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subversif

subversive

adjective soob-vair-SEEF Rare

Origin: Latin 'subvertere' (to overturn)

Usage Note

Subversif (feminine subversive) describes ideas, art, or people that challenge or undermine established authority or norms. It can be used approvingly in creative contexts ('daring, transgressive') or disapprovingly in political ones. Une activité subversive is a subversive activity. The related noun is la subversion.

Examples

"Son roman était jugé subversif à l'époque."

Natural Translation

His novel was considered subversive at the time.

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