cahoteux
bumpy
Definition & meaning
Cahoteux is a French adjective meaning bumpy, rough, or jolting.
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Literal meaning: describing a road, path, or surface with many uneven parts that make movement uncomfortable.
- Une route cahoteuse — a bumpy road
- Un chemin cahoteux — a rough, uneven path
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Figurative meaning: describing something turbulent, irregular, or full of difficulties and ups and downs.
- Un parcours cahoteux — a difficult, unpredictable journey or career
- Une relation cahoteuse — a turbulent relationship
Grammar & Word origin
Cahoteux is an adjective:
- Masculine singular: cahoteux
- Feminine singular: cahoteuse
- Masculine plural: cahoteux
- Feminine plural: cahoteuses
It comes from cahot , meaning a jolt or bump, with the suffix -eux , which often means “characterized by” or “full of.” It is related to the verb cahoter , “to jolt” or “to bounce.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- bosselé — bumpy or covered with small irregularities; often used for a physical surface
- accidenté — uneven or rugged; it can also describe a difficult or eventful route
- irrégulier — irregular or uneven, with emphasis on the lack of uniformity
- houleux — turbulent or stormy, mainly in a figurative context such as a debate or relationship
Cahoteux particularly suggests repeated jolts or a succession of difficulties, whereas irrégulier is more neutral and houleux is generally figurative.
Antonyms
- lisse — smooth, without bumps
- uni — even or level
- régulier — regular, consistent, or uniform
- paisible — peaceful or free from turbulence, mainly for figurative situations
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Le chemin est cahoteux.adjective
The road is bumpy.
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