French Conversation · Level 38
75 words
French word
détestable
Pronunciation
IPA/detɛstabl/
Meaning
- adjectiveawful
Example
C'est détestable.
It's awful.
More examples
Le mensonge est détestable.
The lie is hateful.
Core concept
A hateful quality that makes a person, act, or situation morally repellent.
Common phrases
un geste détestable
a hateful gesture
une attitude détestable
a hateful attitude
une personne détestable
a hateful person
Similar words
mauvais: Undesirable because of poor quality or harmful conduct.
gênant: Creating an awkward atmosphere that troubles others.
insupportable: So unpleasant that it cannot be endured for long.
abominable: Extremely awful and provoking strong disgust or contempt.
Definition in French
Qui mérite d'être détesté; qui provoque une forte antipathie ou une révolte morale.
Word origin
The adjective follows the French pattern of attaching -able to détester, a verb inherited through French from Latin dētestārī.
Usage tips
- The related verb détester takes a direct object, as in détester quelqu'un, without a preposition.