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rebours

backwards, in reverse

adverb reh-BOOR Rare

Usage Note

Rebours almost always appears in the fixed phrase à rebours meaning 'backwards', 'against the grain', or 'in reverse'. Un compte à rebours is a countdown. It is rarely used alone; the final 's' is silent.

Examples

"Le compte à rebours est lancé."

Natural Translation

The countdown has started.

Literal Translation

The countdown is launched.

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