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disant

self-styled, so-called

adjective dee-ZAHN Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Quality

Usage Note

Disant appears almost exclusively in the fixed phrase soi-disant — 'so-called' or 'self-proclaimed' — used to cast doubt on a claimed identity or title (un soi-disant expert). As a standalone adjective it is archaic; learners will encounter it almost always in that compound.

Examples

"Ce soi-disant expert ne sait rien."

Natural Translation

This so-called expert knows nothing.

Literal Translation

This self-saying expert knows nothing.

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