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fautif

at fault, guilty

adjective foh-TEEF Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Values

Also means

faulty, defective

Usage Note

Fautif describes a person who is to blame (le conducteur fautif, 'the at-fault driver') or something that contains an error (une copie fautive, 'a faulty copy'). The feminine is fautive. It is milder than coupable ('guilty' of a crime) and often appears in insurance or legal contexts.

Examples

"Le conducteur fautif a reconnu sa responsabilité."

Natural Translation

The at-fault driver acknowledged his responsibility.

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