French word

redouter

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁədute/

Meaning

  • verbfear

Example

Je redoute de rater cet examen.

I fear failing this exam.

Illustration for redouter (fear)

More examples

Elle redoute la réaction de son patron.

She fears her boss's reaction.

Core concept

A feared possibility looming ahead, with dread arriving before the event.

Common phrases

  • redouter une réaction

    fear a reaction

  • redouter les conséquences

    fear the consequences

  • redouter de perdre son emploi

    fear losing one's job

Similar words

avoir peur de: To feel fear or intense concern about someone or something.
craindre: To fear that something bad may happen.
s'inquiéter: To become anxious and worried about the future or a situation.
appréhender: To fear an upcoming event because it inspires a sense of foreboding.

Definition in French

éprouver une grande inquiétude anticipée face à un risque ou à un événement fâcheux possible.

Word origin

French redouter formed in Old French from re- and douter, which comes from Latin dubitare, and developed the stronger sense of fearing.

Usage tips

  • Redouter commonly takes de plus an infinitive, as in redouter de rater, or que plus the subjunctive.

Other meanings

  • dreadverb

Opposites

  • se réjouirrejoiceverb

Related words

Word lists with this word