sinistre

sinister

adjective noun see-NEES-truh Rare

Also means

disaster (noun use)

Usage Note

sinistre as an adjective means gloomy or ominous. As a masculine noun, un sinistre is an insurance or civil-protection term for a disaster or major damaging event (fire, flood, accident). The two uses are common and a learner should know both — context usually makes it clear which is intended.

Examples

"L'atmosphère était vraiment sinistre."

Natural Translation

The atmosphere was truly sinister.

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