare 45.17 beguin 45.7 biere 75.2
barbarie 45.17 beige 63.12 bigot, e 38.16
barbe64.1 belement 14.7 bijou 25.13
barbe a papa 81.3 beler 14.7 bijouterie 25.13
barbecue 74.7 Belier 38.19 bijoutier, -tiere 25.13
barbouze 37.9 belier 14.1 bilan 84.8
barman 74.9 belle 49.1 billard (en chirurgie) 65.3
baron, -ronne 36.1 belle-famille 34.4 billard(jeu) 81.24
baroudeur 39.7 belle-fille 34.4 bille 81.5
barque 8.7 belle-mere 34.4 billet (argent) 84.14
barrage 51.9 belle-soeur 34.4 billet (de transport) 6.1
barreau 37.10 bemol 82.14 binette 80.2
barriere 51.9 benediction 38.14 biodegradable 26.3
baryton 82.11 benefices 84.8 biographe 59.16
bas (dans un batiment) 24.14 beneficiaire 84.8 biographie 59.16
bas (position) 2.2 bengali 96.25 biographique 59.16
bas (pour les jambes) 25.6 beni, e 38.14 biologie 59.8
bas-cote 38.13 benin, benigne 57.11 bis 96.20
bascule 58.26 benir 38.14 biscuit 71.2
basculer 5.12 benitier 38.13 bise (vent) 23.4
base de donnees 77.2 benjamin, e 33.8 bise (baiser) 45.12
basilic 73.3 benne (a ordures) 32.5 bisexuel, -xuelle (adj & n) 64.22
basket (chaussure) 25.9 berceau 33.5 bison 14.2
basket (sport) 81.14 berger, -gere 79.8 bisou 45.12
basque 96.25 berger allemand 15.3 bisser 96.20
basse 82.11 besogne 76.7 bistouri 65.3
basse-cour 14.1 besoin (avoir b. de) 93.1, 93.2 bivouaquer 81.2
bassin 62.16 bestiaux 79.8 bizarre 95.2
bassine (a vaisselle) 24.17 bestiole 14.3 blague 47.13
basson 82.10 betail 14.1 blaireau (animal) 15.5
bastide 24.5 bete (animal) 14.3 blaireau (brosse) 69.5
bateau 8.1 bete (stupide) 59.4 blame 37.15
bateau a voiles 8.7 betise 59.4 blamer 37.15
batiment 24.2-24.5 betterave 70.14 blanc, blanche 63.12
batiment (a usage agricole) 79.3 beugler 96.14 blanchissage 30.9
baton deski 81.21 beurre 72.2 blanchisserie 78.7
battre (f rapper) 67.1 beurrier 24.19 blaspheme 96.21
battre (les cartes) 81.6 biberon 33.5 blasphemer 96.21
battre (remporter une victoire sur) 52.7 bible 38.15 ble 79.6
battre se 39.6, 39.7 bibliothecaire 59.20 bleme 45.25
baume demelant 69.3 bibliotheque (centre de blesser 66.1
baux 84.7 documentation) 59.20 blessure 66.1, 67.1
bavardage 96.22 bibliotheque (meuble) 24.16 blet, blette 70.8
bavarder 96.22 biche 14.2 bleu, e (couleur, adj) 63.12
bavoir 33.5 bicyclette7.12 bleu (couleur, nm) 63.12
beant, e3l.2 bide 52.10 bleu (de travail) 25.4
beau 49.1 bidet 24.22 bleu (sur la peau) 64.3
beaucoup de 58.3 bidonville 24.1 bleuet 18.2
1 3
288 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
blinde (n) 39.5 bord (a b.) 8.6 bourgeoisie 36.2
blocage 51.12 bord (bordure) 22.6 bourgeon 18.8
bloc-note 59.20 bordel (exclamation) 96.21 bourrasque 23.4
bloc operatoire 65.3 bordel (maison de prostitution) 64.20 bourre, e 90.3
blocus 51.12 bordure 2.1 bourreau 45.18
blond, e 62.20 borgne 66.3 bourreau de travail 76.7
bloquer 51.12 borne (d'autoroute) 7.9 bourrelet 62.2
blouse 25.4 borne (distance) 2.5 bourrer, se bourrer 90.3
blues 82.7 bosquet 18.9 bourse 84.10
bluff 43.10 bosse 1.6 bousculer 13.8
bluffer 43.10 bossele, e 63.27 bout 91.3
bob 81.21 bosser 76.6 bouteille 32.2
bobard 88.3 botte (chaussure) 25.9 bouteille Thermos 32.2
bobinedefil83.6 botte (de foin) 79.6 boutique 78.3
bobsleigh 81.21 bouc (animal) 14.1 bouton (de manchette) 25.13
bocage 79.2 bouc (emissaire) 37.18 bouton (d'or) 18.2
bocal (pour aliment) 32.2 bouche (d'incendie) 20.8 bouton (pour vetement) 25.2
bocal (pour poisson) 17.4 bouche (partie du visage) 64.1 bouton (sur la peau) 64.3
body 25.8 bouche a bouche 68.4 bovins 79.8
boeuf 14.1 bouche bee 47.7 boxe 81.18
bogie 8.17 boucher, -chere 78.6 boxeur 81.18
boire (alcool) 75.1 boucher (remplir) 90.2 bracelet 25.13
boire (terme general) 75.7-75.8 boucherie (magasin) 78.2 bracelet-montre 9.8
bois(arbres) 18.9 boucherie (viande, metier) 72.4 braguette 25.2
bois (d'animal) 14.6 bouchon (de bouteille) 75.6 braiement 14.7
bois (de construction) 26.3 bouchon (sur une route) 51.9 brailler 96.14
boisson 75.1-75.4 boucle (accessoire) 25.9 braire 14.7
boite (a lettres) 24.10 boucle (bijou) 25.13 branchage 18.8
boite (a outils) 27.5 Bouddha 38.12 branche 18.8
boTte (bureau) 76.6 bouddhisme 38.10 branchie 14.6
boite (discotheque) 82.5 Bouddhiste 38.10 bras 64.1
boite (pour boire) 75.6 bouddhiste 38.10 bras d'honneur 62.22
botte (terme general) 32.2 boudin 72.8 brasier 20.6
boiteux, -teuse 66.3 boue 30.2 brasse 81.16
boiter 5.6 boueux, boueuse 30.2 brasserie 74.8
bol 24.18 boeuf 72.5 break 7.1
bon (de bonne qualite) 57.3 bouffe 74.5 brebis 14.1
bon (exact) 60.2 bouffer74.11 bredouiller 96.6
bon (gentil) 43.1 bouger 62.23 bretelle (d'autoroute) 7.9
bon a rien 32.4 bougie 21.5 bretelle (pour vetement) 25. 1
bonbon 73.8 bouillant, e 23.8 colage 27.4
bon marche 84.16 bouillir 74.1 coler 27.4
bon mot 47.13 bouillon-cube 73.6 de 81.25
bon point 52.12 bouillotte 24.21 gade 68.6
bon sens 66.13 boulanger, gere 78.6 gand 43.24
bonde 24.22 boulangerie 78.2 llant, e21 4
bonde, e 90.3 bouleau 18.10 Her 21.3
bondir 5.11 boule (jeu) 81.24 n (de laine) 83.6
bonheur 47.8 boule de neige (augmentation) 58.1 n de (petit peu de) 58.7
bonne (gentille) 43.1 boule de neige (jeu) 23.7 ndille 18.8
bonne a rien 32.4 boulon 27.5 59.2
bonne femme 35.5 boulot (petit b.) 76.1 oche (gateau) 71.3
bonne humeur 47.8 boulot (terme general) 76.6 oche (ventre) 62.2
bonne id6e 54.5 bourn 63.17 que 29.2
bonne memoire 64.5 bouquet 38.4 quet 68.5
bonne sante 66.7 bouquin 59.14 se 23.4
bonnet d'Sne 59.4 bouquiner 59.14 ser91.6
bonte43.1 bourg 22.2 broccoli 70.11
1
French-English index 289
broche 25.13 cabine (d'avion) 8.12 camionnette 7.12
brochure 97.3 cabine (de bateau) 8.2 camouf ler 88.4
broderie 83.6 cabine d'aiguillage 8.18 campagne 22.2
bronze 19.2 cabinet (de toilette) 24.24 camper 81.2
brosse (a chaussures) 25.9 cabinet (medical) 65.1 campeur, -peuse 81.2
brosse (a cheveux ) 69.3 cabinets 24.22 camping 81.2
brosse (a dents) 69.4 cable 27.7 canal 22.8
brosse (a ongles) 69.6 cabosser 91.9 canalisation 27.7
brosse (pour le menage) 30.7 cabot 15.3 canape 24.16
brosser 30.7 cabotage 8.3 canard (journal) 82.1
brouette 80.2 cacahuete 70.9 canard (oiseau) 14.1
brouillard 23.5 cache (nf) 88.4 canard (terme affectueux) 45.8
brouiller, se brouiller 39.9 cache (nm) 88.6 cancan 96.23
broyeur 32.5 cache-cache 88.4 cancaner 14.7
bru 34.4 cache-pot 88.6 Cancer 38.19
brugnon 70.2 cache-prise 88.6 candeur 88.1
bruine 23.3 cache-sexe 88.6 candidat 36.4, 76.2
bruit (son) 63.15, 63.16, 63.19 cacher, cacher se 88.4 candide 88.1
bruit (d'animat) 14.7 cachet (de la poste) 97.2 cane 14.1
bruit (rumeur) 96.23 cachet (medicament) 68.2 caneton 14.1
brulant 23.8 cachette (en c.) 88.4 canette 75.6
brule, e 20.7 cadavre (de bouteille) 90.4 caniche 15.3
bruler, se bruler 20.6 cadavre (mort) 67.4 canicule 23.6
brulure 20.7 caddie 78.5 caniveau 7.11
brulures d'estomac 66.2 cadeau 41.8 canne a peche 81.2
brume 23.5 cadenas 31.1 canot 8.7
brumeux, -meuse 23.5 cadence 82.8 cantique 38.14
brun, e 62.20 cadet, -dette (adj & n) 33.8 canular 47.13
brusque 13.9 cafe (boisson) 75.4 caoutchouc 26.3
brutal 48.5 cafe (lieu) 74.8 cap 22.6
brutalement 48.5 cage (pour animal) 17.4 capacite 58.27
brute 48.5 cage a poules 81.3 capitaine (d'avion) 8.15
bruyamment 63.16 cage thoracique 62.16 capitaine (de bateau) 8.9
bruyant, e 63.16 cahier 59.7 capitaine (de vaisseau) 39.4
buanderie 30.9 caillou 22.4 capitaine (grade militaire) 39.2
budget 84.8 caillouteux, -teuse 22.4 capitaine de corvette 39.4
buffet (meuble) 24.16 caisse (botte) 32.2 capitaine de fregate 39.4
buffet (restaurant) 8.19 caisse (dans un magasin) 78.5 capitaine de I'armee de I'air 39.3
buffle 14.2 cake 71.3 capital (terme general) 84.8
building 24.3 calcul 58.16 capitaux (a risques) 39.1
buisson 18.7 calculatrice 58.19 caporal 39.2, 39.3
bulgare 96.25 calculer 58.16 caporal-chef 39.2
bulletin 59.7 calculette 58.19 capot 7.2
bulot 72.12 cale8.2,8.5 caprice 50.1
buraliste 78.6 calecpn 25.6 Capricorne 38.19
bureau (lieu de travail) 77.1 calembour 47.13 capsule 75.6
bureau (meuble) 59.7 calendrier 9.1 captivant, e 53.4
bureau de tabac 78.3 caler 7.6 capuchon 25.10
bureautique 77 2 calin 48.4 caquetement 14.7
bus 7.12 calligraphier 96.33 caqueter 14.7
but 81.10 calme 63.20 caractere 42.1
butoir8.18 calvados 75.5 caracteristique 95.1
butor 43.7 camarade 45.9 carafe 24.18
cambiste 84.13 CaraTbes 22.2
C.A. 84.8 cambrioler 43.26 caramel 73.8
ca 66.6 cambrioleur 43.26 carapace 14.6
cabane 24.5 camelote 84.16 carbone 20.1
cabillaud 72.11 camion 7.12 carence 74.13
1 1 1 1 1
290 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
caressant, e 48.4 ceinture de securite 7.3 chameau (animal) 14.2
caresser 63.22 ceinturon 25.13 chameau (insulte) 14.5
caricature 83.3 celebre 52.1 chamelle 14.2
carie 90.4 celeri 70.14 champ 79.2
caritatif, -tive41.8 celibataire 35.10 champignon 70.13
carnassier 14.4 cellule 62.15 champion 52.8
carnet 59.20 cellule de crise 39.11 chance 94.1-94.3
carnet de cheques 84.2 celluloide 26.3 chanceux, -ceuse 94.2
carnivore 14.4 cellulose 26.3 chandail 25.5
carotte 70.12 cendres 20.7 chandelle21.5
carpette 24.16 cendrier 68.5 change 33.5
carre (forme) 1.2 censure 37.14 changement 89.2
carre (foulard) 25.11 censurer 37.14 changer (de I'argent) 84.13
carrefour 7.8 centaine 58.23 changer (transformer) 89.2
carrosserie 7.2 centigramme 58.25 chanson 82.13
carrure 64.1 centilitre 58.27 chant 82.11
cartable 25.12 centime 84.13 chantage 43.26
certe (a jouer) 81.6 centrale 37.9 chanter (etre victime) 43.26
carte (de geographie) 22.2 centre (position) 2.2 chanter (musique) 82.1
carte (titre de transport) 6.1 centre hospitalier 65.2 chanteur, -teuse 82.1
carte de presse 41.1 centrisme 36.5 chantier (de construction) 27.10
carte d'identite 97.4 centuple 58.9 chantier naval 8.5
carte grise 97.4 ceramique 26.3 chaparder 43.25
carte postale 97.2 cercueil 38.5 chapeau 25.10
carton (boite) 32.2 cereale 79.6 chapelet 38.14
carton (materiau) 26.3 ceremonie 43.4 char 39.5
cas 87.3 ceremonieux, -nieuse 43.4 charbon 28.3
cascade 22.9 cerf 14.2 charcuterie (magasin) 78.2
case 24.5 cerfeuil 73.3 charcuterie (produits) 72.8
easier 32.2 cerise 70.4 charcutier, -tiere 78.6
casino 81.8 cerisier 18.12 charge 58.25
casque (a musique) 82.15 cerneau (de noix) 70.9 charge, e 52.4
casque (de protection) 25.10 certain 92.6 charge de travail 76.6
casquette 25.10 certainement 92.4 charger 98.2, 98.4
casse-noisette 70.9 certes 92.6 charges patronales 76.3
casse-noix 70.9 certificat 97.4 chariot 78.5
casser 91.6 certifier 92.7 charitable 41.8
casserole 24.17 certitude 92.6 charite41.8
casse-tete 51.6 cerveau 62.17 charmant, e 50.2
cassette 82.15 cesser 1 1.2 charme 50.2
cassis 70.4 chagrin 47.18 charpentier 24.6
castor 15.5 chagrine, e 47.18 charrette 7.12
cataloguer 56.1 chaine (de television) 82.3 charrue 79.4
catamaran 8.7 chaine (hifi) 82.15 chasse d'eau 24.22
cataracte 22.9 chaine (pour attacher) 31.7 chat 15.2
catch 81.18 chaire 38.13 chataigne 70.9
categorie 55.2 chaise 24.16 chataignier 18.10
categorique (certain) 92.6 chaise electrique 67.8 chatain 62.20
catholique 38.11 chale 25.11 chateau 24.4
cauchemar 64.1 chaleur 23.8 chateau d'eau 24.3
cause 61.1-61.2 chaleureusement 45.1 chateau-fort 24.4
caution 37.11 chaleureux, -reuse 45. 1 chaton (animal) 15.2
cavalier (aux echecs) 81.7 chamailler se 40.2 chaton (terme affectueux) 45.8
cavalier, -Mere 81.25 chambre (d'hotel) 24.24 chatouiller 63.22
cavite 31.6 chambre (studio) 24.2 chatoyant, e 21.4
CD 82.15 chambre (terme general) 24.20 chatoyer 21 3
ceder41.7 chambre a gaz 67.8 chatte 15.2
ceinture 25.13 chambre noire 83.4 chaud, e 23.8
1
French-English index 291
chaudiere 28.2 chiffre d'affaires 84.8 circonstance 87.3
chauffage 24.23 chiffre d'ecoute 82.3 circuit 6.2
chauffer 23.8 chignon 40.2 cisaille 80.2
chauffeur (de locomotive) 8.21 chimerique 88.8 cisailler 91.14
chauffeur (de voiture) 7.5 chimie 59.8 ciseau 27.5
chaumes 79.6 chimpanze 14.2 ciseaux 27.5
chaussette 25.4 chinois 96.25 ciseaux a ongles 69.6
chausson 25.9 chiot15.3 cite 22.2
chausson de danse 25.8 chirurgie 65.3 citer96.5
chaussure 25.9 chirurgien, -gienne 65.3 citron 70.3
chaussure de marche 81.20 chirurgien-dentiste 65.4 citron vert 70.3
chaussure de ski 81.21 choc 47.6 clair, e (evident) 41.6
chauve-souris 15.5 chocolat (boisson) 75.4 clair, e (non fonce) 63.13
chaux 26.3 chocolat (bonbon) 73.8 clair de lune 21.1
chef (de cuisine) 74.9 choisir 56.3 claque, e 64.10
chef (de gare, de train) 8.21 choix 56.3 claquettes 82.5
chef (terme general) 37.2 chomage 76.2 clarinette 82.10
chef de bataillon 39.2 chomer 76.2 clarinettiste 82.10
chef d'entreprise 84.6 chomeur, -meuse 76.2 clarte21.5
chef-d'oeuvre 57.6 choral 82.11 classe (en politique) 36.2
chef d'orchestre 82.9 chorale 82.11 classe (a I'ecole) 59.7
chefe 37.2 choriste 82.11 classement 56.1
chemin 7.10 chose 55.1 classer 56.1
chemin de fer 8.16 chou (legume) 70.11 classeur 59.7
cheminee (de bateau) 8.2 chou (terme affectueux) 45.8 classification 56.1
cheminee (pour faire du feu) 24.16 chou de Bruxelles 70.1 classifier 56.1
cheminee (sur un batiment) 24.10 chouette 16.6 69 clavicule 62.16
cheminot 8.21 chou-fleur 70.11 clavier (d'instrument de musique)
chemise (cartonnee) 77.3 Chretien, -tienne (n) 38.10 82.10
chemise (vetement de jour) 25.4 Chretien, -tienne (adj) 38.10 clavier (d'ordinateur) 77.2
chemise de nuit 25.7 chretiente 38.10 de see clef (pour ouvrir)
chemisette 25.4 Christ 38.12 clebard 15.3
chemisier 25.4 chromosome 62.15 clef (musique) 82.14
chene 18.10 chrysalide 16.3 clef (pour ouvrir) 31 .2
chenille 16.3 chrysantheme 18.6 clef a molette 27.5
cheque 84.2 chuchoter 96.7 clef de contact 7.4
chequier 84.2 chut 63.21 clemence 43.17, 43.18
cher, chere 84.16, 84.17 chute (d'eau) 22.9 Clementine 70.3
chercher 50.5 chute (mouvement) 5.12 derge 38.13
cheri, e 45.8 chuter 5.12 client, e 84.9
cherte 84.17 ci-inclus, e 91.4 clientele 84.9
chetif, -tive 66.8 ci-joint, e 91.4 cligner 63.6
cheval (animal) 14.1 cible (pour flechettes) 81 .23 clignotant 7.4-7.6
cheval (sport) 81.25 cible (terme general) 81.23 clignoter 21.3
chevalet 83.2 ciboulette 73.3 climat 23.1
cheveu 64.1 cidre 75.2 din d'ceil 63.6
cheville 64.1 ciel, cieux 20.10 clinique 65.2
chevre 14.1 cigare 68.5 cloche 63.17
chevreau 14.1 cigarette 68.5 clocher 38.13
chevreuil 72.9 cigogne 16.6 clone 55.6
chicane 51.9 CM64.1 cloque 66.2
chien 15.3 ciment 26.3 clou 27.5
chien-loup 15.3 cimetiere 38.5 coassement 14.7
chienne 15.3 cine 82.2 coasser 14.7
chiffon 30.7 cinema 82.2 cochon 14.1
chiffre (cardinal) 58.21 cingle, e 66.12 cochon (obscene) 64.16
chiffre (ordinal) 58.22 cinquantaine 58.23 cochon d'lnde 15.4
chiffre (terme general) 58.20 cirage 25.9 cochonne 64.16
1
292 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
cochonnet 81.24 comete 22.14 compris, e 91.4
cochon-tirelire 84.14 comique (amusant) 82.2 comptabilite 84.15
cocker 15.3 comique (acteur) 82.4 comptable 84.15
coco 36.6 comite 37.4 compte client (dans un grand
cocorico 14.8 commandant 39.3 magasin) 84.15
cocotte-minute 24.17 commencement 11.1 compte (en banque) 84.1
code (phare) 7.6 commencer 11.1 compte-credit 84.3
code (secret) 88.6 commentateur, -trice 96.4 compte-gouttes 68.2
code postal 97.2 commerage 96.23 compter (avoir I'intention de) 51.1
coeur 62.17 commercant 78.6, 84.7 compter (calculer) 58.20
coffre (de voiture) 7.2 commerce (affaires) 84.5 compter (se fier a) 44.1
coffret (boite) 32.2 commerce (magasin) 78.1-78.3, 84.7 comptes 84.9
coffret (disques) 82.15 commissions 78.1 compteur 7.4
cogiter 54.2 commode (meuble) 24.20 comptoir 78.5
cognac 75.5 commode (utile) 32.3 comte, -tesse 36.11
cogner 67.1 commodite 32.3 con 96.21
cohue 35.8 commun, e 55.11 conceder 40.7
coiffeur 69.3 communal, e 36.1 conception 33.2
coiffeuse (personne) 69.3 communaute 35.3 concert 82.12
coiffeuse (meuble) 24.20 commune 36.1 concerto 82.13
coin 22.11 communication (coup de telephone) concessionnaire 84.7
coince, e45.2 98.4 concevable 92.4
coincer 45.2 communication (terme general) 97.1 concevoir 33.2
coin coin 14.8 communiquer 97.1 concierge 24.9
col 25.2 communisme 36.5 concocter 50.8
colere 47.22 compact 82.15 concombre 70.14
colereux, -reuse 47.22 compagne45.7 concorder 40.5
colerique 47.22 compagnon (camarade) 45.10 concours (aide) 46.2
colis97.2 compagnon (concubin) 45.7 concours (examen) 59.10
collaboration 46.2 comparaison 55.3 concret, -crete 88.7
collant, e (adj) 27.1 comparer 55.3 concretement 88.7
collant (vetement) 25.6 compartiment 8.20 concubin, e 45.7
collation 74.7 compas 58.19 concurrence 84.5
colle 27.6 compassion 43.16 concurrent, e (en affaires) 84.5
collection 29.4 compatir 43.16 concurrent, e (en sport) 81.11
collectivite 35.3 competence 59.2 condamnation a mort 67.8
collectivite locale 36.1 competent, e 59.2 condamner 37.1
collegien, -gienne 59.1 competition 81.12 conditionnel 96.26
coller 27.1 complement 91.3 conducteur, -trice (de locomotive) 8.21
colline 22.3 complet (vetement) 25.4 conducteur, -trice (de voiture) 7.5
collision 67.2 complet, -plete (entier) 91.1 conduire 7.6
collyre 68.2 complet, -plete (plein) 90.1 conduire se 42.1
colombe 16.5 completement 91.1 conduite 7.5
colonel 39.2 compliment 45.15 confection 27.9
colonel de I'armee de I'air 39.3 complique, e 51.5 confesser se 38.14
colonne 82.1 comportement 42.1 confession 38.14
colonne vertebrale 62.16 comporter 91.4 confessional 38.14
combinaison (d'ouvrier) 25.4 comporter se 42.1 confiance 44.1
combinaison (sous-vetement) 25.6 composer 82.6 confiture 73.7
combine 98.4 compositeur 82.6 conflit 40.2
combiner 27.1 composition 82.6 conforme 43.2
comble 90.1 compositrice 82.6 confort 45.1
combler (remplir) 90.1 compost 80.1 confortable 45.1
combler (satisfaire) 47.16 compote 73.7 confortablement 45.1
combustible 28.3 comprendre (inclure) 91.4 conge 64.14
comedie 82.2 comprendre (saisir le sens de) 53.2 conge-maladie 76.3
comedie musicale 82.12 compresse 68.4 conge-maternite 76.3
comedien, -dienne 82.4 comprime 68.2 congelateur 24.17
French-English index 293
congeler 23.7 contremaitre 37.2 corpulence 62.2
conifere 18.7 contreplaque 26.3 corpulent, e 62.1
conjonction 96.26 contre-verite 88.3 correct, e (convenable) 57.9
conjugaison 96.26 contribuable 86.2 correct (exact) 60.2
conjuguer 96.26 contribuer 46.3 corriger 59.19
connaissance 45.9 contribution 86.2 corsage 25.4
connaitre 53.1 controle (scolaire) 59.10 cosmonaute 22.12
connard 96.21 controle (terme general) 37.1 costaud, e 48.1
connasse 96.21 controle des naissances 64.21 costume 25.4
conne 96.21 controler 63.3 cote (bord) 22.6
connu, e 52.1 controleur, -leuse 37.2 cote (colline) 22.3
conquerir 39.6 controverse 40.1 cote (en anatomie) 62.16
conscience 43.1 controversy, e 40.1 cote (viande) 72.6
conscience professionnelle 44.2 convaincre 40.6 coteau 22.3
consciencieux, -cieuse 44.2 convalescence 68.1 cotelette 72.6
consecutivement 61.3 convenable (moral) 57.9 cotier, -tiere 22.6
conseil 40.8 convenable (passable) 57.4 cotisation 76.3
conseiller (v) 40.8 convenir 57.9 coton (hydrophile) 68.4
conseiller, -Here 40.8 conversation 96.22 coton (textile) 26.2
consequence 61.3 conversationnel, -nnelle 98.2 cotte 25.4
conserve 73.6 converser 96.22 cou 64.1
conserver 41.11, 73.6 conviction 38.6 couche 33.5
considerable 58.1 convive 74.12 couche d'ozone 20.10
console de jeux 98.1 convivial, e 32.3 coucher 64.17
consommer 74.10 convoiter 50.4 couchette 8.20
consonne 96.27 convoitise 50.4 coude 64.1
constituer 91.4 copain (camarade) 45.9 cou-de-pied 64.1
constructeur 8.5 copain (partenaire) 45.7 coudre 83.6
construction navale 8.5 copie (en informatique) couette 24.21
construire 27.10 98.2 couffin 33.5
consul 36.9 copie (terme general) 89.4 couler 8.4
consulaire 36.9 copier 89.4 couleur (d'une carte a jouer) 81.6
consulat 36.9 copilote 8.15 couleur (pour artiste) 83.2
consultation 65.1 copinage 45.10 couleur (terme general) 63.12
consulter 65.1 copine (camarade) 45.9 couleuvre 16.1-16.2
contact 7.4 copine (partenaire) 45.7 couloir (dans une maison) 24.13
conte 59.15 copte 38.11 couloir (dans un train) 8.20
contemporain, e 12.3 copuler 64.17 couloir (en athletisme) 81.13
contenant 32.2 coq 14.1 couloir de navigation 8.3
content, e 47.8 coque 8.2 coup (terme general) 67.1
contondant, e 91.12 coquelicot 18.2 coupable 37.15
contourner 51.11 coquillage 72.12 coup de genie 57.6
contraceptif (nm) 64.21 coquilie (de noix) 70.9 coup d'envoi 11.1
contraceptif, -ive 64.21 coquille (erreur) 60.3 coup d'etat 36.7
contraception 64.21 cor 82.10 coup de theatre 47.5
contraire 55.7 corail 17.2 coup de vent 23.4
contralto 82.11 Coran 38.15 coup dur 52.10
contrarie, e 47.18 corbeau 16.6 coupe (a dessert) 24.19
contrariete 47.18 corde (en musique) 82.10 coupe (de cheveux) 69.3
contraste 55.8 corde (pour attacher) 31.7 coupe-ongles 69.6
contraster 55.7 corde a linge 30.9 couper (en coiffure) 69.3
contrat (terme general) 37.5 cordon ombilical 33.2 couper (en cuisine) 74.2
contrat de mariage 38.4 corne (d'animal) 14.6 couper (terme general) 91.11-
contre-amiral 39.4 corne de brume 63.17 91.14
contravention 37.7 corner 81.10 couper en deux 58.12
contrebasse 82.10 corps 62.19 couper en trois/quatre 58.12
contrebassiste 82.10 corps de metier 24.6 coupure (argent) 84.14
contrefait, e 89.4 corps gazeux 20.1 coupure (blessure) 91.12
contrefort38.13 corps-mort 8.3 cour (du roi) 36.10
294 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
cour (espace) 24.10 craie 26.3 croquis83.3
cour (tribunal) 37.11 craindre 45.24 crotte, e 30.2
courant 22.8 crainte 45.24 croute71.1
courant d'air 23.4 crampe 66.5 croyance 38.6
courbatu, e 66.5 crane 62.16 croyant, e (adj & n) 38.6
courbature 66.5 crante, e 63.27 CRS 37.8
courbature, e 66.5 crapaud 15.5 cru (en equitation) 81.25
courbette 62.14 crasse 30.2 cru, e (non cuit) 74.1
coureur (de dot) 84.18 crasseux, -sseuse 30.2 cruaute 45.17
coureur, -reuse (en sport) 81.15 cravate 25.13 cruche 24.18
courge 70.13 crawl 81.16 cruel, cruelle 45.17
courgette 70.13 crayon 59.20 cube 58.27
courir (aller vite) 5.7 creancier 84.3 cubique 58.27
courir (en sport) 81.15 crecelle 63.17 cuiller 24.19
couronne (de roi) 36.10 credule 38.8 cuillere 24.19
couronne (en dentisterie) 65.4 creme (fraTche) 72.2 cuir 26.2
couronne (mortuaire) 38.5 creme a raser 69.5 cuire 74.1
couronnement 36.10 cremerie 72.1 cuisine (activite) 74.1
courrier 97.2 cremier, -miere 72.1 cuisine (piece) 24.17
courrier electronique 98.4 creneau (en voiture) 7.6 cuisiner 74.1
courrouce, e 47.22 creosote 27.6 cuisinier 74.9
courroux 47.22 crepage de chignon 40.2 cuisiniere (personne) 74.9
cours (du marche) 84.10 crepe 74.3 cuisiniere (appareil) 24.17
cours (lecon) 59.1 crepi 24.10 cuisse 64.1
cours d'eau 22.8 cresson 70.14 cuisson 74.1
course (de chevaux) 81.26 cretin, e 59.5 cuit, e 74.1
course (en athletisme) 81.15 creuse 90.4 cuivre (jaune) 19.2
course-poursuite 5.9 creuser 80.1 cuivre (rouge) 19.2
courser 5.7 creux 90.4 cuivre, e 62.20
courses (dans les magasins) 78.1 crevaison 7.5 cuivres 82.10
coursier 97.2 crevasse 31.6 culot 43.9
court 81.13 creve, e 64.10 culotte 25.5
courtier 84.8 crever 67.3 culotte, e 43.9
courtoisie 43.6 cri (animal) 14.8 culotte de cheval (graisse) 62.2
couru, e 45.5 cri (humain) 96.14 culotte de cheval (vetement) 81.25
cousin, e 34.5 criard, e 63.13 culpabilite 37.15
coussin 24.16 crier 96.14 culte 38.14
cout 84.11 crime 37.7 cultivateur, -trice 79.1
couteau 24.19 crise (mauvaise sante) 66.1 cultiver 79.1
couter 84.11 crise (en economie) 86.3 culture (agriculture) 79.1, 79.5, 79.6
couteux, -teuse 84.17 crispant, e 47.1 culture (education) 59.1
coutume 38.1 crispe, e 47.1 culture (facon de vivre) 38. 1
couture 83.6 crisper se 47.1 cupide 50.4
couvent 38.13 critiquer 96.15 cupidite 50.4
couvercle 31.4 croassement 14.7 cure (en medecine) 68.4
couvert (de table) 24.19 croc 14.6 cure (de disintoxication) 75.8
couvert, e (nuageux) 23.1 crochet (d'art) 83.6 cure (par les plantes) 18.5
couvert, e (protege) 31.3 crochet (en ponctuation) 96.29 cure 38.13
couverture (de lit) 24.21 crochet (pour attacher) 31.7 curieux, -rieuse (cherchant a
couverture (pour proteger) 31.4 crocheter 83.6 decouvrir) 47.4
couvre-chef 25.10 crocodile 16.1 curieux, -rieuse (etrange) 95.2
couvre-lit 24.21 croire 38.6, 38.8 curiosite 47.4
couvreur 24.6 croisement 7.8 curseur 98.1
couvrir 31.3 croiser 7.6 cyclisme 81.19
crabe (en cuisine) 72.12 croissance 58.9 cycliste 81.19
crabe (animal) 17.2 croitre 58.9 cygne 16.6
crachin 23.3 croque-madame 74.3 cymbale 82.10
crack 68.6 croque-monsieur 74.3 cymbalier. -liere 82.10
1 1
French-English index 295
cymbaliste 82.10 decoller8.13 deltaplane 81.22
cypres 18.11 decombres 20.7 deluge 23.6
decomposer se 67.4 demain 9.2
d'abord 13.1 decompresser 64.13 demande 96.16
d'accord 40.5 deconcerte, e 47.7 demander, se demander 96.16
dactylo 77.4 decoration 52.12 demandeur, -deuse d'emploi 76.2
daim (animal) 14.2 decorer (donner une medaille a) 52.12 demarche 5.6
daim (peau) 26.2 decorer (embellir) 49.2 demarrage 11.1
damier 81.7 decoupe 72.6 demarrer 11.1
danois 96.25 decouper 91.13 demenager 24.7
danse82.5 decouvert, e (adj) 31.5 demener se 51.8
danser 82.5 decouvert (a la banque) 84.2 demeure 24.8
danseur, -seuse 82.5 decouvrir (trouver) 50.7 demeurer 24.7
d'apres 96.11 decouvrir (voir) 63.5 demi 75.2
darne 72.11 decrire 96.13 demi-douzaine 58.23
date (de peremption) 70.8 deculottee 52.10 demi-frere 34.4
date (du calendrier) 9.5 dedaigneux, -neuse 57.1 demi-jour 21.1
datte 70.6 dedain 57.1 demi-soeur 34.4
dauphin (animal) 17.2 dedale51.6 democratic 36.5
dauphin (personne) 36.11 dedans 2.2 democratique 36.5
dauphine 36.11 deesse 38.12 demode, e 12.4
dealer 68.6 defaire91.6 demoiselle d'honneur 38.4
debarbouiller se 69.2 defaite 39.6 demolir 91.7
debarquer (arriver) 4.1 defendre 39.6 demolition 91.7
debarquer (d'un navire) 8.6 defense (au tribunal) 37.1 demonter 91.6
debarrasser se 32.6 defense (d'animal) 14.6 denegation 40.4
debile 66.12 defenseur 37.11 deniers publics 84.12
debiter 74.2 defiler98.2 dent 65.4
debout (position d'un objet) 2.2 definir 96.13 dentaire 65.4
debout (posture humaine) 62.11 degage, e (sans inquietude) 5.6 dentelle 26.2
debrouillard, e 52.8 degage, e (sans nuages) 23.1 dentier 65.4
debut 11.1 degats91.6 dentifrice 69.4
debutant, e 1 1.1 degouliner 20.4 dentiste 65.4
debuter 11.1 degout 45.21 denude, e 31.5
deca 75.4 degoutant, e 45.21 deodorant 69.2
decapiter 91.12 degouter 45.21 depannage 46.2
decapsuleur 75.6 degre (d'alcool) 75.2 depanner 46.3
deceder 67.3 degre (en geometrie) 1.2 depart (commencement) 11.1
decembre 9.3 degrevement d'impots 86.2 depart (eloignement) 4.2
decennie 9.9 degringoler 5.13 depasse, e 12.4
deception 47.21 deguerpir 4.2 depasser 7.6
decevoir 47.21 degueulasse (deplaisant) 45.21 depecher se 13.8
dechaine, e 47.2 degueulasse (sale) 30.2 dependance a la drogue 68.6
decharge (municipale) 32.5 deguster 74.11 dependances 79.3
decharger 90.4 dehors (en plein air) 24.11 depenser (acheter) 84.1
dechet 32.5 dehors (position) 2.2 depenser (gaspiller) 85.3
dechirer 27.3 dejeuner 74.4 depenses 84.11
decide, e 51.3 dejeuner (petit d.) 24.24 depensier, -siere 85.3
decigramme 58.25 delicate (difficile) 51.5 deperir 91.15
decilitre 58.27 delicat, e (plein de tact) 43.15 deplacement 6.2
decimer 58.12 delicat, e (faible) 66.8 deplacer 5.1
declaration 96.2 delicatesse 43.15 deplaisant, e 57.10
declaration d'impots 86.2 delicieux, -cieuse 73.4 depliant97.3
declarer 96.2 delire 66.11 depoussierer 30.7
declarer (a la douane) 6.3 delirer 66.11 depreciation 85.1
declencher 61.2 delit 37.7 derision 47.14
decolerer 47.24 delivrer 41.9 derisoire 57.2
decollage8.13 delphinarium 17.4 deriver 8.3
296 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
dernier, -niere 11.2 deux-pieces 24.9 discours 96.4
dernierement 1 1.2 devant (position) 2.2 discussion 96.18
derober 43.25 developper 83.4 discutailler 96.18
derober se 5.2 devenir 87.1 discuter 96.18
derriere (position) 2.2 deverser se 20.4 diseuse de bonne aventure 81.3
desabuser 47.21 deviner 53.3 disparaitre (mourir) 67.3
desaccord 40.1 devise 84.13 disparaitre (partir) 4.2
desapprouver 40.1 devoir (ce que Ton doit faire) 43.1 dispendieux, -dieuse 84.17
descendant, e 34.6 devoir (scolaire) 59.7 dispositif 55.1
descendre (a I'hotel) 24.24 devoir (v) 84.4 disposition 42.2
descendre (aller plus bas) 5.13 devorer 74.11 dispute 40.2
descendre (etre issu ae) 34.6 devot, e 38.16 disputer (argumenter) 96.18
descente (en alpinisme) 81.20 dexterite 59.2 disputer (dans une competition) 81.12
descente (terme general) 5.13 diable 38.12 disputer se 40.2
descente de police 37.8 diabolo 75.3 disque (en athletisme) 81.15
desert, e (adj) 90.4 diamant 19.1 disque (en hi-fi) 82.15
desert (nm) 20.5 diaphragme (contraceptif) 64.21 disque dur 98.1
deserte, e 90.4 diaphragme (en anatomie) 62.17 disquette 98.1
desertique 20.5 diapositive 83.4 dissimuler 88.4
desespere, e 47.19 dictature 36.5 distinction 55.8
desesperer, se desesperer 47.19 dictee (exercice) 96.5 distinguer (differencier) 55.9
desespoir 47.19 dictee (termes utilises en dictant) distinguer (voir) 63.5
deshabiller25.3 96.30 distraction 64.14
deshabiller se 25.3 dieter 96.5 distrait, e 64.6
desherber 80.1 dictionnaire 59.17 distribuer 41.10
deshydrater 20.5 diese 82.14 distributeur automatique 84.1
designation 55.12 diesel8.17 divan 24.16
designer 41.1 Dieu 38.12 divin, e 38.16
desir 50.1 differemment 55.8 divinite 38.12
desirer 50.1 differencier 55.9 diviser 27.2
desordonne, e 29.3 differencier se 55.9 diviser 58.17
desordre 29.3 different, e 55.7 division 58.17
dessecher 20.5 difficile 51.5 division (en arithmetique) 58.17
dessein 51.2 difficulty 51.5 division blindee 39.5
dessert 74.6 digestif 75.2 divorce 38.4
dessin83.1 digicode 24.10 divorcer 38.4
dessin 83.3 digne 43.4 dizaine 58.23
dessous 24.14 digne d'eloges 45.15 do 82.14
dessus 24.14 dignite 43.4 docker 8.9
destin 94.1 dilemme 51.6 docteur 65.1
destruction 91.7 dimanche 9.2 doctoresse 65.1
desuet, -suette 12.4 dimension 58.13 document (de secours) 98.2
detachant 30.9 dimension (a troid d.) 1.3 document (terme general) 97.3, 97.4
detacher 27.3 diminuer 58.12 dodo 64.7
detendre se 64.13 diminution 58.12 doigt (de la main) 64.1
detenir 41.11 dinde 14.1 doigt (quantite) 58.8
detente 64.13 dindon 14.1 dollar 84.13
detenu 37.9 dindonneau 14.1 domaine 22.11
deterioration 91.15 diner 74.4 domicile 24.8
deteriorer 91.15 dingue 66.12 dominer 57.8
deteriorer se 91.15 dire 96.8-96.10 donation 41.8
detestable 45.19 directeur, -trice 37.2 donne 81.6
detester 45.19 directeur commercial 84.6 donner 41.7-41.10
detournement de fonds 43.22 direction 3.2 donner dans 67.2
detresse 47.19 dirigeant, e 37.2 donneur 41.8
detruire91.7 discordance 82.8 dont 91.4
dette 84.3 discorde 40.1 dorer 74.1
deuil 38.5 discotheque 82.5 dormir 64.7
French-English index 297
dos(d'une page) 59.14 eau de cologne 25.14 ecran (de television) 82.2
dos (en anatomie) 64.1 eau de javel 30.5 ecraser 91.9
doscrawle 81.16 eau de vaisselle 30.8 ecrevisse 72.12
dos d'ane 7.8 eau-de-vie 75.5 eerier s' 96.14
dossier 77.3 ebahi, e 47.7 ecrin 32.2
dot 84.18 ebauche, e 91.3 ecrire 96.32
douane 6.3 eboueur 32.5 ecriture (signes) 96.32
douanier 6.3 ecaille 14.6 ecriture (style) 59.18
double (deux fois) 58.9 ecailler 91.8 ecrou 27.5
doubler 7.6 ecarter (pousser) 5.3 ecroule, e (de rire) 47.10
doublure 82.4 ecarter (separer) 27.3 ecrouler s' 5.12
douce (lisse) 63.23 echalotte 70.13 ecueil 51.9
douce (sans brutalite) 48.4 echanger 41.10 ecureuil 15.5
douceatre 73.2 echangeur 7.9 ecurie 79.3
doucement 48.4 echantillon 41.5 editer 59.19
doucereux, -reuse 48.4 echapper 5.2 editeur 59.19
douceur 48.4 echarpe 25.11 edition (en informatique)
douche (a I'hotel) 24.24 echassier 16.5 98.2
douche (appareil) 24.22 echauffouree 39.7 editorial 82.1
douchette 24.22 echeance 84.3 editrice 59.19
doue, e 59.12 echec 52.9 edredon 24.21
douillet, -Ilette45.1 echecs81.7 education 59.1
douleur 66.5 echelle (pour monter) 27.6 eduquer 59.1
douloureux, -reuse 66.5 echelle (proportion) 58.14 effacer 59.20
doute 92.8 echine 14.6 effaroucher 45.24
douter 92.8 echiquier 81.7 effemine, e 35.7
douteux, -teuse 92.8 echo 96.20 effervescence 47.2
doux (lisse) 63.23 echographie 33.3 efflanque, e 62.8
doux (sans brutalite) 48.4 echouer 52.11 effleurer 63.22
douzaine 58.23 eclabousser 20.4 effondrer 91.7
drachme 84.13 eclaboussure 20.4 effondrer s' 5.12
draguer 45.7 eclair 23.6 efforcer s' 51.8
drap 24.21 eclair de genie 57.6 effort (terme general) 51.6-51.7
dressage 81.26 eclaircir 80.1 effrayer 45.22
dresse, e 48.4 eclaire, e 21.4 effroi 45.23
drogue 68.6 eclairer 21.3 effronte, e 43.9
drogue, e (adj & n) 68.6 eclat (de lumiere)21.5 effronterie 43.9
droguer se 68.6 eclat (de colere) 47.23 effroyable 45.20
droit (autorisation) 37.14 eclat de rire 47.9 egal, e (adj & n) 55.4
droit (direction) 3.2 eclater 47.23 egalite 55.4
droit (loi) 37.6 eclipser s' 5.6 eglise 38.13
droit (permission) 37.13 eclore 16.7 egocentrique 43.3
droit de visite 38.4 ecoeurant, e 45.21 egocentrisme 43.3
drole (amusant) 47.12 ecoeurement 45.21 egoTsme 43.3
drole (etrange) 95.2 ecoeurer 45.21 egoTste 43.3
dubitatif, -tive 92.8 ecole 59.1 egout 32.5
due, duchesse 36.11 ecole de commerce 84.6 egouttoir 24.17
dune 22.7 ecolier 59.1 egratignure 91.12
duo 82.9 econome 86.1 ejaculer 64.18
duplex 24.2 economie 86.1 elaguer 80.1
dur, e 63.25 economies 84.2 elance, e 62.7
dur, e (a la tache) 76.7 economique 86.1 elancers' 5.11
duvet 24.21 economiser 84.2 elargir, s'elargir 58.10
economiste 86.1 electeur 36.4
ecorce (d'arbre) 18.8 election 36.4
eau (boisson) 75.3 ecorce (de fruit) 70.7 electrice 36.4
eau (dans la maison) 27.7 ecosser 74.2 electricien 24.6
eau (dans la nature) 22.5 ecouter 63.14 electricite 27.7
eau benite 38.14 ecran (d'ordinateur) 77.2 elegance 49.1
1 1
298 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
elegant, e49.1 enceinte 33.2 entente 40.5
elephant 14.2 enclin, e 10.3 enterrement 38.5
elephanteau 14.2 encourageant, e 46.5 enterrer 38.5
elevage 79.8 encouragement 46.5 enthousiasme 45.13
eleve 59.1 encourager 46.6 enthousiaste 45.13
elever s' 85.1 encyclopedic 59.17 entier, -tiere 91.1
elever s' (monter) 5.14 endettement 84.3 entierement 91.1
eliminer 32.6 endetter s' 84.4 entr'aide 46.2
eloge 45.15 endolori, e 66.5 entr'aider s' 46.3
eluder 5.2 endommager 91.6 entrainer (provoquer) 61.2
emacie, e 62.8 endormi, e 64.8 entrainer (tirer, attirer) 5.3
email 26.3 endormir, s'endormir 64.8 entrainer, s'entrainer (pratiquer) 46.6
emailler 26.4 endosser 25.3 entr'apercevoir 63.5
emaux 26.3 endroit (bon cote) 2.2 entree (acces) 24.11
emballage 31.4 endroit (lieu) 22.11 entree (arrivee) 4.1
emballer 31.3 enduire 26.4 entree (dans la maison) 24.13
embarcation 8.1, 8.7 energetique 28.3 entree (dans un repas) 74.6
embarquer, s'embarquer 8.6 energie 28.3 entrejambes 25.2
embauche 76.2 energique 48.1 entr'ouvert, e 31.2
embaucher 76.2 enerve, e 47.2 entrepont 8.2
embellir 49.2 enfant 34.2 entreposer 84.7
embonpoint 62.2 enfant unique 35.10 entrepot 84.7
embouchure 22.8 enfer38.17 entreprendre 52.5
embouteillage 7.5 enfermer 31.1 entrepreneur 84.6
embrasser 45.12 enfiler (en couture) 83.6 entrepreneur (en batiment) 27.20
embryon 33.2 enfiler (en s'habillant) 25.3 entreprise 84.6
emeraude 19.1 enfoncer 5.3 entrer4.1
emettre 82.3 enfuir s' 5.6 entretien (nettoyage) 30.4
emincer 74.2 engagement 40.9 entretien (profess'onnel) 76.2
emission 82.3 engager (embaucher) 76.2 envahir 39.6
emmenager 24.7 engager (persuader) 46.6 enveloppe 97.2
emotif, -tive 42.3 engin 28.1 envelopper 31.3
emotion 42.3 engrais 79.7 envers (mauvais cote) 2.2
emparer s' 41.13 engraisser (devenir gros) 62.5 envie (desir) 50.1
empecher 51.12 engraisser (en agriculture) 79.7 envie (jalousie) 50.4
empereur 36.1 enjoliveur 7.2 envier 50.4
empiffr.r s' 74.11 enjoue, e 47.8 envieux, -vieuse 50.4
empiler 29.5 enlaidir 49.3 environs 22.11
empirer 91.15 enlever 41.12 envisager 53.3
emploi (travail) 76 1 ennemi 39.8 envoler s' (avion) 8.13
emploi (utilisation) 32.1 ennui (monotonie) 10.2 envoler s' (oiseau) 16.7
employe, e (de banque) 84.1 ennui (probleme) 51.6 envoyer (lancer) 5.5
employe, e (de bureau) 77.4 ennuyer, s'ennuyer 10.2 envoyer (par la poste) 97.2
employe, e (terme general) 76.1 ennuyeux, -yeuse 10.2 epagneul 15.3
employer (donner du travail a) 76.1 enorgueillir s' 43.12 epais, epaisse 62.1
employer (utiliser) 32.1 enorme 58.1 epanoui, e 47.16
employeur 76.1 enrager 47.22 epanouir s' 47.16
empoisonner, s'empoisonner 67.7 enregistrement 82.15 epanouissement 47.16
emportement 47.23 enrichir, s'enrichir 84.18 epargner 43.18
emporter I' 52.7 enseignant, e 59.9 eparpiller 5.5
emporter s' 47.23 enseigne de vaisseau 39.4 epatant, e 57.5
emprunt 84.3 enseignement 59.1 epaule (en anatomie) 64.1
emprunter 84.4 enseigner 59.1 epaule (en boucherie) 72.6
emu, e 42.3 ensemble musical 82.9 epave 8.4
en-cas 74.5 entamer 91.13 epeler, s'epeler 96.28
en-tete 97.3 entasser 29.5 epervier 16.6
encaustique 30.7 entendre 63.14 epi 18.3
encaustiquer 30.7 entendre s' 45.1 epice 73.3
French-English index 299
epice, e 73.6 escrimer s' 51.8 etouffer (faire taire) 63.21
epicea 18.11 escroc 43.23 etourneau 16.6
epicerie 78.2 escroquer 43.22 etrange 95.2
epicier, -ciere 78.6 escroquerie 43.22 etranger 6.3
epidemie 66.1 espace (aerien) 8.14 etrangler, s'etrangler 67.7
epier 63.8 espace (endroit vide) 31.6 etre7.1
epinard 70.11 espagnol 96.25 etrenner 25.3
epine 18.3 espece 55.2 etrier 81.25
epingle 31.7 especes 84.11 etui 32.2
epingle a nourrice 33.5 espion 50.6 euro 84.13
epingler 27.1 espionnage 50.6 euthanasie 67.5
eplucher 74.2 espionner 50.6 evaluation 57.13
eponge (pour le bain) 69.2 esprit (etat mental) 62.19 evaluer (donner une valeur
eponge (pour le menage) 30.5 esprit (fantome) 88.12 marchande a) 85.1
eponger 30.5 essai 51.4 evaluer (terme general) 57.13
epouvantable 45.20 essaim 16.4 £vangile 38.15
epouvante 45.23 essayer (mettre un vetement) 25.3 evanouir s' 66.5
epouvanter 45.23 essayer (terme general) 51.4 eveiller s' 64.12
eprouver 42.4 essayer s' (s'e. a faire) 51.4 evenement 87.3
epuisant, e 64.10 essence 7.7 eventail 25.13
epuise, e 64.10 essieu 7.2 evertuer a s' 51.8
epuisement 64.10 essorer 20.5 evidemment 41.6
epuiser, s'epuiser 64.10 essuie-glace 7.3 evidence 41.6
equateur 22.2 essuyer 30.7 evident, e 41.6
equerre 59.20 esthetique 49.1 evier 24.17
equestre 81.26 estimation 53.3 eviter 5.2
equipage (d'avion) 8.15 estime 45.16 evoluer 62.23
equipage (de bateau) 8.9 estimer 53.3 evoquer 55.5
equipe (au travail) 35.8 estomac 62.17 exact, e 60.2
equipe (en sport) 81.11 etable 79.3 exactement 60.2
equipement (de bureau) 77.2 etablissement 37.3 exactitude 60.2
equipement (de puericulture) 33.5 etage 24.12 exageration 96.19
equipement (outils) 27.5 etagere 24.16 exagerer 96.19
equipier, -piere 81.11 etain 19.2 exaltation 47.2
equitable 43.14 etalage 78.5 examen (dans I'enseignement) 59.10
equitation 81.25 etaler41.2 examen (en medecine) 65.1
equite 43.14 etalers' 58.10 examen (observation) 63.3
equivalent, e 55.4 etalon 58.24 examiner 63.3
erafler 91.8 etang 22.5 exasperation 47.22
ere 9.9 etat 87.4 exaspere, e 47.22
erection 64.18 etat-civil 55.14 excellent, e 57.5
ermite 35.10 ete 9.4 excepte, e 91.5
eroder s' 91.15 eteindre 20.8 exceptionnel, -nnelle 95.2
erosion 91.15 etendre (appliquer) 31.3 excitant 47.2
erotique 64.16 etendre (augmenter) 58.9 excitation 47.2
errata 60.1 etendre (faire coucher) 68.3 excite, e 47.2
erratum 60.1 etendre (faire secher) 30.9 exclamation 96.14
erreur (terme general) 60.1 etendre s' 58.2 exclamer s' 96.14
erreur judiciaire 60.1 eternel, -nelle 87.1 exclusion 91.5
erronne, e 60.1 etincelant, e 21.4 excursion 6.2
escalade 81.20 etinceler 21.3 excuser 43.18
escalader 81.20 etiquette 55.14 executer (faire) 52.5
escalator 5.14 etirer s' 64.9 executer (tuer) 67.6
escale 6.2 etoffe 26.1 exercice (de tir) 81.23
escalier roulant 5.14 etoile 22.14 exercice (en finances) 84.8
escargot 15.5 etonnant, e 47.5 exercice (scolaire) 59.1
esclave 37.18 etonne, e 47.7 existence 87.1
escrime 81.18 etouffer (faire suffoquer) 91.9 exister 87.1
5
300 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
exorbitant, e 84.17 fait (en f.) 88.7 femme politique 36.3
expedier 44.5 falaise 22.6 femme pompier 20.8
experience 51.4 famelique 62.8 fenaison 79.5
experimenter 51.4 fameux, -meuse 52.1 fendre 91.14
expert 59.3 famille34.6 fenetre 24.10
expert -comptable 84. 1 famine 74.13 fenouil 73.3
expirer 64.4 fan 45.4 fente31.6
explication 96.13 fanfare 82.9 fer 19.2
expliquer 96.13 fantastique 57.5 fer a repasser 30.9
exploitation 32.1 fantoche 88.8 ferme (adj) 38.7
exploiter 32.1 fantome 88.12 ferme (dur) 63.25
exploser (etre en colere) 47.23 faon 14.2 ferme (nf) 79.1
exportateur, -trice 84.5 farce 47.13 ferme, e 31.1
exporter 84.5 fard a paupieres 25.14 fermement 38.7
exposer (dans un musee) 41.4 farine 71.1 fermer, se fermer 31.1
exposer (decouvrir) 31.5 farineux, -neuse 73.4 fermette 24.5
exposition (commerciale) 84.5 farouche 48.5 fermeture 31.1
exposition (d'oeuvres d'art) 41.4 fascinant, e 53.4 fermier 79.1
exprimer 96.2 fascisme 36.5 fermiere 79.1
exprimer s' 96.2 fast-food 74.3 ferroviaire 8.16
exquis, e 73.4 fatal, e 67.10 ferry 8.8
exterieur (position) 2.2 fatigant, e 64.10 fesse 64.1
externe (position) 2.2 fatigue 64.10 fessee 67.1
extincteur 20.8 fatigue, e 64.10 fete (celebration) 38.2
extraconjugal, e 45.7 fatiguer, se fatiguer 64.10 fete (grandes dates) 9.5
extraordinaire 95.2 faubourg 22.11 fete foraine 81.3
extravagant, e 95.2 faufiler se 5.6 feter 38.2
faune 14.3 feu (combustion) 20.6
fa 82.14 faussaire 89.4 feu, e (defunt) 67.4
fabricant 27.9 faussement 88.3 feu, e (pour la circulation) 7.11
fabrication 27.9 faute (au football) 81.10 feuillage 18.8
fabrique 27.9 faute (erreur) 60.3 feuille 18.3
fabrique, e 89.4 fauteuil 24.16 feuille de chou 82.1
fabriquer 27.8 fauteuil roulant 68.4 feuille de the 75.4
fabuleux, -leuse 57.5 fautif, -ive 60.3 feuille de vigne 18.3
fac59.1 fauve (animal) 48.5 feuilleter63.2
facade 88.9 fauve (couleur) 63.12 feutre 26.2
fache, e 47.22 faux (document) 89.4 feve70.11
facher, se facher 47.22 faux, fausse (copie) 89.4 fevrier 9.3
facho 36.6 faux, fausse (incorrect) 60.3 fiabilite 44.1
facile 51.13 faux, fausse (mensonger) 88.3 fiable44.i
facilite 51.13 faux-semblant 88.9 fiancailles 38.4
facon 56.2 favoriser 46.3 fiancer se 38.4
facteur 97.2 fax 98.4 fiasco 52.10
factrice 97.2 faxer 98.4 ficelle 31.7
facture 84.11 fee 88.11 fiche 27.7
facturer 84.11 felicitations 45.15 ficher en I'air 32.7
faculte59.1 feliciter 45.15 fichier 98.3
fade 73.4 femelle 35.7 fichu 25. 11
faible (propension) 45.3 feminin, (en grammaire, nm) 96.26 fiction 59.15
faible (sans force) 48.3 feminin, e (en grammaire, adj) 96.26 fidele (en amitie) 45.11
faiblesse48.3 feminin, e (de la femme) 35.7 fidele (enthousiaste) 5.10
faim 74.13 feminite 35.7 fidele (religieux) 38.14
faineant, e 44.3 femme (epouse) 34.4 fier, fiere 43.12
faire 81 10 femme (personne de sexe feminin) 35.7 fierte 43.12
faisable (passable) 57.4 femme de menage 30.4 figue 70.6
faisable (realisable) 92.1 femme fatale 50.3 figure 88 9
fait (chose vraie) 88.2 femme policier 37.8 fil(acoudre)26.1,83.6
1 1
French-English index 301
fil (electrique) 27.7 fonds de commerce 78.3 fraction 58.18
filature 5.9 fonte 19.2 fragile 48.3
fil defer 31.7 fonts baptismaux 38.13 fraiche 23.7
fil dentaire 69.4 football 81.14 fraicheur 70.8
filer (partir) 4.2 footing 81.15 frais (depenses) 84.8
filer (suivre) 5.9 foret 18.9 frais (froid) 23.7
filet (de poisson) 72.11 formater 98.2 frais (pas sec, pas en boite) 70.8
filet a papillons 81.2 forme (prendre f.) 1.7 frais de deplacement 6.2
fille 34.2 forme (sans f.) 1.6 frais de poste 97.2
fille unique 35.10 forme (sante) 66.7 fraise 70.4
filleul, e 38.3 formel, -melle 92.6 framboise 70.4
film 82.2 formes (d'une femme) 1.7 framboisier 18.12
filou 43.23 formidable 57.5 franc (adj) 88.1
fils 34.2 formulaire 97.3 franc (nm) 84.13
fils unique 35.10 forniquer 64.17 francos (adj) 22.2
fin 11.2 fort (au gout) 73.4 francais (discipline scolaire) 59.8
fin, e73.4 fort (robuste) 48. fran<;ais (langue) 96.25
final, e 11.2 fortifier 48.2 Francais, e 22.2
finalement 1 1.2 fortune (chance) 94.1 France 22.2
finaud, e 59.13 fortune (richesse) 84.18 franche 88.1
finir 11.2 fortune, e 84.18 franchir 51.1
finnois 96.25 fosse 79.2 franchise 88.1
fisc 86.2 fossile 22.4 frangin 34.2
fiscal, e 86.2 fou (adj) 66.10 franquette (a la bonne f.) 43.5
fiston 34.2 fou (aux echecs) 81.7 frapper 67.1
FIV33.3 fou (personne) 66.10 fraude fiscale 86.2
fivete 33.3 fou rire 47.9 frayeur 45.22
flacon 32.2 foudre 23.6 frein 7.3
flambee 20.6 fouetter 67.1 freiner 7.6
flamber 74.1 fouille 50.5 fremir 74.1
flaner 5.6 fouiller 50.5 frequemment 10.1
flatter 63.22 fouillis 29.3 frequence 10.1
flatteur, -tteuse45.15 fouine 15.5 frequente 10.1
fleche 81.23 fouiner 47.4 frequente, e 45.5
flechette 81.23 foulard 25.11 frequenter (comme ami) 4.3
flemmard, e 44.3 foule 35.8 frequenter (comme amoureux) 45.7
flemmarder 44.3 four (fiasco) 52.10 frere 34.2
fleur 18.3 four (industriel) 26.3 fretin 17.1
flexible 63.24 four (pour la cuisine) 24.17 friandises 73.8
flic 37.9 four a micro-ondes 24.17 fric 84.12
florin 84.13 fourche 80.2 frigo 24.17
flotter (en natation) 81.16 fourchette 24.19 frime 43.10
flotter (meteoj 23.2 fourchette a viande 24.19 frimer 43.10
flotter (onduler) 5.16 fourgon mortuaire 38.5 frire 74.1
f lotteur 8.2 fourmi 16.3 froid, e (adj) 23.7
flute 82.10 fourmi-lion 16.3 froid (nm) 23.7
flutiste 82.10 fourmiliere 16.4 fromage (moment du repas) 74.6
foetus 33.2 fourmilion 16.3 fromage (produit) 72.2
foi (confiance) 38.6 fourmiller 16.3 fromager, -gere 72.1
foi (religion) 38.9 fournir 41.9 fromagerie 72.1
foie (en anatomie) 62.17 fournitures (de bureau) 77.3 front 64.1
foie (en boucherie) 72.7 fournitures (pour artistes) 83.2 frontiere 6.3
foin 79.6 fournitures (scolaires) 59.7 frotter 30.5
foire-exposition 41.4 fourriere 7.5 fructueux, -tueuse 52.7
folie 66.10 fourrure 14.6 fruit 70.1-70.2
folle 66.10 foutre (en I'air) 32.7 fruit de la passion 70.5
fonce, e 63.13 foyer (de cheminee) 24.16 fruit rouge 70.4
fondre 58.12 foyer (d'incendie) 20 6 fruit sec 70.6
1 1 1 1 1 1
302 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
fruite, e70.1 gaspillage 85.2 geometre-expert 24.6
fruits de mer 72.12 gaspiller 85.2 geometrie 58.16
fruits exotiques 70.5 gateau 71.3 gerant, e 37.2
fuir 5.2 gateau sec 71.2 gerboise 15.4
fuite 4.2 gater 91.10 gerer 37.1
fulminer 47.24 gateux, -teuse 66.12 geste 62.21
fumer 68.5 gauche 44.7 205, gesticuler 62.21
fumier 79.7 Gaullisme 36.5 gibier72.9
furet 15.5 gay 64.22 giboulee 23.3
fureter 50.5 gaz (emanation) 20.1 gicler 20.4
fureur 47.22 gaz (ressource) 28.3 gifle 67.1
furie 47.22 geant, e 58.1 gifler 67.1
furieux, -rieuse 47.22 gel (froid) 23.7 gigot 72.6
fusain 83.2 gel (pour la douche) 69.2 gilet 25.4 107, 25.5
fuselage 8.12 gelee (salee) 73.6 gingembre 73.3
fusele, e 62.7 gelee (sucree) 73.7 girafe 14.2
fusible 27.7 geler 23.2-23.7 girafeau 14.2
fute, e 59.13 gelule 68.2 girafon 14.2
futur (avenir) 9.10 Gemeaux 38.19 glace (dessert) 73.7
futur, e (en grammaire) 96.26 gencive 64.2 glace (miroir) 24.20
gendarme 37.8 glacer 23.7
gendre 34.4 gland 18.8
gabarit 64.1 gene 62.15 glapir 96.14
gacher (gaspiller) 85.2 gener (mettre mal a I'aise) 45.2 globe (planete) 22.2
gacher (saboter) 91.10 gener (rendre inconfortable) 66.5 globe oculaire 64.1
gachis 85.2 general, e (d'ensemble) 55.1 gloire 52.2
gadget 55.1 general (militaire) 39.2 glorieux, -rieuse 52.2
gaffe 60.1 general de brigade aerienne 39.3 gloriole 52.2
gag 47.13 general de I'armee de I'air 39.3 glou glou 14.8
gaga 66.12 generalement 55.11 gnome 88.1
gagner 52.7 generalisation 55.1 gober 38.8
gai, e 47 3 generaliser 55.1 godasse 25.9
gaiete 47.8 generaliste 65.1 gogo 38.8
galaxie 22.14 generality 55.11 golfe 22.2
galerie 7.2 generation 34.6 gomme 59.20
galet 22.4 genereux, -reuse 43.15 gommer 59.20
galoper 81.25 generique 55.11 gonfler 1.7
gamme 82.14 generosite 43.15 gorge 64.1
gant 25.11 genial, e 57.5 gorille (animal) 14.2
gant de boxe 81.18 genisse 14.1 gorille (garde du corps) 14.5
gant de toilette 69.2 genou (en anatomie) 64.1 goudron 26.3
garage 24.10 genoux (posture) 62.13 goudronner 26.4
garanti, e 92.6 genre (en grammaire) 96.26 goujat 43.7
garantie 92.6 genre (sorte) 55.2 gourmand, e (adj & n) 74.12
garantir 92.7 gens 35.1 gourmet 74.12
garcon d'honneur 38.4 gens du voyage 6.2 gout (raffinement) 43.7
garde (legale) 33.4 gentil, -tille (amical) 45.1 gout (saveur) 73.1
garde (personne, activite) 63.7, 63.9 gentil (dans une fiction) 82.4 gouter 74.10
garde a vue 37.8 gentil, -tille (genereux) 43.15 goutte 68.2
garde des sceaux 36.3 gentil, -tille (obeissant) 43.2 goutte (de pluie) 23.3
garde-chiourme 37.2 gentillesse 43.15 gouttiere 24.10
garde-malade 63.9 gentiment 45.11 gouvernail 8.2
garder (retenir) 41.1 geo22.1 gouvernement 36.3
garder (surveiller) 63.8 geographe 22.1 gouverneur 37.2
gardien (d'immeuble) 24.9 geographie (discipline scolaire) 59.8 grSce (pardon) 43.17
gardien (surveillant) 63.9 geographie (science) 22.1 grace (beaute) 49 1
gardien de la paix 37.8 geographique 22.1 gracier 43.18
gare (pour trains) 8.19 geologique 22.1 gracieux, -cieuse 49.1
garer, se garer 7.6 geologue 22.1 grade 39.1
1 1 1
French-English index 303
grain 58.7 grivelerie 43.26 hache27.5
grain de beaute 64.3 grogne 47.24 hacher 91.13
graine 18.3 grognement 14.7 haie (arbustes) 79.2
grammaire 96.26 grogner (gronder) 14.7 haie (en athletisme) 81.15
grammatical, e 96.26 grogner (protester) 47.24 haine 45.19
gramophone 82.15 grognon 47.24 haineusement 45.19
grand, e 58.1 grondement 14.7 haineux, -neuse 45.19
grand echalas 62.8 gronder 14.7 hair 45.19
grand magasin 78.4 gros, grosse 62.1 haissable 45.19
grand-mere 34.3 gros (en g.) 60.3 haleine 64.4
grand-pere 34.3 groseille 70.4 haler5.3
grande ourse 22.14 groseille a maquereau 70.4 haleter 64.4
grande perche 62.8 gros mangeur 74.12 hall (degare)8.19
grande personne 35.1 gros mot 43.8 hall (d'un batiment) 24.13
grande poubeile 32.5 gros-plein-de-soupe 62.4 halogene 24.16
grande quantite 58.3 grosse mangeuse 74.12 halte 64.14
grande surface 78.4 grossesse 33.2 halte-garderie 64.14
grande vitesse 13.7 grosseur 62.1 hamburger 74.3
grandeur (gloire) 52.2 grossier, -ssiere (impoli) 43.7 hamecon 81.2
grandeur (dimension) 58.1 grossier, -ssiere (irregulier) 63.27 hamster 15.4
grandir 58.2 grossierete 3.8, 43.7 hanche 64.1
grands-parents 34.3 grossir 62.5 handicape, e 66.3
grange 79.3 grosso modo 60.3 hangar 8.14
gras, grasse (dans le corps humain) grotesque 57.2 hanter 88.12
62.1 groupe (collectivite) 35.3, 35.8, 35.9 hantise 45.23
gras, grasse (en cuisine) 72.6 groupe (orchestre) 82.9 hareng 72.11
gras (n) 72.6 groupie 5.10 hargne 47.24
grasseyer 96.6 grumeleux, -leuse 63.27 hargneux, -neuse 47.24
gratiner 74.1 guenon 14.2 haricot 70.11
gratte-ciel 24.3 guepard 14.2 harmonie 82.8
gratuit, e (non necessaire) 93.2 guerir 68.1 harpe 82.10
gratuit, e (non payable) 84.1 guerison 68.1 harpiste 82.10
gratuitement 84.11 guerre 39.1 hasard 94.1
grave 54.4 guerrier (combattant) 39.1 hasardeux, -deuse 39.1
gravement 54.4 guerrier, -rriere (adj) 39.1 hate 13.8
gravier 22.4 gueule de bois 75.8 hater se 13.8
grec (discipline scolaire) 59.8 guichet automatique 84.1 hatif, -tive (en jardinage) 13.1
grec (langue vivante) 96.25 guichetier, -tiere 84.1 hatif, -tive (trop rapide) 13.8
greler 23.2 guide 41.3 hativement 13.8
grenier 24.12 guider 41.3 hausse 58.9
grenouille 15.5 guillemet 96.30 haut, e 58.13
greve 36.7 guillotine 67.8 haut (dans la maison) 24.14
greviste 36.7 guillotiner 67.8 haut (position) 2.2
gribouiller 96.33 guitare 82.10 hautbois 82.10
gribouillis 96.33 guitariste 82.10 hautboiste82.10
griffe 14.6 gymkhana 81.26 haute-contre 82.1
griffer91.8 gymnastique 81.9 hauteur 58.13
grignoter 74.11 haut-le-coeur 45.21
grillage 24.10 habile 59.2 haut-parleur 63.18
grille (de foyer de cheminee) 24.16 habilete 59.2 hebdomadaire (adj) 9.2
grille (de jardin) 24.10 habilite a 59.2 hebdomadaire (nm) 82.1
griller 74.1 habillement 25.1 hebergement 24.8
grimper 5.14 habiller (envelopper) 31.3 heberger 24.8
grimpeur 81.20 habiller, habiller s' 25.3 hectogramme 58.25
grippe 66.2 habit 25.1 hectolitre 58.27
gris, e(adj) 63.12 habiter 24.7 helas96.15
gris(nm) 63.12 habitude 10.3 helice8.12
grive 16.5 habituer, habituers' 10.3 helicoptere 8.11
304 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
heliport 8.14 horreur 45.20 illustre 52.1
helium 20.1 horrible (affreux) 45.20 illustrer 83.1
hennir 14.7 horrible (laid) 49.3 imaginaire 88.8
hennissement 14.7 hors-bord 8.7 imagination 88.8
herbe (drogue) 68.6 hors de soi 47.23 imaginer 88.8
herbe (en jardinage) 80.1 hors-d'oeuvre 74.6 imam 38.13
herbes (fines h.) 73.3 hostile 39.8 imbecile 59.4
herbivore 14.4 hostilite 39.8 imbecillite 59.4
herboriste 18.5 hot dog 74.3 imbroglio 51.6
herisson 15.5 hotel 24.24 imitateur 89.5
hermetique 31.1 hotel particulier 24.4 imitation 89.4
hero 68.6 hotesse8.15 imitatrice 89.5
heroine 68.6 housse (de couette) 24.21 imiter 89.4
heterosexuel, -xuelle (adj 8c n) 64.22 housse (terme general) 31.4 immediat, e 13.9
hetre 18.10 hublot 8.2 immediatement 13.9
heure 9.7-9.8 huile 72.3 immense 58.1
heureux, -reuse 47.8 huis 24.10 immerger 20.3
heurt67.2 huissier 84.3 immersion 20.3
heurter 67.2 huitaine 9.2 immeuble 24.3
hibou 16.6 huitre 72.12 immoral, e 37.16
hie 51.9 humain, e 35.1 immoralite 37.16
hier9.2 humble 43.11 impair, e 58.20
hifi 82.15 humecter 20.3 imparfait 96.26
hilarant, e 47.12 humeur42.2 impeccable 29.1, 30.1
hilare 47.9 humide 20.2 imperatif 96.26
hindi 96.25 humidite 20.2 imperatrice 36.11
Hindou, e(n) 38.10 humilite 43.11 imperialisme 36.5
hindou, e (adj) 38.10 humoristique 47.12 impermeable 25.4
hindouisme 38.10 humour 47. 12 impertinence 43.9
hippopotame 14.2 hurlement 96.14 impertinent, e 43.9
hirondelle 16.5 hurler 96.14 impitoyable 40.3
histoire (discipline scolaire) 59.8 hydrogene 20.1 important, e 54.4
histoire (recit) 59.15 hygiene (dentaire) 69.4 importateur, -trice 84.5
histoire d'amour 45.6 hygiene (du corps) 69.1 importer 84.5
hiver 9.4 hygiene (feminine) 69.7 import-export 84.5
hochet (de bebe) 33.5 hygienique 30.1 imposable 86.2
hochet (recompense) 52.12 hypermarche 78.4 imposition 86.2
hollandais 96.25 hypothequer 84.4 impossibility 92.3
homard 72.12 hypothese 53.3 impossible 92.3
hommasse 35.6 hysterique 47.2 impot (sur les grandes fortunes)
homme 35.6 84.18
homme a femme 50.3 I.U.T59.1 impot (terme general) 86.2
homme d'equipage 39.4 cone 98.3 impression 88.9
homme de troupe 39.2 dee 54.5 imprimante 77.2
homme politique 36.3 dentique 55.4 imprime 97.3
homosexuel, -xuelle (adj 81 n) dentite87.1 imprimerie 59.19
64.22 deologie 36.5 imprimeur 59.19
hongrois 96.25 diot, e (adj & n) 59.4 improbable 92.5
honnete 43.20 dole 50.3 imprudence 44.4
honnetement 43.20 f 18.11 imprudent, e 44.4
honnetete 43.20 gnorer 52.3 impudent, e 43.9
honte 43.19 le 22.2 impuissant, e 48.3
honteux, -teuse 43.19 llegal, e 37.5 inacheve, e 91.3
hopital 65.2 llisible 96.33 inactif, -ive 52.6
horaire 6.1 Hummer 21.3 inaction 52.6
horizon 20.10 llusion 88.8 inamical, e 39.8
horizontal, e (position) 2.2 llusoire 88.8 inattendu, e 47.5
horloge 9.8 llustrateur 83.1 inaudible 63.2
horoscope 38.19 llustration 83.3 incapable 59.6
1
French-English index 305
ncendie 20.6 inflexible 40.3 integrite 43.20
ncertain, e 92.8 influencer 40.6 intelligence 59.12
ncertitude 92.8 influer 40.6 intelligent, e 59.12
ncessamment 13.5 informaticien, -cienne 98.1 intention 51.2
nceste 64.19 information 96.8 intercalaire 77.3
ncestueux, -teuse 64.19 informatique 98.1 intercommunal, e 36.1
ncident 87.3 informe 1.6 interdiction 37.14
ncineration 38.5 informer 96.8 interdire 37.14
ncinerer 38.5 infos 96.8 interdit, e 37.14
ncliner 62.14 infraction 37.7 interessant, e 53.4
ncliner s'(ceder) 40.7 infusion 18.5 interesse, e 53.4
ncliner s' (se baisser) 62.14 ingenieur-conseil 40.8 interesser, s'interesser 53.4
nclure 91.4 ingredient 73.3 interet (argent) 84.3
nclus, e 91.4 inhabituel, -tuelle 95.2 interet (fascination) 53.4
nclusion 91.4 inimitie 39.8 interferer 40.10
ncognito 55.14 injure 43.8 interieur (dans la maison) 24.11
ncompatibilite d'humeur 40.2 injurier 43.8 interieur (position) 2.2
ncompetence 59.6 injuste 43.13 interimaire 77.4
ncompetent, e 59.6 injustement 43.13 international, e 22.2
ncomplet, -plete 91.3 injustice 43.13 Internet 98.4
nconcevable 92.5 innocence 43.1 interposer s' 40.10
nconnu, e 52.3 innocent, e43.1 interpretariat 96.13
ncontournable 93.1 innovateur, -trice 12.2 interpretation 96.13
ncorrect, e 60.3 innover 12.2 interprete 96.13
ncorrectement 60.3 inoffensif, -ive 48.4 interpreter 96.13
ncurve, e 1.5 inondation 23.6 interregne 36.10
ndecis, e 92.8 inonder 20.3 interrogatif (mode) 96.26
ndemne 91.1 inscrire 96.32 interrogatif, -tive (adj) 96.26
ndemnites 6.2 insecte 16.3 interrogation (demande) 96.16
ndependant, e 35.1 insemination artificielle 33.3 interrogation (en grammaire) 96.26
ndicatif 96.26 insipide 73.4 interrogation (test scolaire) 59.10
ndication 41.3 insistence 96.19 interruption volontaire de grossesse
ndifference 45.14 insister 96.19 33.3
ndifferent, e 45.14 insolence 43.9 intervalle 31.6
ndigent, e 84.19 insolent, e 43.9 intervenir 40.10
ndiquer 41.3 insolite 47.5 intervention 65.3
ndiscret, e 47.4 insomnie 64.11 intestin 62.17
ndispensable 93.1 inspecter 63.3 intime (ami) 45.09
ndisposee 66.8 inspiration 54.5 intime (sans grande ceremonie) 43.5
ndividu 35.1 inspirer 64.4 intituler, s'intituler 55.13
ndolent, e 44.3 installation 2.3 intonation 96.27
ndulgence 43.17 installer 2.3 intransigeant, e 40.3
ndulgent, e 43.17 installer s' 24.7 intrigue 59.15
nebranlable 38.7 instant 9.8 inusite, e 32.1
negal, e 1.6 instantane, e 13.9 inutile 32.4
nexact, e 60.3 instantanement 13.9 inutilisable 32.4
nexperience 33.10 institut 37.3 invective 43.8
nexperimente, e 33.10 instituteur 59.9 inventaire 84.8
nfanterie 39.2 institution 37.3 inventer 50.8
nferieur, e 57.12 institutrice 59.9 inventeur 50.8
nferiorite 57.12 instrument (de musique) 82.10 invention 50.8
nfini, e (adj)87.1 instruments (pour les mathematiques) inversion 96.26
nfini (nm) 3.7 58.19 investir 84.8
nfinitif 96.26 insulte 43.8 investissement 84.8
nfirme 66.3 insulter 43.8 invisible 63.11
nfirmier, -miere 65.2 intact, e91.1 invisiblement 63.11
nfirmite 66.3 integral, e 91.1 inviter 46.6
nflation 86.3 integre 43.20 irreel, -reelle 88.8
1
306 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
irregulier, -Mere (en grammaire) 96.26 ouer 81.2-81.8 kilo 58.25
irregulier, -here (rugueux) 63.27 ouet81.5 kilogramme 58.25
irrespirable 64.4 oueur, -euse (musicien) 82.10 kilometre 3.5
irritation 47.22 oueur, -euse (parieur) 81.8 kiwi 70.5
islam 38.10 oueur, -euse (participant) 81.4 koala 14.2
isole, e 35.11 oufflu, e 62.3
italien 96.25 ouir 64.18 a 82.14
itineraire 6.2 oujou 81.5 abo 83.4
IVG 33.3 our 9.2 abourer 79.1
ivre 75.8 ournal (intime) 59.16 ac 22.5
ivrogne, -rognesse 75.8 ournal (presse) 82.1 acet 25.9
ournalier, -Mere 10.3 ache 45.22
aillir 5.14 ournalisme 82.1 ale 38.18
alouser 50.4 ournaliste 82.1 ai'cite 38.18
alousie 50.4 oyau 19.1 aid, e 49.3
aloux, -louse 50.4 oyeux, -yeuse 47.8 aideron 49.3
amais entendu parler de 52.3 udai'sme 38.10 aideur 49.3
ambe 64.1 udiciaire 37.6 aie 14.2
ambe (d'un pantalon) 25.2 udo 81.18 aine 83.6
ambiere 25.2 uge (au tribunal) 37.1 aique 38.18
ambon 72.8 uge, e 37.11 aisser 41.7
anvier 9.3 uge de ligne 81.11 ait 72.2
aponais 96.25 uge de touche 81.11 ait de chaux 27.6
ardin 24.10 ugement 57.13 aiterie 79.3
ardin public 81.3 uger 57.13 aiteux, -teuse 72.2
ardinage 24.10 uif 38.10 aitier, -tiere 72.2
ardiner 80.1 uif 38.10 aiton 19.2
ardinier, -niere 80.1 uillet 9.3 aitue 70.14
ars14.1 uin9.3 ambiner 13.10
auge (d'essence) 7.4 uive 38.10 ame (de couteau) 27.5
aune (adj & nm) 63.12 uive 38.10 ame (de rasoir) 69.5
avel 30.5 umeau 33.1 ampadaire 24.16
avelliser 30.5 umelle (filles) 33.1 ampe 21.5
avelot 81.15 umelles (instrument) 63.10 ancer (en athletisme) 81.15
azz 82.7 ument 14.1 ancer (terme general) 5.5
ehovah 38.12 upe 25.4 andau 33.5
eremiade 96.15 upiter 22.14 angage 96.24
esus (Christ) 38.12 upon 25.6 angue (en anatomie) 64.2
etable 32.6 ure 37.11 angue (langage) 96.24-96.25
eter (eliminer) 32.6 urer 96.21 apin 15.4
eter (lancer) 5.5 uriste 37.10 apper 75.7
eu (amusement) 81.4-81.8 uron 96.21 aque 69.3
eu (ensemble d'objets) 27.5 us 75.3 arcin 43.26
eu (informatique) 81.4 ustaucorps 25.8 arge 58.13
eudi 9.2 uste (equitable) 43.14 argeur 58.13
eune 33.9 138, uste (exact) 60.2 arme (en physiologie) 47.20
eunesse 33.9 ustement 60.2 arme (petite quantite) 58.8
oaillier, -lliere 19.1 uste milieu 95.1 arve 16.3
ockey 81.25 ustesse 60.2 atex 26.3
odhpurs 81.25 ustice 43.14 atin 59.8
ogging 25.8 uvenile 33.9 avabo 24.22
oie47.8 ave-glace 7.3
oindre 27.1 kangourou 14.2 ave-linge 30.9
oint (cigarette) 68.6 kaolin 26.3 ave-pont 30.6
oint (en plomberie) 27.7 karate 81.18 390 aver 30.4
oker 81.6 kerosene 8.12 aver se 69.2
oli, e49.1 kidnapper 43.26 averie (automatique) 78.7
oue 64 1 kidnapping 43.26 avette 37.18
1
French-English index 307
lave-vaisselle 30.8 lieutenant de I'armee de I'air 39.3 long-courrier 8.11
leader 37.2 lievre 15.5 longueur 58.13
leche-bottes 37.17 ligne (de chemin de fer) 8.18 lorgner 63.14
lecon 59.1 ligne (de flottaison) 8.2 loterie 81.8
lecteur (de CD ROM) 98.1 ligne (en informatique) 98.2 lotissement 24.1
lecteur (de cassettes, de compacts) ligne (en ponctuation) 96.30 louable 45.15
82.15 ligne (trace) 1.5 louange 45.15
lecteur, -trice (chez un editeur) 59.19 limace 15.5 louer (applaudir) 45.15
lecteur, -trice (personne qui lit) 59.20 limande 17.3 louer (prendre a loyer) 24.8
lecture 59.20 lime a ongles 69.6 loufoque 57.2
legal, e 37.5 limitation (de vitesse) 7.8 loup 14.2
legalement 37.5 limite 2.1 loupe 63.10
leger, -ere 58.24 limiter, se limiter 91.2 louper 52.11
legiferer 37.5 limonade 75.3 lourd, e (en poids) 58.25
legislatives 36.4 lin 26.2 lourd, e (etouffant) 23.2
legume 70.10 Lion 38.19 loutre 15.5
legume vert 70.11 lion 14.2 louve 14.2
legumineuse 70.10 lionceau 14.2 louveteau 14.2
lendemain 9.2 lionne 14.2 ludiciel 98.3
lent, e 13.10 liquide (adj) 20.2 lueur 21.5
lentement 13.10 liquide (argent) 84.11 luge 81.21
lentille 70.13 liquide a vaisselle 30.8 luire 21.3
lentilles de contact 63.10 lire (argent) 84.13 luisant, e 21.4
leopard 14.2 lire (tout haut) 96.5 lumiere 21.2-21.5
LEP 59.11 lire (verbe general) 59.20 lunatique 66.10
lesbienne 64.22 lis 18.6 lunch 74.7
lese-majeste 36.12 lisible 96.33 lundi 9.2
lessive 30.9 lisiere 2.1 lune 22.14
lessiver 30.9 lisse 63.28 lune de miel 38.4
lettre (courrier) 97.2 lisser 63.29 lunette (de voiture) 7.3
lettre (de I'alphabet) 59.14 lit 24.20 lunettes 63.10
lettres (franchises) 59.8 litchi 70.5 lutin 88.11
levee 97.2 literie 24.21 lutte 36.7
lever se 62.11 litre 58.27 luxe 93.2
levier (de vitesses) 7.3 litteraire 59.18 luxueux, -xueuse45.1
levraut 15.5 litterature 59.18 lyceen, -ceenne 59.1
levre 64.1 littoral 22.6
levure (chimique) 71.1 livre 58.25 macher 74.1
levure (de boulanger) 71.1 livre (argent) 84.13 machin 55.1
lezard 16.1 livre (de comptes) 84.15 machine (a coudre) 83.6
liaison 45.7 livre (ouvrage) 59.14 machine (agricole) 79.4
liberalisme 36 5 livrer 5.1 machine (a laver) 30.9
liberation 37.12 livret de famille 97.4 machine (terme general) 28.1
liberer 37.12 lobe 64.1 machine-outil 28.1
liberiste 81.22 local, e 3.6 macho 35.6
liberte 37.12 locataire 24.9 machoire 64.1
libraire 59.20 locomotive 8.17 macon 24.6
librairie 59.20 loge 24.2 maestria 59.2
libre 37.12 logement 24.8 magasin 78.1-78.7
libre-service 78.4 loger 24.7, 24.8 magazine 82.1
licenciement 76.2 logiciel 98.3 magicien, -cienne 88.10
licencier 76.2 logique 66.13 magie 88.10
lien de cause a effet 61.2 loi 37.5 magique 88.10-88.11
liens de famille 34.6 loin 3.7 magnetophone 82.15
Her 27.1 loin 96.30 magnifique 49.1
lieu 6.2 lointain, e 3.7 mai 9.3
lieutenant 39.2 loisirs 81.1-81.2 maigre (en cuisine) 72.6
lieutenant-colonel 39.2-39.3 long, longue 58.13 maigre (mince) 62.6
308 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
maigreur 62.6 maman 34.1 marguerite 18.2
maigrir 62.9 mame 34.3 mari 34.4
maille 83.6 mamelon 64.1 mariage 38.4
main 64.1 mamie 34.3 marie, e (n) 38.4
main-d'oeuvre 76.1 mammifere 14.4 marier se 38.4
maintenir 41.11 manche (a balai) 8.12 marin 8.9
ma'is (en agriculture) 79.6 manche (de vetement) 25.2 marin d'eau douce 8.6
ma'is (pour la table) 70.13 manche a air 8.14 marine 39.4
Maison de la Presse 78.3 mandarine 70.3 mark 84.13
maison (centrale) 37.9 manege 81.3 marque 55.2
maison (terme general) 24.1 manger 74.10 marque 84.5
maison d'arret 37.9 mangue 70.5 marquer (en sport) 81.10
maison de campagne 24.1 manucure 69.6 marquer (tacher) 30.3
maison d'edition 59.19 manier 63.22 marquis 36.11
maison de poupee 81.5 maniere (comportement) 42.2 marraine 38.3
maison-temoin 41.4 maniere (facpn) 56.2 marron (couleur) 63.12
maitre (dans la marine) 39.4 manif 36.7 marron (fruit) 70.9
maitre (instituteur) 59.9 manifestant, e 36.7 marronnier 18.10
maitre (qui controle) 37.2 manifestation 36.7 Mars 22.14
maitresse (amante) 45.7 manipuler 63.22 mars 9.3
maitresse (institutrice) 59.9 manoeuvrer 5.1 marteau (en athletisme) 81.15
maitresse (qui controle) 37.2 manoir 24.4 marteau (outil) 27.5
majeste 36.10 manque (absence) 87.5 marteler 67.1
majorite 58.3 manque (d'un drogue) 68.6 martial, e 39.1
majuscule 96.28 manquer 91.3 martin-pecheur 16.6
mal (d'une mauvaise facon) mansarde 24.12 mas 24.5
57.10 manteau 25.4 mascara 25.14
mal (en mauvaise sante) 66.8 manteau (de cheminee) 24.16 masculin (en grammaire, nm) 96.26
mal (nm) 57.10 manuel 59.7 masculin, e (de I'homme) 35.6
mal a I'aise 45.2 mappemonde 22.2 masculin, e (en grammaire, adj)
mal de mer 8.6 maquereau 17.3 96.26
mal eleve, e43.7 maquerelle 17.3 masquer 88.4
mal-pensant, e 54.1 maquillage 15.14 massacrer 67.6
mal-voyant, e 66.3 maquis 18.9 masse 58.3
malade 66.1 marais 22.5 masse monetaire 84.12
malade mental 66.10 marathon 81.15 masser 63.22
maladie 66.1 marbre 26.3 mastiquer 90.2
maladresse 44.7 marcassin 14.2 mastodonte 62.4
maladroit, e 44.7 marchand, e 84.7 mat 8.2
malaise 51.6 marchand, e (de glaces) 81.3 match 81.12
malchance 94.1-94.3 marchand, e (de titres) 84.10 matelot 39.4
malchanceux, -ceuse 94.3 marchand, e (de vins) 78.6 materiau (terme general) 26.3
male 35.6 marchandage 84.9 materiau de construction 27.10
malentendant, e 66.3 marchander 84.9 maternite 65.2
malentendu 60.1 marche (dans un escalier) 5.14 math(ematique)s (discipline) 59.8
malgache 96.25 marche (mouvement) 5.6 math(ematique)s (science) 58.16
malheureux, -reuse 47.17 marche 84.10 matiere 59.8
malhonnete 43.21 marche arriere 7.6 matiere grasse 72.3
malhonnetete 43.21 marche en avant 57.7 matiere piastique 26.3
malin, maligne 59.13 marcher 52.7 matiere premiere 26.3
malingre 48.3 marcher (avancer) 5.6 Matignon 36.3
malingre 66.8 marcher (fonctionner) 28.3 matinal, e 13.1
malle (bagage) 6.3 mardi 9.2 matou 15.2
malle (de voiture) 7.2 mardi-gras 9.5 mauvais, e (desagreable) 57.10
mallette 25.12 mare 22.5 mauvais. e (immoral) 37.16
malnutrition 74 13 marecage 22.5 mauvaise memoire 64.6
malpoli, e 43.7 marecageux, -geuse 22.5 mauvaise sante 66.8
maltraitance 67.1 marechal 39.2 mauvais payeur 84.9
malversation 43.22 maree 22.7 mauve 63.12
1
French-English index 309
mauviette 48.3 mercure 19.2 mie 71.1
maximum 58.3 merde 96.21 miel 73.7
mec 35.4 mere 34.1 miette 71.1
mecaniden, -cienne 28.1 mere de substitution 33.3 mieux 57.3
mecanisme 28.1 meritoire 45.15 mignon, -gnonne 49.1
mechant (dans une fiction) 82.4 merlan 17.3 migraine 66.2
mechant, e (desagreable) 57.10 merle 16.6 mijoter 74.1
mechant, e (immoral) 37.16 merlette 16.6 milieu (position) 2.2
mechoui 74.7 merveille 57.6 militaire 39.1
medaille 52.12 merveilleux, -lleuse 57.5 milliard 58.23
medecin 65.1 mesange 16.5 millier 58.23
medecine 65.1 mesaventure 94.3 milligramme 58.25
media 82.1 mesentente 40.2 millilitre 58.27
mediatique 82.1 message 96.8 mince 62.7
medical, e 65.1 message electronique 98.4 minceur 62.7
medicament 68.1 messager, -gere 96.8 mincir 62.7
mediocre 95.1 messe 38.14 minerai 22.4
medisance 96.23 mesure (dimension) 58.14 mineral, e 22.4
meduse 17.2 mesure (disposition) 52.5 minet 15.2
megot 68.5 mesure (en musique) 82.8 mineur, e 57.1
meilleur, e 57.3 mesurer 58.14 miniature 58.5
melanger 27.1 metal 19.2 minicassette 82.15
melangeur 24.22 metallurgie 19.2 mini-chaine 82.15
meler 27.1 metallurgiste 19.2 minimum 58.7
meleze 18.11 metamorphose (changement) 89.2 ministre (en politique) 36.3
melodie 82.8 metamorphose (d'insecte) 16.3 ministre (pretre) 38.13
melodique 82.8 metamorphoser se (changer) 89.2 minou 15.2
melon 70.2 metamorphoser se (chez les insectes) minuit 9.7
membre (d'une organisation) 37.4 16.3 minuscule 58.5
membre (en anatomie) 64,1 metayer 79.1 minute 9.8
meme 34.3 meteo 23.1 misanthrope 35.10
memere 34.3 meteo marine 8.3 miserable 84.19
memoire (en informatique) 98.1 meteore 22.14 missel 38.14
memoire (faculte) 64.5-64.6 meteorologie 23.1 mite 16.3
menage 30.4 methode 56.2 mitrailleuse 39.5
mensonge 88.3 methodique 29.1 mobylette 7.12
mensonger, -gere 88.3 metro 7.12 moche 49.3
mensuel, -suelle 9.3 metteur en scene 82.2 mode (a la m.) 12.3
mensurations 58.14 mettre (terme general) 2.3 mode (en grammaire) 96.26
mental, e 62.19 mettre (un vetement) 25.3 mode d'emploi 32.1
mentalement 62.19 meuble 24.15 modem 77.2
menteur, -teuse (adj & n) 88.3 meuble, e 24.2 moderne 12.3
menthe 73.3 meubler 24.15 moderniser 12.3
mention 96.3 meugler 14.7 modeste 43.11
mentionner 96.3 meuh 14.8 modestie 43.11
mentir 88.3 meule (de foin) 79.6 modification 89.2
menton 64.1 meurtre 67.6 modifier 89.2
menu (au restaurant) 74.8 meurtrier, -triere 67.6 moelleux, -lleuse 20.2
menu (en informatique) 98.3 mi 82.14 Mohammed 38.12
menuisier 24.6 miaou 14.8 moine 38.13
mepris 57.1 mi-bas 25.6 moineau 16.6
meprisant, e 57.1 miaulement 14.7 mois 9.3
mepriser 57.1 miauler 14.7 moise 33.5
mer 22.5 micmac 51.6 moisson 79.5
mercerie 78.3 micro 63.18 moissonner 79.5
mercier 78.6 micro-ondes 24.17 moissonneuse-batteuse 79.4
mercredi 9.2 midi (de la France) 3.3 moite 20.2
Mercure 22.14 midi (heure) 9.7 moitie 58.18
1
310 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
mollah 38.13 mouchoir 25.15 mystere 88.5
molle 63.23 mouiller (avec un liquide) 20.3
moment 13.5 mouiller (en navigation) 8.3 nage 81.16
monarchie 36.10 moule (animal) 17.3 nager 81.16
monarque 36.10 moule (pour moulage) 26.3 naif, naive (adj & n) 33.10
monastere 38.13 moulin (a poivre) 24.18 naissance 33.2
monde 22.2 moulin (a vent) 24.3 naTvete 33.10
mondial, e 22.2 mourir 67.3 nana 35.5
moniteur 98.1 mousse 8.9 nappe 24.19
monnaie 84.12 moustache (d'un animal) 14.6 napper 31.3
monocorde 10.2 moustache (d'un homme) 64.1 narine 64.1
monoculture 79.1 moustiquaire 16.3 natation 81.16
monotone 10.2 moustique 16.3 nation 22.2
monotonie 10.2 moutarde 73.6 national, e 22.2
monstre 45.18 mouton (animal) 14.1 nationality 22.2
montagne 22.3 mouton (viande) 72.5 naturaliser 22.2
montee 5.13 mouvement 62.23 naturel, -relle 95.1
monter (a cheval) 81 .25 mouvoir se 62.23 naufrage 8.4
monter (aller vers le haut) 5.14 moyen (facon) 56.2 naufrage, e 8.4
monter (assembler) 27.1 moyen (ni grand ni petit) 95.1 naufrageur, -geuse 8.4
monter (installer) 2.3 moyen anti-conceptionnel 64.21 nausee 45.21
montgolfiere 81.22 moyen-courrier 8.1 naval, e 8.1
montre 9.8 moyenne (en mathematiques) 58.20 navet 70.12
montre de gousset 9.8 muet, muelle (silencieux) 63.20 navigant (n) 8.9
montrer 41.1 muet, muette (handicape) 66.3 navigateur 8.9
montrer du doigt 62.22 mugir 14.7 navigation 8.3
moquer se 47.14 muguet 18.6 navigatrice 8.9
moquerie 47.14 mule 14.1 naviguer 8.3
moquette 24.16 mulet 14.1 navire 8.1
moral, e (adj) 43.1 multimedia 77.2 navire-citerne 8.8
moral (nm) 48.1-48.3 multiplier se 58.9 navire-hopital 8.8
morale (nf) 43.1 multiple 58.9 ne, nee 13.1
moralement 43.1 multiplication (augmentation) 58.9 necessaire 93.1
moralite 43.1 multiplication (en arithmetique) 58.17 necessite 93.1
morceau (de boucherie) 72.6 multiplier (augmenter) 58.9 necessiteux, -teuse 84.19
morceau (en musique) 82.13 multiplier (en arithmetique) 58.17 necrologie 38.5
morceau (portion) 91.3 munir 41.9 nectarine 70.2
morcele, e 91.3 munitions 39.5 neerlandais 96.25
mordu (n) 45.4 mur 24.10 nef 38.13
morne 10.2 mur, e 70.8 nefaste 57.10
morse 17.2 mur du son 8.13 negatif, -tive (en grammaire, adj)
mort, e (adj & n) 67.4 mure (fruit) 70.4 96.26
mortel, -telle (ennuyeux) 10.2 murir 70.8 negatif (en grammaire, nm) 96.26
mortel, -telle (fatal) 67.10 murmurer 96.7 negatif (en photographie) 83.4
mortier 39.5 muscade 73.3 negation 96.26
morue (insulte) 17.3 muscle 62.15 neglige, e 44.4
morue (poisson) 72.11 musculaire 62.15 negligeable 57.11
mosquee 38.13 musculation 81.17 negligence 44.4
mot d'esprit 47.13 musculeux, -leuse 62.15 negligent, e 44.4
motel 24.24 museau 14.6 negociant, e 84.7
moteur (d'avion) 8.12 musee 41.4 neige 23.3
moteur (de recherche) 98.4 music hall 82.2 neiger 23.2
moteur (terme general) 28.1 musical, e 82.6 neptune 22.14
motif 1.4 musicien, -cienne 82.6 nerf 62.15
moto 7 12 musique 82.6-S2.11 nerveux, -veuse (inquiet) 47.1
mou 63.23 Musulman 38.10 nerveux, -veuse (terme medical) 62.15
mouche 16.3 musulman, e 38.10 nervosite 47.1
mouche a miel 16.3 myrtille 70.4 net nette 29.2
1
French-English index 311
nettoyage 30.4 nu, e 31.5 off icier 39.1
nettoyage a sec 30.9 nuage 23.5 off re 41.8
nettoyer 30.4 nuageux, -geuse 23.5 offrir41.8
neuf, neuve (nouveau) 12.1 nuance 55.8 oie (animal) 14.1
neveu 34.5 nuire 57.10 oie (insurte) 59.5
nevrose 66.11 nuisette 25.7 oignon 70.13
nevrose, e 66.11 nuisible 57.10 oignon vert 70.14
nez 64.1 nuit21.1 oiseau 16.6-16.7
nid 16.5 nu-jambes 31.5 oisillon 16.5
niece 34.5 nu-pieds 31.5 oison 14.1
nigaud, e 59.5 nu-tete31.5 oliveraie 18.9
nirvana 47.3 nul, nulle 59.6 omoplate 62.16
niveau 24.12 numero 98.4 ombre 21.1
noble 36.12 numismatique 84.12 ombre a paupieres 25.14
noblesse 36.12 nuque 64.1 omettre 91.5
Noel 9.5 nylon 26.2 omnivore 14.4
noeud 25.13 nymphe 16.3 oncle 34.5
noir (couleur) 63.12 ondulation 5.16
noir (couleur des cheveux) 62.20 obeir 43.2 ondule, e 1.5
noir de 30.3 obeissant, e 43.2 onduler 5.16
noir, e (obscur) 21.1 obese 62.1 onereux, -reuse 84.17
noircir 30.3 objectif 83.4 ongle 64.1
noisette 70.9 objet (chose) 55.1 ongle de pied 64.1
noix 70.9 objet (en grammaire) 96.26 opale 19.1
noix de coco 70.9 obligation 93.1 opera 82.11
noix de muscade 73.3 obligatoire 93.1 operation (bancaire) 84.1
noix de pecan 70.9 obligeance46.1 operation (chirurgicale) 65.3
nom (appellation) 55.14 obligeant, e 46.1 operations (en arithmetique) 58.17
nom (en grammaire) 96.26 oblique 1.5 operer 65.3
nom de Dieu 96.21 obscur, e (inconnu) 52.3 opinion (sans o.) 96.12
nombre (en grammaire) 96.26 obscur, e (sombre) 21.1 opinion (terme general), 96.1
nombre (en mathematiques) 58.20 obscurite 21.1 opinion publique 96.12
nombril 64.1 observation 96.3 opportun 57.9
nommer, se nommer 55.13 observer 63.3 opposant, e 39.8
non-croyance 38.18 obstacle 51.9 opposition 39.8-39.9
non-interventionnisme 52.6 obstacle 81.26 or (metal) 19.2
Nord 3.4 obstruction 51.9 orage 23.6
nord 3.3 obtenir 41.14 oral 59.10
normal, e 95.1 obus 39.5 orange, e 63.12
normalement 95.1 occasion 87.3 orange (couleur) 63,12
norvegien 96.25 occasion d' 12.1 orange (fruit) 70.3
notaire 37.10 Occident 3.4 orchestre 82.9
note 82.14 Occident 3.3 ordinaire 95.1
noter 96.32 occulte 88.12 ordinateur 77.2
notice necrologique 38.5 occulter 88.4 ordonnance 65.1
notoire 52.1 occultisme 88.12 ordonne, e 29.1
notoriete 52.1 occupe, e (aux toilettes) 24.22 ordonner 56.1
nouille 71.3 occupe, e (actif) 52.4 ordre 56.1
nourrice 33.4 occuper s' 63.8 ordure 32.5, 57.10
nourricier, -ciere 33.4 ocean 22.5 oreille (en anatomie) 64.1
nourrir 74.10 octave 82.14 oreille (sens) 63.14
nourriture 74.5 octobre 9.3 organe 62.15
nouveau, -elle 12.1-12.2 odieux, -dieuse 57.10 organisateur de voyages 6.2
Nouvel An 9.5 ceil 63.1 organisation 37.3
novateur, -trice 12.2 oeil 64.1 organiste 82.10
novembre 9.3 oeuf (de la femme) 62.18 orgasme 64.18
noyau (cellulaire) 62.15 oeuf (d'insecte) 16.3 orge 79.6
noyau (de fruit) 70.7 oeuf (de poule) 72.2 orgue 82.10
noyer, se noyer 67.7 office 38.14 orgueil 43.12
1
312 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
Orient 3.4 paisible 47.3 parallele (nm) 22.2
orient 3.3 paisiblement 47.3 parano 66.11
orifice 31.6 paix 39.12 paranoia 66.11
original, e (adj & n) 12.2 paix 47.3, 63.20 paranoTaque 66.11
originalite 12.2 palace 24.24 parapluie 25.11
orme 18.10 pale 63.13 paravent 88.6
orner 49.2 palette 83.2 parcelle91.3
orphelin, e (adj & n) 35.10 palier 24.14 parcmetre 7.11
orteil64.1 palourde 72.12 parcourir 63.2
orthodoxe 38.11 palper 63.22 parcours 6.2
orthographe 96.28 pamplemousse 70.3 pardessus 25.4
orthographier 96.28 panache 75.2 pardonner 43.18
os 62.15 panais 70.12 pare-brise 7.2
osseux, -sseuse 62.15 panaris 66.2 pare-choc 7.2
otarie 17.2 pancreas 62.17 parenthese 96.29-96.30
oter 58.17 panda 14.2 parer49.2
ouah 14.8 panier 32.2 paresse 44.3
oubli 64.6 panique 45.23 paresser 44.3
oublier 64.6 paniquer 45.23 paresseux, -sseuse 44.3
oubliettes 64.6 panjabi 96.25 parfait, e 57.3
oublieux, -lieuse 64.6 panneau (indicateur) 7.8 parfaitement 57.3
Ouest 3.4 pansement 68.4 parfois 10.1
ouest 3.3 pantalon 25.4 parfum 25.14
oui'e 63.14 panthere (animal) 14.2 parier 81.8
ouragan 23.6 panthere (femme) 14.5 parlementaire 36.4
ourdou 96.25 pantoufle 25.9 parier 96.1-96.7
ourlet 25.2 paon 16.5 parole 96.1
ours, e 14.2 papa 34.1 parole d'honneur 40.9
ourson 14.2 Pape 38.13 paroles (d'une chanson) 59.18
outil 27.5 pape 34.3 parquet (au tribunal) 37.10
ouvert, e (amical) 45.1 papeterie 59.21 parquet (plancher) 24.15
ouvert, e (non ferme) 31.2 papier (terme general) 26.3 parrain 38.3
ouverture (en musique) 82.13 papier hygienique 24.22 partage 27.2
ouverture (terme general) 31.2 papier peint 27.6 partager (donner) 41.10
oeuvre (en litterature) 59.14 papiers (document) 97.4 partager (separer) 27.2
ceuvre (peinture, sculpture) 83.3 papiers (ordures) 32.5 partenaire 84.5
ouvrage 59.14 papier toilettes 24.22 partenaires (sociaux) 76.5
ouvre-boite 24.17 papillon 16.3 partenariat 84.5
ouvrier, -riere 76.6 papillon de nuit 16.3 parti (politique) 36.5
ouvrier, riere agricole 79.1 papoter 96.22 parti (prendre son p.) 40.7
ouvrir, s'ouvrir 31.2 papy 34.3 partial, e 43.13
ovaire 62.18 papyrus 26.3 participe 96.26
ovationner 45.15 paquebot 8.8 particulier (individu prive) 35.1
ovins 79.8 Paques9.5 particulier, -Mere (specifique) 55.10
oxygene 20.1 paquet (emballage) 32.2 particulierement 55.10
paquet (pour poster) 97.2 partie (faire p. de) 91.4
Pacifique 22.2 par consequent 61.3 partie (jeu) 81.6
pack (de biere) 32.2 par inadvertance 60.3 partie (match) 81.12
pagaille 29.3 par m^garde 60.3 partie (morceau) 91.3
page 59.21 par ordre de 56.1 partie du discours 96.26
paiement 84.9 par suite 61.3 partielle, e (nf) 36.4
paillasse 24.17 parachute 81.22 parties (genitales) 64.1
pallia 79.6 parachutiste 81.22 partir (s'en alter) 4 2
pain 71.1 paradis 38.17 partir (mourir) 67.3
pair, e (adj) 58 20 paragraphe 96.30 partisan 45.4
pair (nm) 55.4 paraitre 88.9 pas (au 81.25
p.)
paire (de lunettes) 63.10 parallele (adj) 1.5 pas mal 57.4
paire (terme general) 29.4 parallele (nf) 1.5 passable 57.4
1 1 1
French-English index 313
passage (pieton cloute) 7.1 pavilion 24.1 perce, e 31.6
passage a niveau 7.8 payer 84.9 percepteur 86.2
passage a tabac 67.1 pays 22.2 percer 91.14
passager (terme general) 6.2 paysan, -sanne 79.1 perceuse 27.5
passager, -gere clandestin, e 8.6 PC 77.2 percher, se percher 16.7
passe 64.20 peage 7.9 percussionniste 82.10
passe (dans le temps, nm) 9.9 peau (d'un fruit) 70.7 percussions 82.10
passe, e (dans le temps, adj) 9.10 peau (en anatomie) 64.3 percuter 67.2
passe (en grammaire) 96.26 peau (mal dans sa p.) 45.2 perdre 50.9
passe-montagne 25.1 peche (a la ligne) 81.2 pere 34.1
passeport 97.4 peche (en mer) 72.11 perfection 57.3
passer (aller) 4.3 peche (fruit) 70.2 perfectionnement 57.7
passer (donner) 41.7 peche 37.16 perfectionner, se perfectionner 57.7
passer (enfiler) 25.3 pecher (a la ligne) 81.2 pericliter 91.15
passer de, se 87.5 pecher (en mer) 72.11 peril 39.11
passer outre 51.11 pecher (arbre) 18.12 periodes 9.6-9.9
passer pour 89.5 pecheur, -cheuse 72.11 perir 67.3
passer se 87.2 pedale (de piano) 82.10 perle 19.1
passerelle 8.6 pedale (de voiture) 7.3 permanence (telephonique) 96.17
passe-temps 81.1 pede 64.22 permettre (rendre possible) 92.1
passion 45.3 pederaste 64.22 permettre, permettre se (autoriser)
passionne, e (adj & n) 45.13 peigne 69.3 37.13
passionner, passionner se 50.1 peindre 83.1 permis (de conduire) 97.4
passivite 37.17 peine (de prison) 37.1 permis (de construire) 27.10
pastel 83.2 peine capitale 67.8 permis (de sejour) 97.4
pasteque 70.2 peine de mort 67.8 permission 37.13
pasteur 38.13 peintre (artiste) 83.1 perquisition 50.5
pastiche 89.4 peintre (decorateur) 27.6 perquisitionner 50.5
pastille 68.2 peinture (art) 83.1-83.2 perron 24.10
patapouf 62.4 peinture (decoration) 27.6 perroquet 15.4
patate 70.12 pelage 14.6 perruque 25.10
patatras 63.17 peler 74.2 persan 96.25
pate (a papier) 26.3 pelle 30.6 persil 73.3
pate (atarte)71.3 pellicule 83.4 personnage 59.15
pater 38.14 pelote 83.6 personnalite 42.1
pates 71.3 peiouse 80.1 personne (du verbe) 96.26
patin 81.19-88.21 penchant 45.3 personne (individu) 35.1
patinage 81.21 pencher 62.14 personnel (dans les avions) 8.15
patineur 81.21 pendant d'oreille 25.13 personnel (d'une entreprise) 76.1, 77.4
patinoire 81.21 pendre, se pendre 67.7 perspective 83.3
patisserie (gateau) 71.3 pendule 9.8 persuader 40.6
patisserie (magasin) 78.2 penetrer 53.2 persuasion 40.6
patissier 78.6 penible 51.5 perte (financiere) 84.8
patraque 66.8 peniche 8.8 perte (terme general) 50.9
patron 83.6 penis 64.1 pertinent, e 57.9
patron, -tronne (chef) 37.2 penombre 21.1 pese-bebe 58.26
patronat 76.5 pensee (fleur) 18.2 pese-personne 58.26
patte 14.6 pensee (idee) 54.1 peser 58.25
pattes de mouche 96.33 penser 54.1 peseta 84.13
paturage 79.2 penseur, -seuse 54.1 pester 96.21
paume 64.1 pensif, -sive 54.3 petit, e (adj & n) 58.4
paupiere 64.1 pension (argent) 76.3 petit, e ami, e 45.7
pause 64.14 pension (hotel) 24.24 petit dejeuner 74.4
pause-cafe 64.14 pente 22.3 petit pois 70.11
pauvre (adj & n) 84.19 Pentecote 9.5 petit-fils, petite-fille 34.3
pauvresse 84.19 pepe 34.3 petits-enfants 34.3
pauvrete 84.19 pepere 34.3 petrin 51.6
pavaner se 5.6 pepin 70.7 petrir 63.22
1 1
314 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
petrole 28.3 pilier 43.26 planche (a decouper) 24.17
peu 58.7 pilote (d'avion) 8.15 planche (a repasser) 30.9
peuple 22.2 pilote (de navire) 8.9 planche (a roulettes) 81.19
peupler 22.2 pilote (de voiture) 7.5 plancher 24.15
peuplier 18.10 pilule 64.21 planer (delirer) 68.6
peur 45.22-45.25 piment 70.13 planer (voler) 16.7
peureux, -reuse 45.22 pimpant, e 29.2 planete 22.14
peut-etre 92.1 pin 18.11 planeur 8.1
phallo(crate) 35.6 pince (de crustace) 14.6 planque 88.4
phare (de bicyclette) 21.5 pince (outil) 27.5 planquer, planquer se 88.4
phare (de voiture) 7.2, 7.6 pince a epiler 69.3 plante 18.1-18.6
pharmacie 78.3 pince a linge 30.9 plante du pied 64.1
pharmacien, -cienne 78.6 pinceau (d'artiste) 83.2 planter 80.1
phase 9.9 pinceau (de decorateur) 27.6 plantoir 80.2
phobie 66.1 pinede 18.9 plaque (de cuisson) 24.17
phoque 17.2 ping-pong 81.14 plaque (dentaire) 65.4
photo 83.4 pintade 72.9 plaque (d'immatriculation,
photocopie 77.2 pioche 80.2 mineralogique) 7.2
photocopieuse 77.2 pion 81.7 plat, e (adj) 63.28
photogenique 83.4 pipe 68.5 plat (en cuisine) 24.19
photographe 83.4 pique-nique (aire de p.) 7.9 platane 18.10
photographie 83.4 pique-nique (repas) 74.7 plateau (de cuisine) 24.18
photographier 83.4 pique-niquer 74.7 plateau (en geographie) 22.10
photographique 83.4 piquer (percer) 31.6 plate-bande 80.1
phrase 96.26 piquer (tomber) 5.13 platine 82.15
phrophetie 38.12 piquer (tuer) 67.9 platre 26.3
physique (n) 59.8 piquer (voler) 43.25 plein (d'essence) 7.7
physique (adj) 62.19 piqure 68.4 plein, e (entier) 91.1
physiquement 62.19 pire 57.10 plein, e (rempli) 90.1
piaf 16.6 pissenlit 18.2 plenier, -niere 91.1
pianiste 82.10 pistache 70.9 pleurer 47.20
piano 82.10 piste (d'atterrissage) 8.14 pleuvoir 23.2
pic 22.3 piste (en athletisme) 81.13 plexiglas 26.3
pichenette 67.1 pitie 43.16-46.17 pli (aux cartes) 81.6
picorer 16.7 pivert 16.5 pli (courrier) 97.2
piece (argent) 84.14 placard 24.17 pliable 63.24
piece (dans une maison) 24.2 place 8.20 pliant, e 63.24
piece (objet expose) 41.5 place assise 62.12 plier 1.7
piece de (theatre) 82.2 placement 84.8 plomb 19.2
piece montee 71.3 placenta 33.2 plombage 65.4
piecette 84.14 placer 2.3 7 plomber 90.2
pied 64.1 placoplatre 26.3 plomberie 27.7
pierre 22.4 plafond 24. 15 plombier 24.6
pierre d'achoppement 51.9 plage 22.6 plombs 27.7
pierre precieuse 19.1 plagiaire 89.4 plongeoir 81.16
pierre tombale 38.5 plagiat 89.4 plongeon 81.16
pierreux, -rreuse 22.4 plaider 37.11 plonger (en natation) 81.16
pietiner 5.6 plaignant, e 37.11 plonger (tomber) 5.13
pietonnier, -nniere 7.11 plaindre 43.16 plonger (tremper) 20.3
pietre 48.3 plaindrese 96.15 pluie 23.3
pieuvre 17.2 plaine 22.10 plume 14.6
pieux, -pieuse 38.16 plainte 96.15 plumeau 30.7
pigeon 1 6.5 plaisanterie 47.13 pluriel 96.26
piger 53.2 plaisir 47.15 plus-que-parfait 96 26
pile (exact) 60.2 plan, e (adj) 63.28 Pluton 22.14
pile (tas) 29 4 plan (au cinema) 82.2 plutot 56.3
pilier (de grille ) 24 10 plan (de travail) 24.17 plutot que 56.3
pillage (de magasins) 43.26 plan (projet) 51.2 pluvieux. -vieuse 23.3
1 1
French-English index 315
pneu 7.2 pollution 30.3 porter (tenir) 5.4
poche (de vetement) 25.2 polonais 96.25 porte-savon 5.4
poche (plastique) 32.2 poltron 45.22 porte-serviette 24.22
poche (sous les yeux) 64.10 polyester 26.2 porteur 8.21
pocher 74.1 polymere 26.3 porteur de cercueil 38.5
pochette 25.15 polymeriser 26.4 portion 74.5
poele (a frire) 24.17 polystyrene 26.3 portrait 83.3
poesie 59.18 pommade 68.2 portugais 96.25
poetique 59.18 pomme 70.2 pose (attitude) 83.1
poids (en athletisme) 81.15 pomme de pin 18.8 pose (installation) 2.3
poids (mesure) 58.25 pomme de terre 70.12 poser (en arithmetique) 58.17
poignarder 91.12 pommier 18.12 poser (mettre en place) 2.3
poignee (de porte) 24.10 pompe (a essence) 7.7 poser (pour un artiste) 83.1
poignee (d'outil) 27.5 pompe (chaussure) 25.9 position (devant, derriere) 2.2
poignee (quantite) 58.7 pompe (machine) 28.2 position (du corps humain) 62.10
poignee de main 45.12 pompes funebres 38.5 position (d'un compte en banque)
poignet (de vetement) 25.2 pompeux, -peuse 43.4 84.2
poignet (en anatomie) 64.1 pompier 20.8 position avancee 39.6
poil (d'animal) 14.6 ponctualite 13.3 position laterale de securite 68.3
poil (humain) 64.1 ponctuation 96.29 posseder 41.14
poing 64.1 ponctuel, -tuelle 13.3 possibility 92.1
point (en couture) 83.6 pondre 16.7 possible 92.1
point (en ponctuation) 96.29 pont (conge) 9.2 postal, e 97.2
point cardinal 3.3-3.4 pont (de navire) 8.2 poste (appareil) 82.3
point de vue (evaluation) 57.13 pont (sur une riviere) 7.10 poste (de pilotage) 8.12
point de vue (opinion) 96.1 pope 38.13 poste (pour le courrier) 97.2
pointe (forme) 1.2 populaire 45.5 poster 97.2
pointe (mode) 12.3 pore (animal) 14.1 postiche 89.4
pointe (quantite) 58.7 pore (viande) 72.5 postulant, e 76.2
pointer 76.4 porcelaine 26.3 posture 62.10
point noir 64.3 porcelet 14.1 pot (terme general) 83.5
pointu, e 1.2 pore-epic 15.5 pot catalytique 7.2
pointure 58.14 porcherie 79.3 pot d'echappement 7.2
poire 70.2 pore 64.3 potele, e 62.3
poireau 70.13 porno 64.16 poterie 83.5
poireauter 13.11 pornographique 64.16 potier, -tiere 83.5
poirier 18.12 portail 38.13 potin 96.23
pois (forme) 1 .4 porte (terme general) 24.10 potiron 70.13
pois (legume) 70.11 porte-autos 5.4 poubelle 32.5
poison 57.10 porte-avions 5.4 pouce 64.1
poisson 17.1 porte-bagages 5.4 poudre 39.5
poisson rouge 15.4 porte-bebe 33.5 poulain 14.1
poissonnerie 78.2 porte-bouteilles 5.4 poule 14.1
poissonneux, -nneuse 17.1 porte-cartes 5.4 pouliche 14.1
poissonnier, -nniere 78.6 porte-cigarettes 5.4 poulpe 17.2
Poissons 38.19 porte-cles 5.4 poumon 62.17
poitrine 64.1 porte-couteau 5.4 poupee 81.5
poivre 73.3 porte d'entree 2.2 pourboire 41.8
poivre et sel 62.20 porte-document 25.12 pour cause de 61.1
poivrier 24.18 portee 82.14 pourchasser 5.9
poivron 70.13 porte-feuille 84.14 pourri, e 70.8
pole 22.2 porte-jarretelles 5.4 pourrir 67.4
poli, e 43.6 portemanteau 5.4 poursuite (au tribunal) 37.1
policier, -ciere 37.8 porte-monnaie 84.14 poursuite (course) 5.9
politesse 43.6 porte-parapluies 5.4 poursuivant, e 5.10
politique 36.3 porte-parole 96.4 poursuivre (au tribunal) 37.11
politiquement 36.3 porte-plume 5.4 poursuivre (courir) 5.9
polluer 30.3 porter (des vetements) 25.3 pousse-cafe 75.2
1 1 1
316 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
pousse-pousse 7.12 presse (machine) 28.2 progeniture 34.6
pousser (propulser) 5.1-5.3 presse, e 13.8 progiciel 98.3
pousser (provoquer) 46.6 presser 5.3 programme (en informatique) 98.3
poussette 33.5 pret, e (adj) 13.4 programme (spectacle) 82.2
poussette-cane 33.5 pret (n) 84.3 progres (amelioration) 89.3
poussin 14.1 pret a I'emploi 32.1 progres (marche de la science) 57.7
pouvoir (nm) 37.1 pret-a-porter 13.4 prohiber 37.14
pouvoir (v) 92.1 preter 84.4 projectile 5.5
pouvoir d'achat 84.9 pretre 38.13 projet 51.2
prairie 79.2 pretrise 38.13 projeter 5.5
pratique 32.3 preuve 37.11 proletariat 36.2
pratiquer 81.10 prie-Dieu 38.13 prolongation 13.6
pre 79.2 prier 38.14 prolonger 13.6
precher 38.14 priere 38.14 promesse 40.9
precieux, -cieuse 85.1 primaire 59.1 promettre 40.9
precipitation (hate) 13.8 primeur (nf) 54.4 promotion 84.7
precipitation (pluie) 23.3 primeur (nm) 78.2 pronom 96.26
precipiter (propulser) 5.5 prince 36.11 pronominal, e 96.26
precipiter se (se hater) 13.8 prince charmant 50.3 prononcer, se prononcer 96.6
precipiter se (se Jeter) 5.13 printemps 9.4 prononciation 96.27
precis, e 60.2 pris 52.4 propagande 36.5
precisement 60.2 prise 27.7 propension 45.3
preciser 55.10 prison 37.9 propension a faire qqch 45.3
precision 55.10 prisonnier, -nniere 37.9 prophete 38.12
predicateur 38.14 prix (d'achat) 84.9 prophetique 38.12
preeminence 57.8 prix (de vente) 84.9 proposer 40.8
prejuge 43.13 prix (recompense) 52.12 proposer de, se 51.1
prelevement automatique 84.2 prix (valeur) 85.1 proposition 40.8
prelude 64.18 probable 92.4 propre 30.1
preliminaires 64.18 probablement 92.4 propre a 57.9
premiere (au cinema) 82.2 probe 43.20 proprete 30.1
premier etage 24.12 probite 43.20 proprietaire (non locataire) 24.9
premier ministre 36.3 probleme 51.6 proprietaire (terme general) 41.14
premier plan 83.3 procede 56.2 propriete 41.14
premiers secours 68.3 procedure 56.2 proprio 24.9
premiers soins 68.3 proces 37.11 propulser 5.5
prendre (etre a la mode) 45.5 processus 56.2 prose 59.18
prendre (saisir) 41.12-41.14 prochain (autrui) 35.1 prostitue, e 64.20
prenommer 55.13 prochain, e (adj) 9.10 prostitution 64.20
preparer, se preparer 13.4 prochainement 9.10 protege-cahier 31.4
prepose, e (des postes) 97.2 proche (ami) 45.09 protege-slip 69.7
preposition 96.26 proche parent 34.6 proteger (couvrir) 39.13
prenom 55.14 proche (peu distant) 3.6 protestant, e (adj & n) 38.1
pres (approximativement) 58.23 procreer 64.17 protestation 96.15
pres, pres de (proche) 3.6 procurer se 41.14 protester 96.15
presence 87.1 productivity 79.7 prouver 41.1
present (dans le temps, nm) 9.9 produire 27.8 province 22.1
present, e (dans le temps, adj) 9.10 produire se 87.2 provincial, e 22.1
present (en grammaire) 96.26 produit (a vaisselle) 30.8 provoquer 61.2
present, e (non absent) 87.1 produit (de beaute) 25.14 prudence 44.2
presentations 45.12 produit (terme general) 27.9 prudent, e 44.2
presenter 45.12 produit apres-rasage 69.5 prud'hommes 76.3
presenter se (a une election) 36.4 produit laitier 72.1 prune 70.2
preservatif 64.21 professeur 59.9 pruneau 70.6
president, e 37.4 professionnel 59.3 prunier 18.12
presidentielles 36.4 profond, e (intense) 63.13 psaume 38.14
presider 37.4 profond, e (qui descend loin) 58.13 pseudonyme 55.14
presse (dans le journalisme) 82 profondeur 58 13
1
psy 66.10
1 1 1
French-English index 317
psychologique 66.10 rabacher 96.20 rape a fromage 24.18
psychologue 66.10 rabais84.8 raper 74.2
psychose 66.1 rabbin 38.13 rapetisser 58.6
psychotique 66.11 race 55.2 rapeux, -peuse 63.27
pubere 35.2 rachat 84 9 rapide 13.7
puberte 35.2 racheter 84.9 rapidement 13.7
public 82.2 racine 18.3 rapidite 13.7
publication 59.19 racisme 43.13 rappeler, se rappeler 64.5
puce (insecte) 16.3 raciste 43.13 rapport (entre personnes) 45.9
puce (terme affectueux) 45.8 radiateur 24.23 rapport (information) 96.9
puceau 64.17 radio 82.3 rapporter (apporter) 5.1
pucelle 64.17 radio-reveil 9.8 rapporter (raconter) 96.9
puceron 16.3 radis 70.14 rapporteur 58.19
puissant, e (adj) 48.1 radoter 96.20 rapports 45.9
puissant (n) 37.1 radoub 8.5 rapports sexuels 64.17
puits 31.6 radouber 8.5 rapprocher 40.5
pull 25.5 rafale 23.4 rare 95.2
pullover 25.5 rafraichir, se rafraichir 23.7 rasage 69.5
pulveriser 91.7 ragaillardir 48.2 rasoir (electrique) 69.5
pupille 64.1 rage 47.22 rasoir (ennuyeux) 10.2
pur, e 43.1 ragot 96.23 rassemblement 35.8
purete 43.1 raide (en pente) 1.5 rassembler (faire se grouper) 35.9
purgatoire 38.17 raide (peu souple) 63.26 rassembler (remettre ensemble)
purin 79.7 raie (ligne) 1.4 27.1
putain 64.20 raie (poisson) 72.1 rassembler se 35.9
pute 64.20 rail 8.18 rat, e (animal) 15.5
putois 15.5 raisin 70.2 rate (en anatomie) 62.17
pyjama 25.7 raisin de Corinthe 70.6 rateau 80.2
pyramidal, e 1.3 raisin sec 70.6 rater 52.11
raison (cause) 61.1 raton 15.5
quadruple 58 9 raison (sagesse) 66.13 rattraper 41.13
quadruples, quadruples 33.1 raison de Smyrne 70.6 ravager 91.7
quai (pour bateaux) 8.3 raison sociale 84.6 ravi, e 47.8
quai (pour trains) 8.19 raisonnable 66.13 ravisseur, -sseuse 43.26
Quai d'Orsay 36.3 raisonner (penser) 54.2 raye, e 1 .4
quarantaine (exclusion) 91.5 raisonner, se raisonner (moderer) rayer 91.8
quarantaine (quantite) 58.23 66.13 rayon (dans un magasin) 78.5
quart 58.18 raisonneur, -nneuse 66.13 rayon (de soleil) 21.5
quartette 82.9 ralentir (en voiture) 7 6 rayon (en geometrie) 1.2
quartier (de lune) 91.3 ralentir (terme general) 13.10 rayonnage 24.16
quartier (d'orange) 70.7 ralentissement 13.10 rayure 1.4
quatuor 82.9 ralentisseur 7.8 raz-de-maree 22.7
quelquefois 10.1 raler 96.10 re 82.14
querelle 40.2 rallonge 27.7 reacteur 28.2
question 96.16 Ramadan 9.5 realisable 92.1
questionner 96.16 ramassage des ordures 32.5 realiser 53.2
queue (d'animal) 14.6 rameau 18.8 realite 88.7
queue (de billard) 81.24 Rameaux 9.5 rebellion 36.7
queue (file) 2.2 ramener 5.1 rebondir 5.1
quincaillerie 78.3 ramolli, e 63.23 rebord de fenetre 24.10
quincaillier, -lliere 78.6 rampe 24.14 rebutant, e 10.2
quintal 58.25 ramper 5.6 recent 13.5
quintuple 58.9 rancpn 43.26 recemment 13.5
quinzaine (deux semaines) 9.2 rancune 39.10 reception 38.4
quinzaine (quantite) 58.23 randonnee 81.20 receptionniste 77.4
quitter 4.2 randonneur, -nneuse 81.20 rechauffer 23.8
quotidien, -dienne (de tous les jours) rang 29.4 recherche d'emploi 76.2
10.3 rangee 1.5 rechercher 50.5
quotidien (journal) 82.1 rapatrier 6.3 recit de voyage 6.2
1 1 1 1 1
318 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
recital 82.12 reguler 37.5 repondre 96.17
reciter 96.5 rein 62.17 reponse 96.17
reclamer 96.16 reine (aux cartes, aux echecs) 81.6-81.7 reportage 96.9
recolte 79.5 reine (monarque) 36.1 reporter 13.6
recolter 79.5 relacher 37.12 repos 64.13
recommandation 40.8 relance (economique) 86.3 reposer se 64.13
recommander 40.8 relax 43.5 repoussant, e 45.21
recommencer 96.20 relaxation 64.13 repousser 39.9
recompense 52.12 relaxer se 64.13 reprendre 41.12
recompenser 52.12 releve de compte 84.2 representant (de commerce) 84.7
reconnaitre 40.7 religieux, -gieuse (adj & n) 38.9-38.13 reproche 39.10
recours en grace 43.17 religion 38.9 reprocher 39.10
recouvrir 31.3 reluquer 63.4 reproduction 89.4
recre 59.7 remarquable 57.5 reproduire 89.4
recreation (a I'ecole) 59.7 remarque 96.3 reproduire se 64.17
recreation (loisirs) 64.14 remarquer (dire) 96.3 reptile 16.1
rectangle 1.2 remarquer (voir) 63.5 repugnant, e 45.21
rectangulaire 1.2 rembobiner 82.3 repulsion 45.21
rectum 62.17 rembourrer 90.2 reputation 52.1
recu 84.11 remboursement 84.3 repute, e 52.1
recueillir 41.1 rembourser 84.4 requin 17.3
recuperer 68.1 remede 68.1 reseau routier 7.8
redire 96.20 rememorer se 64.5 reservoir (d'essence) 7.7
redondant, e 93.2 remettre (donner) 41.7 reservoir (des WC) 24.22
redouter 45.24 remettre (retarder) 13.6 reservoir (etendue d'eau) 22.5
redressement fiscal 86.2 remis, e 84.8 residence 24.3
redresser 1.7 remonter 5.14 residence secondaire 24.1
redresser se 62.1 remorque 79.4 respect 45.16
reduction 58.12 remorquer 5.3 respecter 45.16
reduire 58.12 remplacer, se remplacer 89.1 respiration 64.4
reechelonner 84.3 remplir se 90.1 respirer 64.4
reel, reelle 88.7 remuer 62.23 responsabilite 37.15
refaire 96.20 renard, e 14.2 responsable 37.15
referendum 36.4 renardeau 14.2 responsable (chef) 37.2
refermer 31.1 rendement 86.1 responsable (coupable) 37.15
reflechir 54.2 rendre 66.2 ressembler, se ressembler 55.5
reforme 89.2 rendre compte, se 53.2 ressentir 42.4
reformer 89.2 rendre se 39.6 restaurant 74.8
refractaire 26.3 rene 81.25 resto 74.8
refrigerateur 24.17 renforcer 48.2 resultat 61.3
refroidir, se refroidir 23.7 renouveler se 12.2 resulter 61.3
refuge 24.5 renseigner se 96.16 retablirse 68.1
refus40.4 rentable 86.1 retard 13.2-13.6
refuser 40.4 renverser 5.12 retardataire 13.2
regarder 63.1 reouvrir 31.2 retarder 13.2-13.6
reggae 82.7 repandre se 58.10 retenir (en arithmetique) 58.17
regicide 36.10 reparation 27.4 retenir (garder) 41.1
regime 62.9 reparer 27.4 retenue 58.17
region 22 1 repartir 56.1 retorquer 96.17
regie (instrument) 59.20 repas 74.4 retraite 4.2
regie (loi) 37.5 repasser 30.9 retrancher 58.17
regie a calcul 58 19 repentir, repentir se 43.19 retrecir 58.6
reglement (lois) 37.5 repeter 96.20 retrograder 7.6
reglement (paiement) 84.9 repetition 96.20 retroviseur 7.3
reglementaire 37.5 replier 1.7 reussi, e 52.7
regler 84 9 replique 96.17 reussir 52.7
regne 36 10 repliquer 96.17 reussite 52.7
regner 36.10 repondeur 98.4 reve 64.9
1 1 1
French-English index 319
reveil 9.8 rognon 72.7 rugir (cri d'animal) 14.7
reveiller, se reveiller 54.12 roi (aux cartes, aux echecs) 81.6-81.7 rugir (de colere) 96.14
reveillon 74.7 roi (monarque) 36.11 rugissement 14.7
reveler 31.5 roitelet (monarque) 36.12 rugueux, -gueuse 63.27
revenant 88.12 roitelet (oiseau) 16.6 ruiner, ruiner se 84.19
levendeur 68.6 role 82.4 ruisseau 22.8
revendication 36.7 roman 59.15 ruisseler 20.4
revenir (en cuisine) 74.1 rompre, se rompre 91 .6 rumeur 96.23
revenir (retourner) 4.1 rompre (ses amarres) 8.3 ruminer 54.3
rever 64.9 rond (n) 1.2 ruse, e 59.13
reverence 62.14 rond, e (adj) 1.2 russe 96.25
revers 25.2 rond-point 7.8 rythme 82.8
revetement de sol 24.15 rondouillard, e 62.3
reveur, -veuse 54.3 ronfler 64.9 sable 22.7
revolte 36.7 ronger 74.1 sable 71.2
revolution (revolte) 36.8 rongeur 14.4 sableux, -leuse 22.7
revolution (tour) 5.15 ronron 14.7 sablonneux, -nneuse 22.7
revue 82.1 ronronnement 14.7 sabot (chaussure) 25.9
rez-de-chaussee 24.12 ronronner 14.7 sabot (d'animal) 14.6
rhinoceros 14.2 rosbif 72.5 saboter 91.10
rhum 75.5 rose 63.12 sac (a dos) 32.2
rhume 66.2 rossignol 16.6 sac (a main) 32.2
ricaner 47.9 rotation 5.15 sac (a outils) 27.5
riche 84.18 rotative 28.2 sac (a pommes de terre) 32.2
richesse 84.18 roti de boeuf 72.6 sac (de voyage, de nuit) 25.12
rideau 24.16 rotir74.1 sac (en plastique) 32.2
rideau de douche 24.22 rotor 8.12 sac banane 84.14
ridicule 57.2 rotule 62.16 sac de couchage 81.2
ridiculiser se 57.2 roublard, e 59.13 sac poubelle 32.2
rigide 63.25, 63.26 roue 7.2 sachet de the 75.4
rigoler 47.9 rouge (couleur) 63.12 sacre, e 38.16
rime 96.27 rouge (en politique) 36.6 sacrer 96.21
rincage 30.5 rouge a levres 25.14 sadique 45.17
rince-bouche 69.4 rouge-gorge 16.5 sadisme 45.17
rincer 30.5 rouille 19.2 sage (obeissant) 43.2
ring 81.18 rouille, e 19.2 sage (raisonnable) 66.13
rire 47.9 rouleau (a peinture) 27.6 sagesse 66.13
risible 57.2 rouleau (de jardinier) 80.2 Sagittaire 38.19
risque 39.1 rouleau (de papier toilettes) saigner 66.5
risquer (etre probable) 92.4-92.5 24.22 sain, e 66.7
risquer (metter en danger) 39.1 rouler (en votture) 7.5 saindoux 72.8
risque-tout 39.11 rouler les R 96.6 saint, e 38.12-38.16
rissoler 74.1 roulette 65.4 Sainte-Catherine 9.5
ristourne 84.8 roumain 96.25 Saint-Esprit 38.12
rivage 22.6 roussir 74.1 Saint-Glinglin 9.5
rive 22.6 route 7.10 saisi, e 47.7
rixe 39.7 routier, -tiere 7.8 saisie 84.3
robe (de chambre) 25.7 routine 10.3 saisir 53.2
robe (de mariage) 38.4 routinier, -niere 10.2 saisissant, e 47.5
robe (terme general) 25.4 rouvrir 31.2 saison 9.1
robinet 24.22 roux, rousse 62.20 salaud 57.10
robot-menager 24.17 royal, e 36.10 sale 30.2
robuste 48.1 royaute 36.10 sale 57.10
rocade 7.8 ruban 25.13 sale, e 73.2
roche 22.4 rubis 19.1 salete 30.2
rocher 22.4 ruche 16.4 saliere 24.18
rocheux, -cheuse 22.4 rue 7.11 salir, se salir 30.3
rock 82.7 rugby 81.14 salissant, e 30.2
11 1 1 1 1
320 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
salive 64.2 savourer 74.1 selection 56.3
salle (d'attente) 13.11 savoureux, -reuse 73.4 selectionner (en informatique) 98.2
salle (d'exposition) 41 .4 saxophone 82.10 selectionner (terme general) 56.3
salle (d'hopital) 65.2 saxophoniste 82.10 selle 81.25
salle de bain 24.24 scandale 43.19 selon 96.11
salle de sejour 24.16 scelle, e 31.1 semaine 9.2
salle des pas perdus 8.19 scene (au theatre et au cinema) 82.2 semaphore 8.18
salon 41.4 scene (de menage) 40.2 semblant (faire s.) 88.8
salopette 25.4 schizophrene 66.11 semblant (n) 9
saluer (dire bonjour) 45.12 schizophrenic 66.1 sembler 88.9
saluer (s'incliner) 62.14 scie27.5 semelle 25.9
salutation 45.12 science(s) 59.8 semer (en jardinage, agriculture) 80.1
samedi 9 2 sciences nat 59.8 semer (perdre) 50.9
sandale 25.9 scier 91.14 semestre 59.1
sandalette 25.9 scintillant, e 21.4 sens (direction) 3.1
sang 62.15 scintiller 21.3 sens (signification) 96.31
sanglier 14.2 scolaire 59.1 sensation 47.2
sanglot 47.20 score 81.10 sensibilite 42.3
sangloter 47.20 Scorpion 38.19 sensible 42.3
sanguinaire 48.5 scotch 75.5 sensiblerie 42.3
sanitaire 24.22 script 96.33 sentiment 42.3
sans plomb 7.7 scruter 63.2 sentimental, e 42.3
sans-domicile-fixe 24.9 scrutin 36.4 sentir (avoir un sentiment) 42.4
sante mentale 62.19 sculpter83.5 sentir (par I'odorat) 63.30
saou!, e75.8 sculpteur 83.5 separation (entre epoux) 38.4
saphir 19.1 sculpture 83.5 separation (terme general) 27.2
sapin 18.11 SDF 24.9 separer 27.2
sarcasme 47.14 seau a glace 75.6 separer se 38.4
sardine 72.1 sec, seche 20.5 septembre 9.3
Satan 38.12 secateur 80.2 sept families 81.6
satin 26.2 seche (cigarette) 68.5 serein, e 47.3
satisfaction 47.16 seche-cheveux 69.3 serenite 47.3
satisfaire 47.16 secher 20.5 sergent 39.2
Saturne 22.14 secheresse 20.5 sergent-chef 39.2, 39.3
sauce 73.6 sechoir (a cheveux) 69.3 serie (succession) 29.4
saucisse 72.8 sechoir (a tambour) 30.9 serie televisee 82.3
saucisson 72.8 secondaire 59.1 serieux, -rieuse 54.4
sauf 91.5 seconde 9.8 seringue 68.4
saule 18.10 second mattre 39.4 sermon 38.14
saumon 72.1 secouer (s. la tete) 62.22 serpent 16.1
saumure 73.6 secouer (terme general) 5.3 serpilliere 30.6
saut (d'une riviere) 22.9 secourir 46.3 serre (de jardinier) 80.1
saut (en athletisme) 81.15 secourisme 68.3 serre (d'oiseau) 14.6
saut (en equitation) 81.26 secounste 68.3 serrement de coeur 47.18
sauter (bondir) 5.1 secours (aide) 46.2 serrer (la main) 45.12
sauter (seduire) 64.17 secours (document de s.) 98.2 serrer (retenir) 41.1
sauterelle 16.3 secret 88.5 serre-tete 25.10
sautiller 5.11 secretaire (au bureau) 77.4 serrure 31.1
sauvage 48.5 secretaire (d'un parti) 37.4 serum anti-venin 68.4
sauvagement 48.5 section 91.3 serveur (au restaurant) 74.9
sauvagerie 48.5 sectionner 91.12 serveur (en informatique) 77.2
sauvegarder 98.2 seducteur 50.3 serveuse 74.9
sauver se 4.2 seduction 50.2 serviable 46.1
savant, e 59.12 seduire 50.2 service (dans un hopital) 65.2
saveur 73.1 seduisant, e 50.2 service (de table) 24.19
savoir 53.1 seigle 79.6 serviette (de bain) 69.2
savon 69.2 sein 64.1 serviette (periodique) 69.7
savonnette 69.2 sel 73.3 serviette (pour documents) 25.12
1 1 1
French-English index 321
servir se (au repas) 74.5 sobre 75.8 sortie (d'autoroute) 7.9
servir se (utiliser) 32.1 sobriete 75.8 sortie (d'un lieu public) 24.1
seuil 24.10 social, e 36.1 sortie (excursion) 6.2
seul.e 35.11 socialisme 36.5 sortie (porte) 24.1
seve 18.8 societe (entreprise) 84.6 sortir 45.7
sexe 64.15 societe (population) 36.1 sortir s'en 52.7
sexisme 43.13 sceur (dans une famille) 34.2 sosie 55.6
sexiste 43.13 soeur (religieuse) 38.13 sot, sotte 59.4
sextuple 58.9 sofa 24.16 souche 18.8
sexuel, -xuelle 54.15 soie 26.2 souci 18.2
sexuellement 64.15 soif 75.1 soudain, e (adj) 13.9
sexy 64.16 soigne, e 29.2 soudain (adv) 13.9
shampooing 69.3 soigneusement 44.2 soudainement 13.9
shit 68.6 soigneux, -gneuse 44.2 souffle 64.4
shooter se 68.6 soin (attention) 44.2 souff ler (respirer mal) 64.4
si 82.14 soin (medical) 68.1 souffler (technique du verre) 26.4
siderurgie 19.2 soins dentaires 65.4 souffrance 66.5
siderurgiste 19.2 soins des cheveux 69.3 souffre-douleur 37.18
siecle 9.9 soit . . . soit 56.3 souffrir 66.5
siege (chaise) 24.16 soixantaine 58.23 soulager 68.1
siege (de voiture) 7.3 sol (dans un batiment) 24.15 Soulier 25.9
siege (des toilettes) 24.22 sol (en musique) 82.14 soumettre se 37.17
siege (d'une organisation) 37.4 sol (terre) 80.3 soumis, e 37.17
siege (d'une ville) 39.6 soldat 39.1 soumission 37.17
sieste 64.9 soldat de I'armee de I'air 39.3 soupcon (petite quantite) 58.8
sifflement 14.7 solde 84.2 soupcon (suspicion) 37.8
siffler (chanter) 14.7 solder 84.9 soupconner 37.8
siffler (emettre un son aigu) 63.17 solder se 61.3 souper 74.4
siffler (respirer mal) 64.4 soleil 22.14 souple (agile) 44.6
signal de detresse 46.4 solfege 82.14 souple (pliable) 63.24
signaler 41.1 solidaire 45.10 souplesse 44.6
signe (astrologique) 38.19 solidarity 45.10 source 22.8
signe (de la main) 45.12 solide48.1 sourcil 64.1
signe (de tete) 45.12 soliste 82.9-82.10 sourd, e 66.3
signer 96.32 solitaire 35.11 sourd-muet, sourde-muette 66.3
signification 96.31 solitude 35.11 souriceau 15.5
signifier 96.31 solliciter 96.16 sourire 47.11
silence 63.20 solo 82.9 souris (animal) 15.5
silencieusement 63.20 somali 96.25 souris (en informatique) 77.2
silencieux, -cieuse 63.20 sombre 21.1, 63.13 sous-bois 18.8
silhouette 64.1 sombrer 8.4 sous-classe 36.2
silo 79.3 somme 58.16 sous-fifre 57.12
simple 43.5 sommeil 64.7 sous-lieutenant 39.2
(simple) soldat 39.2 sommet 22.3 sous-marin 8.8
simplement 43.5 somnambulisme 64.1 sous-marinier 8.9
sincere 88.1 son 63.15 sous-off icier 39.1
sincerite 88.1 sondage d'opinion 96.12 sous-sol 24.12
singe 14.2 sonde, e 96.12 sous-vetement 25.6
singulier (en grammaire, nm) 96.26 songer 54.2 soustraction 58.17
singulier, -Here (en grammaire, adj) songeur, -geuse 54.3 soustraire 58.17
96.26 sonner 63.17 soutenir (aider) 46.6
sinistre 20.6 sonnerie 63.17 soutenir (porter) 5.4
sirene 63.17 sonnette 24.10 soutien-gorge 25.6
sirop (medicament) 68.2 soprano 82.11 souvenir, se souvenir 64.5
sirop (pour dessert) 73.7 sorbet 73.8 souvent 10.1
situation 87.4 sorcier, -ciere 88.11 specialiste (medecin) 65.2
ski 81.21 sort 88.10 specialiste (terme general) 59.3
slip 25.5 sorte 55.2 specifier 55.10
322 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
specifique 55.10 sud 3.3 surveillant, e 63.9
specifiquement 55.10 suedois 96.25 surveiller 63.8
specimen 41.5 suer 64.3 survenir 4.1
spectacle (au cinema, au theatre) 82.2 sueur 64.3 survetement 25.8
spectacle (vue) 63.11 suffire91.2 survoler 98.2
spermatozoide 62.18 suffisamment 91.2 survolte 47.2
sperme 62.18 suffisant, e smug 43.12 suspect, e 37.8
sphere 1.3 suggerer 40.8 suspecter 37.8
spherique 1.3 suggestion 40.8 susurrer 96.7
spirale 1.3 suicide 67.5 svelte 62.7
spirituel, -tuelle 38.17 suicider se 67.5 sveltesse 62.7
spiritueux 75.5 suinter 20.4 swahili 96.25
sport 81.9 suite (consequence) 61.3 syllabe 96.27
sportif, -ive 81.11 suite (entourage) 5.10 sympa43.15
sports d'hiver 81.21 suiveur 5.10 symphonie 82.13
sprinter 81.15 suivre 5.8-5.9 symptome 66.5
squelettique 62.8 sujet 96.26 synagogue 38.13
stade 81.13 sumo 81.18 syndical, e 76.5
stage 59.11 super 7.7 syndicaliste 76.5
stagiaire 59.11 super 57.5 syndicat 76.5
standard 98.4 superette 78.4 syndiquer se 76.5
standardiste (dans une entreprise) superficie 58.14 systematique 29.1
77.4 superflu, e 93.2 systeme 56.2
standardiste (des Telecommunications) superieur (dans I'enseignement, nm) systeme reproducteur 62.18
98.4 59.1 systeme solaire 22.14
station 6.2 superieur, e (dans I'enseignement, adj)
station service 7.7 59.1 tabac 68.5
stationnement 7.5 superieur, e (dominant) 57.8 tabagisme 68.5
stationner 7.5 superiority 57.8 table (debillard) 81.24
statue 83.5 supermarch£ 78.4 table (meuble courant) 24.16
steak 72.6 supersonique 8.13 tableau (dans une gare) 8.19
stere 58.27 supplier 96.16 tableau (document) 97.3
stereo 82.15 supporter (d'une equipe) 45.4 tableau (en classe) 59.7
steward 8.15 supporter (endurer) 37.17 tableau (peinture) 83.1
stock 84.7 supporter (fan) 45.4 tableau de bord 7.4
stocker 84.7 supporter (porter) 5.4 tableur77.2
strophe 59.18 supposer 53.3 tabou 37.14
studio (appartement) 24.2 supposition 53.3 tache 30.3
studio (de theatre, cinema, TV) 82.2 suppositoire 68.2 tache (d'huile) 58.11
stup 68.6 supprimer (enlever) 32.6 tacher 30.3
stupefait, e 47.7 supprimer (tuer) 67.6 tacher51.4
stupefiant 68.6 sur, e (certain) 92.6 tacle 81.10
style 55.2 sur, e (fiable) 44.1 tacler 81.10
stylo 59.20 surann6, e 12.4 taie 24.21
subalterne 57.12 surdi-mutit£ 66.3 taille (dimension) 58.14
subjonctif 96.26 surdoue, e 59.12 taille (en anatomie) 64.1
subordonn6, e 57.12 surement 92.4 tailler 80.1
substituer 89.1 surexcitation 47.2 tailleur 25 4
substitution 89.1 surface de reparation 81.10 taillis 18.9
succes 52.7 surmenage 76.7 taire, se taire 63.21
sucer 74.11 surmener se 76.7 talc 69.2
sucette 33.5 surnaturel 88.12 tale, e 70.8
sucette 73.8 surnom 55.14 talon (de chaussure) 25.9
sucre 73.8 surnommer 55.13 talon (de cheque) 84.2
sucre, e 73.2 surprenant, e 47.5 talon (en anatomie) 64.1
sucre d'orge 73.8 surprendre, e 47.5 tambour (a broder) 83.6
sucrer 73.8 surprise 47.5 tambour (instrument) 82.10
Sud 3.4 surveillance 63.7 tampon (periodique) 69.7
1 1
French-English index 323
tank 39.5 tendance 10.3 tigresse (animal) 14.2
tante 34.5 tendre (gentil) 48.4 tigresse (femme) 14.5
tantot . . . tantdt 56.3 tendre (savoureux) 63.23 timbale 82.10
tapage 63.15 tendrement 48.4 timbalier, -Mere 82.10
tape 67.1 tendresse 48.4 timbre 97.2
taper 67.1 tendu, e47.1 tir (au combat) 39.6
tapir se 62.13 tenebres 21.1 tir (en sport) 81.23
tapis 24.16 tenir compte de 54.1 tire-bouchon 75.6
tapis de bain 24.22 tenir de 55.5 tirelire 84.14
tapoter 67.1 tenir, tenir se 41.11 tirer (au combat) 39.6
taquiner 47.14 tennis (chaussure) 25.9 tirer (deplacer) 5.3
taquinerie 47.14 tennis (sport) 81.14 tirer (en sport) 81.23-81.24
tard 13.2 tenor 82.11 tirer au sort 56.4
tardif, -dive 13.2 tension 47.1 tireur 39.6
tarif 84.11 tentative 51.4 tiroir 24.20
tarte71.3 tente81.2 tisane 18.5, 75.4
tas (pile) 29.4 tenter 51.4 tisser 26.1
tas (quantite) 58.3 terminal 11.2 tisserand, e 26.1
tasse 24.18 terminer, se terminer 1 1 .2 tissu 26.1
tata 34.5 terminus 11.2 tissu-eponge 26.1
tater 63.22 terrain (de sport) 81.13 titre (de noblesse) 36.1
tatonner 514 terrain (d'une proprtete) 80.3 titre (d'une oeuvre) 59.14
taudis 24.1 terrain a batir 27.10 titre (en journalisme) 82.1
taule 37.9 Terre 22.14 titre (etat-civil, rang) 55.14
taupe 15.5 terre (champs) 79.7 tituber 5.6
Taureau 38.19 terre (domaine) 22.1 toboggan 81.3
taureau 14.1 terre (maraichere) 79.2 toile (d'araignee) 16.4
taux (de change) 84.13 terre (sol) 80.3 toile (peinture) 83.2
taxation 86.2 terre glaise 83.5 toile (tissu) 26.2
taxe 86.2 terreau 80.1 toilette 69.2
taxi 7.12 terreur 45.23 toiser 63.4
tcheque 96.25 terrible 45.20 toit 24.10
teinturerie 78.7 terrifier 45.23 tomate 70.14
tele 82.3 territoire 22.11 tombe 38.5
telecommunication 98.4 Testament (Ancien, Nouveau) 38.15 tomber (coincider) 87.2
telecopie 98.4 testament 38.5 tomber (diminuer) 58.12
telecopier 98.4 testicule 64.1 tomber (trebucher) 5.12-5.13
tele-enseignement 3.5 tetine 33.5 tomber sur 50.7
teleobjectif 83.4 tete64.1 ton 63.15
telephone 98.4 tetu, e 51.3 tondeuse 80.1
telephone de voiture 7.3 texte (sacre) 38.15 tondre (t. un animal) 79.8
telephoner 98.4 texte (terme general) 97.3 tondre (t. une pelouse) 80.1
telescope 22.13 textile 26.1 tonne 58.25
televiseur 82.3 TGV 8.20 tonneau (accident) 5.12
television 82.3 the 74.4 tonnerre 23.6
temoigner 96.9 the 75.4 tonton 34.5
temoin (a un manage) 38.4 theatre 82.2 topimambour 70.13
t6moin (au tribunal) 37.11 therapie 68.1 topologie 22.11
temperament 42.1 thermometre 68.4 toque, e 66.12
tempfrte 23.6 these 53.3 torchon (a vaisselle) 30.8
temple 38.13 thon 72.11 torchon (texte) 444
temps (at.) 13.3 thym 73.3 tordre 1.7
temps (en grammaire) 96.26 tibia 64.1 tordu, e 1.5
temps (il y a quelque t.) 9.10 ticket (de caisse) 84.11 torrent 22.8
temps (meteo) 23.2 ticket (terme general) 6.1 torride 23.8
temps (partiel) 76.4 tiede (indifferent) 45.14 tort 37.15
temps (plein) 76.4 tiede (ni chaud ni froid) 23.8 tortillard 8.20
temps (tout le t.) 10.1 tiers 58.18 tortiller 1.7
tenailles 27.5 tigre 14.2 tortionnaire 45.18
324 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
tortue 15.4 trainer (s'attarder) 5.6 tripier 58.9
tot 13.1 trainer (tirer) 5.3 tripoter 63.22
total, e (complet) 91.1 traire 79.8 triste 47.17
total (en mathematiques) 58.17 trait 1.5 tristesse 47.17
totalement 91.1 traite bancaire 84.2 trognon 70.7
touche 82.10 traitement 68.1 trois-pieces 24.8
toucher (avoir un contact physique traitement de texte 77.2 trombone (de bureau) 31.7
avec) 63.22 traiter 68.1 trombone (en musique) 82.10
toucher (contacter) 97.1 traitre 57.10 tromboniste 82.10
toujours 10.1 trattresse 57.10 trompe 62.18
tour (aux echecs) 81.7 traits (du visage) 64.1 tromper 43.22
tour (batiment) 24.3 trajet 6.2 tromper se 60.1
tour (d'honneur) 81.15 tram(way) 7.12 tromperie (sur la marchandise) 43.22
tour (de potier) 83.5 trancher 91.12 tromperie (terme general) 43.22
tour de controle 8.14 tranquille 47.3 trompette 82.10
tour de cou 58.14 tranquillement 47.3 trompettiste 82.10
tourisme 6.2 tranquillite 47.3 tronc 18.8
touriste 6.2 transformation 89.2 troncon 91.3
tourne-disque 82.15 transformer 89.2 tronconner 91.14
tourner 5.15 transistor 82.3 395 trone 36.10
tournevis 27.5 transparence 43.20 trophee 52.12
tourniquet 81.3 transpiration 64.3 troquer 41.10
tournoi 81.12 transporter 5.1 trot 81.25
tourte71.3 travail 76.3-76.6 trotter 81.25
tourteau 72.12 travail (de bureau) 77.1 trottoir 7.11
tourterelle 16.6 travail (de I'accouchement) 33.2 trou 31.6
Toussaint 9.5 travailler 76.3-76.6 trou d'air 8.13
tousser 66.2 travailleur, -lleuse 76.6 trou noir 22.13
T.S.V.P. 59.14 travail manuel 83.1 troue, e 31.6
tout a coup 13.9 travaux d'aiguille 83.6 trouer 31.6
tout a I'heure 9.10 traveller 6.2 troufion 39.1
tout bas 63.20 trebucher 5.12 troupeau (d'animaux) 79.8
tout de suite 13.5 trema 96.29 troupeau (foule) 35.8
tout haut 63.19 trempage 30.5 trousse 32.2
tout le temps 10.1 tremper (mettre dans un liquide) 20.3 trousse 59.7
toute vitesse 13.8 tremper (pour laver) 30.5 trouvaille (chose trouvee) 50.7
toutou 15.3 trentaine 58.23 trouvaille (idee) 54.5
toux 66 2 tresor (objets precieux) 85.1 trouver (acquerir) 41.14
toxico 68.6 tresor (terme affectueux) 45.8 trouver (decouvrir) 50.7
toxicomane 68.6 tri 56.1 trouver se 87.2
trac 82.4 triangle 1.2 true (chose) 55.1
trachee(-artere) 62.17 triangulaire 1.2 true (en magie) 88.10
trader 5.3 tribunal 37.11 truie 14.1
tracteur 79.4 tricher 43.22 truit 72.11
tradition 38.1 tricheur 43.23 tuba 82.10
traducteur 96.13 tricot (activite) 83.6 tubercule 70.12
traduction 96.13 tricot (vetement) 25.5 tuer67.5
traductrice 96.13 tricoter 83.6 tueur, tueuse 67.6
traduire (d'une langue a une autre) trier 56.1 tuile 24.10
96.13 trimestre 59.1 tunique 25.8
traduire (exprimer) 96.2 trio 82.9 turban 25.10
tragedie 82.2 triomphal, e 52.7 turbine 28.2
tragique 82.2 triomphe 52.7 turboreacteur 8.12
train 8.20 trip 68.6 turc 96.25
train (electrique) 81.5 triperie 78.2 turf 81.26
train d'atterrissage 8.12 tripier 78.6 turfiste 81.26
traintrain 10.2 triple 58.9 tuteur 80.1
trainee 30.3 triples, triplees 33.1 tutu 25.8
French-English index 325
tuyau (d'echappement ) 7.2 variete (en botanique) 55.2 versant 22.3
tuyau (en plomberie) 27.7 varietes (au spectacle) 82.2 Verseau 38.19
type (homme) 35.4 vase 24.16 versement 84.9
type (sorte) 55.2 vasque 24.22 verser (laisser tomber) 20.4
vassal 57.12 verser (payer) 84.9
ULM (ultra-leger motorise) 81.22 vaste 58.1 verso 59.14
une (en journalisme) 82.1 vautour 16.6 vert (couleur) 63.12
uni, e 63.28 veau (animal) 14.1 vert, e (pas mur) 70.8
unique 95.2 veau (viande) 72.5 vertical, e (position) 2.2
unite 58.24 vedette (au spectacle) 82.4 vertu 43.1
univers 22.14 vedette (bateau) 8.7 vertueux, -tueuse 43.1
universitaire 59.9 vegetal, e 18.1 vessie 62.17
universite 59.1 vegetarien, -rienne (adj & n) 18.1 veste 25.4
Uranus 22.14 vehicule 7.12 vestiaire 24.13
urdu 96.25 veille9.2 vestibule 24.13
usage 32.1 veillee mortuaire 38.5 veston 25.4
user (utiliser) 32.1 veiller (surveiller) 63.8 vetement 25.1-25.8
user, s'user (deteriorer) 91.15 veiller (v. un mort) 38.5 veto 40.4
usinage 28.1 veilleur de nuit 63.9 veuf, veuve 34.4
usine 27.9 veinard, e (adj & n) 94.2 viable 92.1
usiner 28.1 veine (chance) 94.2 viande 72.4-72.5
ustensile (de cuisine) 24.17-24.18 veine (en anatomie) 62.15 vicaire 38.13
ustensile (de jardinier) 80.2 velleitaire 51.3 vice 37.16
usure 91.15 velleite 51.2 vice-amiral 39.4
uterus 33.2 velo7.12 vicieux, -cieuse 37.16
utile 32.3 velomoteur 7.12 vicomte, -tesse 36.11
utilisation 32 1 velours 26.2 victime 37.18
utiliser 32.1 venaison 72.9 victoire 39.6
vendanger 79.5 victoire 52.7
vacances 64.14 vendeur, -deuse 84.9 victorieux, -rieuse 52.7
vacancier 64.14 vendre, se vendre 84.9 vide 90.4
vacarme 63.15 vendredi 9.2 vide-ordures 32.5
vache 14.1 venir 4.1 vider, se vider 90.4
vagin 62.18 vent 23.4 vie 87.1
vague (dans I'eau) 22.7 vente 84.9 vieillefille 35.10
vague de chaleur 23.6 venter 23.2 vieillot, -Mote 12.4
vainqueur 52.8 ventre 64.1 Vierge (Marie) 38.12
vaisseau 8.1 venue 4.1 Vierge (signe du zodiaque) 38.19
vaisselle 30.8 Venus 22.14 vierge (sexuellement) 64.17
valet (aux cartes) 81.6 ver 16.3 vierge (vide) 90.4
valeur (en bourse) 84.10 verbe 96.26 vieux garcon 35.10
valeur (fiduciaire) 84.12 verdict 37.11 vif, vive 13.7
valeur (de v.) 85.1 vereux, -reuse (corrompu) 43.23 vigilance 63.7
valise 6.3 vereux, -reuse (fruit v.) 16.3 vignoble 79.2
vallee 22.3 verger 79.2 vigoureux, -reuse 48.1
vallon 22.3 verglas 23.6 vilain, e 37.16
valoir85.1 veridique 88.2 villa 24.1
vandaliser 91.10 verifier 63.3 village 22.2
vanite 43.12 verifier (v. les pneus) 7.7 ville 22.2
vaniteux, -teuse 43.12 verite 88.2 villegiature 6.2
vantard, e 43.10 vernis 26.3 vin 75.2
vantardise 43.10 verouille, e 31.1 vinaigre 73.3-73.6
vanter, vanter se 43.10 verre (matiere) 26.3 vinaigre (au) 73.6
vapeur 28.3 verre (pour boire) 24.19 vingtaine 58.23
varappe 81.20 verre de contact 63.10 viol 64.19
varappeur, -ppeuse 81.20 verrou 31.1 violemment 48.5
variateur de lumiere 24.16 verrue 66.2 violence 48.5
varier 89.2 vers 59.18 violent, e48.5
326 The Cambridge French-English Thesaurus
violer 64.19 vivre (habiter) 24.7 vouloir 51.1
violet (couleur) 63.12 vociferer 96.14 vouloir dire 96.31
violet, -lette (adj) 63.30 vodka 75.5 voute, e 62.14
violette (fleur) 18.2 voie (de chemin de fer) 8.19 voyage 6.1
violon 82.10 voie (sur autoroute) 7.9 voyager 6.1
violon d'lngres 81.1 voie de navigation 8.3 voyageur, -geuse 6.2
violoncelle 82.10 voie lactee 22.14 voyelle 96.27
violoncelliste 82.10 voilage 24.16 vrai, e 88.2
violoniste 82.10 voile (de bateau) 8.2 vraiment 88.2
vipere 16.1-16.2 voile (de mariee) 38.4 vraisemblable 88.7
virage 7.8 voiler, se voiler 88.4 VTT7.12
virement 84.2 voilier 8.7 vue (faculte) 63.1
virginite 64.17 voir 63.1 vue (spectacle) 63.11
virgule 96.29 voisinage 3.6 vulcanisation 26.3
viril, e 35.6 voiture (automobile) 7.1 vulcaniser 26.4
virtuose 59.3 voiture (de pompiers) 20.8 vulgaire 43.7
virus 98.1 voiture (d'un train) 8.20 vulnerable 48.3
vis 27.5 voix 96.6 vulve 64.1
visa 97.4 vol (d'un oiseau) 16.7
visage 64.1 vol (d'un voleur) 43.24-43.26 wagon 8.20
visibility 63.11 volaille 72.9 wagon-lit 8.20
visible 63.11 volant 7.3 week-end 9.2
visiblement 63.11 volcan 22.3 whisky 75.5
vision (faculte) 63.1 voler (en avion) 8.13
vision (spectacle) 63.11 voler (oiseau) 16.7 xylophone 82.10
visite 4.3 voler (prendre sans permission) xylophoniste 82.10
visiter 4.3 43.24
visualiser 98.2 volet 24.10 yacht 8.7
vite 13.7 voleter 16.7 yaourt, yoghourt 72.2
vitesse (changer de v.) 7.6 voleur, -leuse 43.24 yeux 63.1
vitesse (terme general) 13.7 volley (ball) 81.14 yoga 81.17
vitre 24.10 volontaire 51.3
vitrifier 26.4 volontariste 51.3 zebre 14.2
vitrine (de magasin) 78.5 volonte 51.2 zest 70.7
vitrine (meuble) 41.4 volume 58.27 zezayer 96.6
vivant, e 53.4 vomir 66.2 zodiaque 38.19
vivier 17.4 vote 36.4 zone 22.11
vivre (exister) 87.1 voter 36.4 zozoter 96.6
THE CAMBRIDGE French -English Thesaurus
by MARIE-NOELLE LAMY
This is the first ever bilingual thesaurus of its kind. The book is aimed at all English-speaking learners and users
of French at intermediate and more advanced levels, and is structured in a uniquely helpful way. It is arranged
thematically, with extensive subdivisions into topic categories. Two alphabetical indexes of more than 8,000
words each, one listing English vocabulary and the other French, help readers find what they're looking for
easily.
What is a bilingual thesaurus? So it tells me lots of ways of saying the same
A thesaurus is a dictionary which gives a range thing, but with different nuances and in different
of different words as possible synonyms and/or contexts?
antonyms for the word being defined. The best Yes, exactly; and in this way it's like a very elaborate
thesauri give not only analogous words but analo- dictionary, with phrases as well as words. Supposing
gous phrases and expressions as well; moreover they you want to know a range of expressions for crying
explain in what contexts the different synonyms etc. out in pain:
should be used. The Cambridge French-English
Ca fait mal! That hurts!
Thesaurus is a thesaurus par excellence : a bilingual
Ca pique! That stings!
thesaurus operating in two languages.
(^a brule! That burns!
(^a me lance! It's a throbbing pain!
What can I look up in it?
(^a tire! [when a stitch is being removed] It's
Let's say you want to look up the French for the
pulling my skin!
word 'difficult'. You may know that this translates
Ca me demange! I've got an itch (there)!
into French as 'difficile' but be curious about other,
C'est comme si on m'enfoncait des aiguilles. It
synonymous words that could be used to mean
feels as if needles were being pushed into me.
'difficult' in slightly different contexts. So if you look
up 'difficult' in the English-French index at the back
Can I use it the other way round, to look up
of the book, you'll be directed to a section of the
French words?
book which gives you a range of synonymous words
Yes, that's why it's called a 'bilingual' thesaurus.
and tells you when to use them:
There's not only a long English-French index but a
complique complicated long French-English one as well, so you can come
delicat [requiring tact] tricky Je nose pas le lui at it from either language, to find your lists of
dire, que je ne veux pas d'elle dans mon equipe, synonyms in either English or French. Moreover,
c'est delicat. I daren't tell her that I don't want it gives American English expressions as well as
her on my team, it's tricky. British English ones, wherever there's a difference.
penible [disagreeable and difficult. The
translation of this depends on context] There's no other book that does all this!
unpleasant Marcher, c'est penible par cette But it does even more. Take a look inside.
chaleur. Walking in this heat is really
unpleasant. Les enfants ont ete penibles, cet
apres-midi. The children were hard work this
afternoon.
Does it do more than this?
Much more. Supposing you want to know the
nuances behind various words expressing 'fatness'
in French. It will tell you that joufflu (chubby-
cheeked), potele (chubby) and rondouillard (tubby)
are affectionate and inoffensive with a touch of
humour; while gros lard (fat slob), mastodonte
(great hulk) and patapouf (fatty) are to be used
only in a less flattering context
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