Translation
embarrassment, awkwardness; physical discomfort. Not the same word as gène, which means a gene
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Word origin
From Old French gehenne ('torture'), from Late Latin gehenna ('hell'), itself from Hebrew ge-hinnom, the valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem. The circumflex marks the lost syllable, and the meaning has softened a long way, from torment to mild embarrassment or a niggling ache. The unrelated gène ('a gene') is a nineteenth-century scientific coinage from Greek genos.
- Origin
- Late Latin
- Root
- gehenna
- English cognates
- Gehenna
Grammar
Examples
.
There was a moment of awkwardness when nobody answered.
.
She has felt a slight discomfort in her knee since her fall.
, .
Without the slightest embarrassment, he helped himself to more pudding.
.
The noise from the building work is a real nuisance for the neighbours.
.
His embarrassment showed on his face.
Where this fits
Used in
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French · Free printables
gêne: worksheet, infographic and listicleThe padlock and Plus mark show a Kilo Lingo Plus feature. Start your free week to unlock it - no card needed.
Free printable study downloads for the French word "gêne" (embarrassment, awkwardness; physical discomfort. Not the same word as gène, which means a gene): 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 week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 19, lesson 11: gêne, accusation, analyse and 7 more words.