French Conversation · Level 111
59 words
French word
estomper
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛstɔ̃pe/
Meaning
- verbdampen
Example
Il estompe le bruit en fermant la fenêtre.
He dampens the noise by closing the window.
More examples
Le maquillage estompe les imperfections.
Makeup blurs imperfections.
Core concept
A sharp outline or strong effect becoming blurred and less forceful.
Common phrases
estomper l'effet
weaken the effect
estomper la colère
quell anger
estomper le contraste
tone down the contrast
Similar words
diminuer: To reduce the size, amount, or extent of something.
baisser: To turn down sound or reduce a temperature.
atténuer: To make a force or influence less severe.
adoucir: To make a color, sound, or texture gentler.
Definition in French
Diminuer l'intensité ou la netteté d'un élément en affaiblissant son contour ou son effet.
Word origin
Estomper is formed from French estompe, a drawing tool used to soften pencil or charcoal marks, and extends that softening to contours and effects.
Usage tips
- The transitive verb estomper takes a direct object, while s'estomper describes something gradually fading or losing sharpness.