French Conversation · Level 106
60 words
French word
contrarier
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔ̃tʁaʁje/
Meaning
- verbupset
Example
Ne le contrarie pas.
Don't upset him.
More examples
Il a contrarié sa collègue en critiquant son idée.
He annoyed his colleague by criticizing her idea.
Core concept
A desired outcome is pushed off course, causing the affected person annoyance or discontent.
Common phrases
contrarier quelqu'un
annoy someone
contrarier son patron
annoy his boss
Similar words
fâcher: To provoke strong anger or indignation in someone.
gêner: To hinder an action or conversation and create awkwardness.
empêcher: To stop an action or event from happening.
décevoir: To leave someone disappointed by not meeting their expectations.
Definition in French
Causer à quelqu'un du mécontentement ou de l'irritation en contrariant ses désirs ou ses projets.
Word origin
The verb contrarier is formed from the French family of contraire and ultimately derives from Latin contrarius, "opposite," whose meaning extended to thwarting another person's aims.
Usage tips
- Contrarier often describes irritation caused by thwarted expectations, while fâcher more directly emphasizes making someone angry.