débile

stupid, feeble-minded

adjective deh-BEEL Less Common

Also means

feeble (medical)

Usage Note

Débile in modern spoken French is an insult meaning stupid or moronic (equivalent to 'dumb' or 'idiotic'); in formal or medical French it historically meant physically or mentally feeble. Learners should use it with care as it is considered rude. The noun un débile refers informally to a fool, while the medical term débilité mentale is now avoided in favour of more respectful terminology.

Examples

"Ce film est vraiment débile."

Natural Translation

This film is really stupid.

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