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disgrâce

disgrace, disfavour

noun dees-GRAHS Rare

Usage Note

Disgrâce denotes the loss of favour with a powerful person or institution, and carries a more formal, literary weight than honte (shame). The phrase tomber en disgrâce (to fall from grace/favour) is the most common fixed expression. The adjective disgracieux (ungainly, unattractive) is a false friend — it relates to lack of grace in appearance, not to disgrace.

Examples

"Le ministre est tombé en disgrâce après le scandale."

Natural Translation

The minister fell from favour after the scandal.

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