trahir
betray
C'est quand une personne ne reste pas fidèle à une promesse ou à quelqu’un en révélant un secret ou en changeant de camp.
Word: trahir
Meaning:
The French verb trahir means "to betray." It generally refers to the act of being disloyal or unfaithful to someone or something, such as a friend, a cause, or a secret. It can also mean to reveal or disclose unintended information, such as betraying a secret.
Explanation:
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Etymology and Parts:
The verb trahir comes from the Latin word tradere, which means "to hand over, to deliver." Over time, the meaning in French evolved towards the sense of betraying or deceiving someone. -
Usage Examples:
- Il a trahi son pays. (He betrayed his country.)
- Ne me trahis pas. (Don't betray me.)
- Son panache trahit ses origines. (His plume betrays his origins.) – here the verb means "to reveal unintentionally."
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Conjugation example:
Present: je trahis, tu trahis, il/elle trahit, nous trahissons, vous trahissez, ils/elles trahissent.
French Synonyms:
- dénoncer (to denounce, when betraying by revealing secrets)
- décevoir (to disappoint, near sense but less strong)
- tromper (to deceive or cheat)
- livrer (to deliver or hand over, in context of betrayal)
French Antonyms:
- fidéliser / être loyal (to be loyal)
- protéger (to protect)
- garder un secret (to keep a secret)
- respecter (to respect)
Summary:
Trahir is primarily "to betray," representing disloyalty, treason, or revealing secrets, with related nuances depending on context. It contrasts with loyalty and discretion.
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Examples
Je ne veux pas trahir mon ami.verb
I do not want to betray my friend.
Il a trahi ses principes pour obtenir ce poste.verb
He betrayed his principles to get that position.
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