French Conversation · Level 151
30 words
French word
désapprouver
Pronunciation
IPA/dezapʁuve/
Meaning
- verbdisapprove
Example
Nous désapprouvons sa conduite.
We disapprove of his conduct.
More examples
Les parents désapprouvent souvent ce comportement.
The parents often disapprove of this behavior.
Core concept
A clear rejection of a particular choice or viewpoint without attacking the person behind it.
Common phrases
désapprouver quelqu'un
disapprove of someone
désapprouver une décision
disapprove of a decision
Similar words
blâmer: Reproach someone for a mistake or for doing something wrong.
condamner: Express severe disapproval of an action or statement as wholly unacceptable.
Definition in French
Manifester son jugement défavorable à l'égard d'une action, d'un comportement ou d'une idée ; indiquer qu'on ne l'approuve pas.
Word origin
French formed désapprouver by adding dés- to approuver, whose history goes back to Latin approbare.
Usage tips
- The word usually names its target as an action, conduct, or idea rather than as a person, which makes it more specific than a personal insult.
Other meanings
- criticizeverb
Opposites
- approuverapproveverb
Related words
- désapprobationdisapprovalnoun
- désapprobateurdisapprovingadjective