contourner

Contourner is a French verb which means to bypass, to circumvent, to go around.

Meaning:

1. To go around or to skirt around something physically:

   • Example: "Contourner un obstacle" means to go around an obstacle.
   • In this sense, it can describe physically avoiding something by taking an alternate route.

2. To circumvent or avoid something, often rules, laws, or problems:

   • Example: "Contourner la loi" means to evade or circumvent the law.
   • Here, it implies finding a clever or indirect way to avoid problematics or restrictions.

Parts:

• "con-" (a prefix).
• "tourner" means "to turn."

Literally, it implies "turning around" something.

Synonyms:

• Éviter (to avoid)
• Contourner can coincide with verbs like "bypasser," "éluder" (especially for circumventing rules or difficulties).
• Détourner (to divert, to redirect)

Antonyms:

• Affronter (to confront)
• Faire face à (to face)
• Traverser (to cross directly instead of going around)

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In summary, contourner carries the idea of not confronting something directly but taking an alternate way, either physically moving around or finding a way to avoid rules or restrictions indirectly.