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contrarier

annoy, thwart

verb kohn-trah-RYEH Less Common

Usage Note

contrarier means to upset or frustrate someone, or to thwart a plan. Ça me contrarie means 'it annoys me / puts me out'. It is somewhat formal; in everyday speech contrarier is less strong than énerver. The adjective contrariant means 'annoying, frustrating'.

Examples

"Cette nouvelle l'a beaucoup contrariée."

Natural Translation

This news annoyed her greatly.

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