French Conversation · Level 69
60 words
French word
malvenu
Pronunciation
IPA/malvəny/
Meaning
- adjectiveinappropriate
Example
Il est malvenu de rire maintenant.
It is inappropriate to laugh now.
More examples
Son commentaire était malvenu pendant la réunion.
His comment was inappropriate during the meeting.
Core concept
A person, remark, or act that arrives out of place and makes the situation feel awkward.
Common phrases
être malvenu de
be inappropriate to ___
un commentaire malvenu
an inappropriate comment
c'est malvenu
It is inappropriate
Similar words
inapproprié: Unsuitable or improper for the circumstances.
déplacé: Failing to fit the social tone or etiquette of the occasion.
gênant: Putting others in an awkward or embarrassing position.
Definition in French
Qui est considéré comme déplacé ou indésirable dans le contexte où il apparaît.
Word origin
Malvenu combines mal, meaning badly, with venu, the past participle of venir, and originally suggests someone or something that has come at the wrong time or place.
Usage tips
- The impersonal pattern il est malvenu de + infinitive means that an action is inappropriate in the circumstances.
Other meanings
- out of placeadjective
Opposites
- bienvenuwelcomeadjective
- appropriéappropriateadjective