French Conversation · Level 104
60 words
French word
malus
Pronunciation
IPA/malys/
Meaning
- masculine nounpenalty
Example
En cas de retard de paiement, un malus sera appliqué.
In the event of late payment, a penalty will be applied.
More examples
Après l'accident, il a un malus sur son assurance.
After the accident, he has an insurance surcharge on his policy.
Core concept
A surcharge attached to a payment because an unfavorable event or behavior increases what is owed.
Common phrases
un malus d'assurance
an insurance surcharge
avoir un malus
have an insurance surcharge
Similar words
majoration: An increase added to a standard fee or tax.
surprime: An extra insurance charge for a higher-risk policyholder.
supplément: An additional cost charged on top of a basic fee.
Definition in French
Somme supplémentaire exigée en raison d'un comportement, d'un risque accru ou d'une pénalité, souvent employée pour majorer une prime d'assurance ou un montant dû.
Word origin
The French noun malus is borrowed from Latin malus, "bad," and its financial use contrasts with bonus in insurance and contracts.
Usage tips
- In insurance, avoir un malus commonly means having a higher premium after an unfavorable driving record or claim history.
Other meanings
- surchargenoun
- disadvantagenoun
Opposites
- bonusbonusnoun