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craintif

fearful

adjective krahn-TEEF Rare

Also means

timid

Usage Note

Craintif (feminine craintive) describes a person or animal that is easily frightened or instinctively fearful. It is commonly used for timid animals (un chien craintif — 'a timid dog') or shy, wary people. The related noun is crainte (f) meaning 'fear' or 'apprehension'.

Examples

"Le chat est encore un peu craintif avec les étrangers."

Natural Translation

The cat is still a little fearful of strangers.

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