verb

tousser

cough

Faire un bruit sec en expulsant de l’air par la bouche à cause d’une irritation de la gorge ou d’une maladie.

Word: tousser

Language: French
Part of Speech: Verb


Meaning:

The verb tousser means to cough in English. It describes the action of expelling air from the lungs suddenly and forcibly, often to clear the throat or as a sign of illness.


Breakdown:

  • Root: "tousse" (from cough-related sounds)
  • Ending: "-er" (marks it as a first group regular verb in French infinitive form)

Usage:

  • Il commence à tousser.
    (He starts to cough.)

Synonyms:

  • cracher (to spit, sometimes related action to clearing throat but not exactly identical)
  • No exact synonym for "to cough" in French, but related expressions could include:
    • éternuer (to sneeze) – related respiratory action, but distinct

Antonyms:

There is no exact antonym for "to cough," as it is a specific physical action. However:

  • ne pas tousser (not to cough) can be considered the absence of the action.

Additional Notes:

  • The verb is conjugated like regular -er verbs (je tousse, tu tousses, il/elle tousse, nous toussons, vous toussez, ils/elles toussent).
  • It is commonly used in medical contexts or everyday situations when describing symptoms.

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Examples

Je vais tousser un peu.verb

I am going to cough a little.

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