/a.fʁø/
Translation
dreadful, awful
Word origin
Derived from the Old French noun affre ('dread, horror'), which survives in modern French only in the fixed plural les affres ('the throes, the pangs'). The origin of affre itself is disputed.
- Origin
- Old French
- Root
- affre
Other proposed origins
- Most dictionaries trace affre to Old Occitan afre, from a Germanic root meaning 'fear' (Gothic agis), the same root that gives English 'awe'. (agis)
- Other accounts derive it from Latin abhorrere ('to shrink from, to shudder at'), the source of English 'abhor'. (abhorrere)
Grammar
Examples
.
The weather was dreadful all week.
Cette ' .
That dress is an awful green.
J' .
I had a dreadful night because of the noise.
Quelle .
What dreadful news.
soeur.
Do not be horrid to your little sister.
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affreux: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the French word "affreux" (dreadful, awful): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 35.