transpirer

The French verb "transpirer" means "to sweat" in English. It refers to the process by which the body releases moisture (sweat) through the skin, usually as a way to regulate temperature.

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Meanings and contexts:

1. Literal meaning:

   • To produce sweat, often because of heat, exertion, or nervousness.
   • Example: Il transpire beaucoup quand il fait chaud. (He sweats a lot when it's hot.)

2. Figurative meaning:

   • Used to express being nervous or anxious.
   • Example: Elle transpire avant son examen. (She’s sweating before her exam.)
   • Colloquially, it can also mean "to give away a secret" or "to leak information."
   • Example: Il n'aurait pas dû transpirer l'information. (He shouldn't have leaked the information.)

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Synonyms and nuances:

• Suder: Also means "to sweat," generally interchangeable with "transpirer," but tends to be used in more technical or medical contexts.

• Écouler or sécréter de la sueur: More formal or scientific ways to say "to produce sweat."

• For the figurative sense of revealing information, other verbs like révéler or divulguer are more standard.

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In summary, "transpirer" primarily denotes the natural act of sweating, with extended uses related to nervousness or unintentional revealing of secrets. It is common and widely used in informal and formal speech.