French Conversation · Level 70
59 words
French word
grossier
Pronunciation
IPA/gʁosje/
Meaning
- adjectiverough
Example
Ce travail est trop grossier, il faut le refaire.
This work is too rough; it needs to be redone.
More examples
Il a fait une erreur grossière dans les comptes.
He made a gross error in the accounts.
Core concept
A rough-edged person, remark, attitude, or piece of work that lacks finished refinement.
Common phrases
une approximation grossière
a rough approximation
une erreur grossière
a gross error
Similar words
impoli: Showing a lack of courtesy through disrespectful words or behavior.
malpoli: Not behaving politely or showing proper manners in social situations.
vulgaire: Lacking taste or refinement in an unpleasantly vulgar way.
rude: Harsh or unkind in speech or behavior, without warmth or gentleness.
Definition in French
Qui manque de politesse ou de délicatesse; se dit d'une personne, d'un propos ou d'une attitude impolie ou vulgaire.
Word origin
French grossier comes through Old French gros from Latin grossus, meaning 'large' or 'coarse', and developed senses for crude work and uncouth behavior.
Usage tips
- Applied to a person, grossier is harsher than impoli and can suggest vulgarity, while impoli more narrowly describes poor manners.