French word

affrontement

Pronunciation

IPA/afʁɔ̃təmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounclash

Example

Dans ces débats, il y a souvent un affrontement d'idées.

In these debates, there is often a clash of ideas.

Illustration for affrontement (clash)

More examples

Il y a eu un affrontement entre collègues au sujet du projet.

There was a confrontation between colleagues over the project.

Core concept

Two opposing sides face one another across a clear line, making the conflict visible rather than merely implied.

Common phrases

  • un affrontement entre voisins

    a confrontation between neighbors

  • un affrontement public

    a public confrontation

Similar words

désaccord: A state in which opinions or ideas do not align and no agreement is reached.
conflit: A dispute arising from clashing opinions or interests.
dispute: An argument or quarrel taking place between people or groups.
confrontation: A direct face-off involving opposition or an exchange of challenges.

Definition in French

Opposition directe et souvent vive entre personnes, groupes ou idées, impliquant une confrontation claire.

Word origin

Affrontement is formed from affronter with the suffix -ment, while affronter combines a- with front, from Latin frons, frontis, meaning forehead or front.

Usage tips

  • Affrontement usually describes a serious or openly hostile clash, so it can sound too strong for a minor difference of opinion.

Other meanings

  • showdownnoun
  • conflictnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • affronterconfrontverb
  • affrontéinsultedadjective

Word lists with this word