French Conversation · Level 64
75 words
French word
travers
Pronunciation
IPA/tʁavɛʁ/
Meaning
- masculine nounquirk
Example
Chacun a ses travers.
Everyone has their quirks.
More examples
Il a pour travers de critiquer tout le monde.
He has a bad habit of criticizing everyone.
Core concept
A familiar personal habit that runs slightly askew from the usual path.
Common phrases
avoir des travers
have faults
corriger ses travers
correct one's faults
Similar words
habitude: A routine behavior or method naturally acquired through daily life.
manie: A strong, excessive habit that can seem unpleasant to others.
tic: A small involuntary movement or sound repeated briefly.
défaut: An undesirable aspect or weakness in someone's character or in something.
Definition in French
Comportement habituel qui s'écarte de la norme, perçu tantôt comme une particularité, tantôt comme un défaut.
Word origin
French travers comes through Old French from Latin transversus, meaning across or sideways, and developed the figurative sense of a habitual deviation or flaw.
Usage tips
- Travers is masculine, so the usual form is un travers, while its plural is des travers.