French Conversation · Level 102
60 words
French word
euphémisme
Pronunciation
IPA/øfemizm/
Meaning
- masculine nouneuphemism
Example
Il a utilisé un euphémisme pour parler de sa maladie.
He used a euphemism to talk about his illness.
More examples
Pour ne pas blesser, il a employé un euphémisme.
To avoid hurting anyone, he used a euphemism.
Core concept
A verbal cushion placed between a listener and a harsh or upsetting reality.
Common phrases
c'est un euphémisme
That's an understatement
employer un euphémisme
employ a euphemism
Similar words
litote: A restrained expression that hints at a meaning without stating it directly.
périphrase: A descriptive phrase used instead of a shorter, more direct word.
atténuation: The act of making wording less forceful and more moderate.
Definition in French
Un euphémisme est un mot ou une expression qu'on emploie pour atténuer une réalité désagréable ou choquante en la remplaçant par une formule plus douce.
Word origin
The French noun comes through Latin euphēmismus from Greek euphēmismos, built from eu, meaning "good," and phēmē, meaning "speech."
Usage tips
- Euphémisme is masculine, so the standard article is un euphémisme.
Opposites
- franchisecandornoun