French Conversation · Level 10
88 words
French word
scandale
Pronunciation
IPA/skɑ̃dal/
Meaning
- masculine nounscandal
Example
Le scandale a fait la une des journaux hier.
The scandal made the front pages of the newspapers yesterday.
More examples
Le scandale financier a ruiné la confiance du public.
The financial scandal ruined public confidence.
Core concept
A damaging revelation spreads through public attention while a person or institution faces outrage.
Common phrases
dénoncer un scandale
denounce a scandal
scandale financier
financial scandal
couvrir un scandale
cover up a scandal
Similar words
affaire: A matter or event of public concern.
problème: A troublesome situation requiring attention and resolution.
Definition in French
Événement ou fait rendu public qui nuit à la réputation d'une personne, d'un groupe ou d'une institution et suscite l'indignation.
Word origin
French scandale comes through Old French from Latin scandalum, from Greek skandalon, originally a trap or stumbling block and later a cause of moral offense.
Usage tips
- In French, le scandale usually suggests serious public condemnation, whereas une affaire or un problème can describe a less charged matter.