déplaisir

displeasure

noun deh-pleh-ZEER Rare

Usage Note

Déplaisir is more formal and restrained than mécontentement (discontent) — it names a quiet, dignified displeasure rather than outrage. J'ai le déplaisir de vous annoncer... ('I have the displeasure of informing you...') is a polite yet firm expression used in formal letters. Its antonym is plaisir.

Examples

"Il a exprimé son déplaisir avec beaucoup de calme."

Natural Translation

He expressed his displeasure very calmly.

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