nounnounadjective
le aigri
bitter
Definition & meaning
The adjective aigri describes a person who has become bitter, resentful, or disillusioned, often due to past disappointments, failures, or misfortunes. It conveys the idea that someone's character has soured, much like a liquid turning into vinegar.
- Bitter/Resentful: Used to describe a person who is cynical and holds a negative outlook on life because they feel mistreated or unlucky.
- Sour (Literal/Rare): While primarily used metaphorically for personality, it can technically refer to something that has become sharp or sour in taste (though the adjective aigre is more commonly used for this physical sensation).
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is the past participle of the verb aigrir , used here as an adjective. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies (e.g., une femme aigrie).
- Origin: It derives from the Old French aigre, which comes from the Latin acer (meaning sharp, pungent, or bitter). The suffix -ir marks the transition into the state of being sharp or bitter.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Désabusé (disillusioned)
- Amari (bittered)
- Renfrogné (sullen/grumpy)
- Acariâtre (cantankerous/ill-tempered)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Le vieil homme semble un peu aigri.adjective
The old man seems a bit bitter.
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