effroyable
dreadful
Definition & meaning
Effroyable is an adjective meaning terrifying, dreadful, or appalling. It describes something that inspires great fear or is extremely unpleasant, severe, or shocking.
Depending on context, it can mean:
- Terrifying: un spectacle effroyable — a terrifying sight.
- Extremely bad or severe: une douleur effroyable — unbearable pain; une erreur effroyable — a dreadful mistake.
Grammar & Word origin
Effroyable is an adjective with the same form for masculine and feminine singular. Its plural form is effroyables. It usually comes after the noun, though placement can vary.
It is formed from effroi , meaning “terror” or “dread,” and the suffix -able, meaning “capable of” or “that can be.” Its original sense is therefore “capable of causing terror.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms include:
- effrayant — “frightening”; a broad, common term for something that causes fear.
- terrifiant — “terrifying”; often emphasizes the intensity of the fear.
- épouvantable — “dreadful” or “horrifying”; close in meaning and often especially emphatic.
- atroce — “atrocious” or “excruciating”; emphasizes extreme severity or suffering, not necessarily fear.
Possible antonyms depend on the sense:
- rassurant — “reassuring,” the opposite when effroyable means frightening.
- agréable — “pleasant,” a possible opposite when it means extremely unpleasant.
- bénin — “mild” or “harmless,” especially as an opposite for something severe.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
L’histoire est effroyable mais intéressante.adjective
The story is dreadful but interesting.
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