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contourner

to go around, to bypass

verb kohn-toor-NEH Rare
Travel & Places Movement

Also means

to circumvent (a rule)

Usage Note

Contourner means to physically walk or drive around an obstacle, and figuratively to work around a rule or difficulty. The related noun contour means 'outline' or 'contour'. In navigation apps, contourner is commonly used for 'avoid' or 'detour around'.

Examples

"Nous avons contourné la ville pour éviter les embouteillages."

Natural Translation

We went around the city to avoid traffic jams.

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