French word

grimace

Pronunciation

IPA/gʁimas/

Meaning

  • feminine noungrimace

Example

Il a fait une grimace.

He made a grimace.

Illustration for grimace (grimace)

More examples

Il a une grimace de douleur après s'être cogné.

He has a grimace of pain after bumping himself.

Core concept

A briefly contorted face with a tightened forehead and twisted mouth, showing disgust or pain or provoking laughter.

Common phrases

  • une grimace de douleur

    a grimace of pain

Similar words

moue: A pout that shows displeasure or confusion by pushing the lips forward.
mine: The overall impression conveyed by someone's facial features and appearance.
expression: A facial expression that conveys an emotion or feeling.

Definition in French

Expression faciale brève qui plisse le front et tord la bouche pour exprimer le dégoût, la douleur ou provoquer le rire.

Word origin

French grimace comes from Old French grimace and is related to grimacier, 'to make faces'; its deeper origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • Grimace is feminine, and the usual construction is faire une grimace.

Other meanings

  • funny facenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word