French Conversation · Level 62
76 words
French word
décharné
Pronunciation
IPA/deʃaʁne/
Meaning
- adjectiveemaciated
Example
Le chat errant est décharné.
The stray cat is emaciated.
More examples
On voyait les traits décharnés de la vieille femme.
The old woman's gaunt features could be seen.
Core concept
A body reduced to skin and bone, with the bones clearly showing.
Common phrases
les traits décharnés
gaunt features
un homme décharné
an emaciated man
Similar words
maigre: Thin due to having little body fat.
mince: Slim and delicately narrow in overall build.
Definition in French
Qui a si peu de chair que les os deviennent visibles.
Word origin
Décharné comes from décharner, formed with dé- and chair, from Old French char and Latin caro, meaning that flesh has been removed.
Usage tips
- Décharné has a stark, often unhealthy tone, so maigre or mince is usually less harsh when describing a person.
Other meanings
- gauntadjective
- haggardadjective
Opposites
- sainhealthyadjective
- enrobéplumpadjective