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terne

dull

adjective TEHRN Rare

Also means

drab

Usage Note

Terne describes a lack of brightness or vivacity, applied to colours, eyes, skin, or personalities. It is invariable in gender: un teint terne, une couleur terne. The verb ternir means 'to tarnish' or 'to dull', and is frequently used figuratively: ternir la réputation de quelqu'un ('to tarnish someone's reputation').

Examples

"Son regard était terne et fatigué."

Natural Translation

His gaze was dull and tired.

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