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stupéfait

dumbfounded, astounded

adjective stoo-peh-FEH Rare

Usage Note

stupéfait (feminine stupéfaite) expresses utter astonishment, often with an element of disbelief. It is stronger than surpris (surprised) and closer to 'flabbergasted.' The related verb stupéfier means to astound; un stupéfiant is a narcotic drug — same root, very different register.

Examples

"Il resta stupéfait devant la nouvelle."

Natural Translation

He stood dumbfounded at the news.

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