défi

challenge

noun deh-FEE Less Common

Origin: Old French defier (to defy)

Also means

dare

Usage Note

Défi carries a sense of a bold challenge or dare. The common phrase relever un défi means 'to take up a challenge'. The related verb défier means 'to challenge' or 'to defy'. Note that the adjective défiant means 'distrustful', not 'challenging'.

Examples

"Relever ce défi lui a donné confiance."

Natural Translation

Taking on this challenge gave him confidence.

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