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B2 verb #7,000 الأكثر شيوعاً 13 دقيقة للقراءة

répugner

الأكثر شيوعاً #7,000

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح répugner في 30 ثانية

الشرح répugner in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'répugner' is quite advanced. You probably won't use it yourself yet. Instead, you likely know 'Je n'aime pas' (I don't like) or 'C'est mauvais' (It's bad). Think of 'répugner' as a very strong version of 'Je n'aime pas du tout.' Imagine you see something very dirty or very mean, and you want to say you really, really don't like it. That is the feeling of 'répugner.' At this stage, just remember that if you see this word in a book, it means someone feels a strong 'Yuck!' or 'No!'. It is a verb that ends in -ER, like 'manger' or 'parler.' So, 'Il répugne' sounds like 'He dislikes strongly.' Don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet; just recognize it as a word for a very strong bad feeling. Focus on simpler words for now, but keep 'répugner' in the back of your mind as a 'level up' word for later. It's like the difference between saying 'I'm sad' and 'I'm devastated.' One is basic, the other is for when you have more words to describe your feelings. In French, 'répugner' is for those big, strong feelings of 'No way!'

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more specific verbs. You might know 'dégoûter' (to disgust). 'Répugner' is like a more formal cousin of 'dégoûter.' You might see it in short stories or news headlines. A key thing to learn at A2 is that French uses different words for different levels of emotion. If you say 'Cette soupe me dégoûte,' it's about the taste. If you say 'Cette action me répugne,' it's more about your heart and mind feeling that the action is wrong. You should start to notice the 'à' that often follows it: 'répugner à'. This is a grammar pattern you will see more often as you progress. For now, try to understand it when you read it. It's a regular -ER verb, which makes it easy to conjugate if you ever need to. 'Je répugne, tu répugnes, il répugne...' Just like 'aimer.' If you want to impress your teacher, you could use it to describe a character in a book who doesn't want to do something bad. 'Le personnage répugne à mentir' (The character is reluctant to lie). This is a very good A2/B1 bridge sentence.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B1 level, you should be able to understand 'répugner' in context and perhaps use it in your writing. You are now moving beyond basic likes and dislikes into expressing opinions and feelings. 'Répugner' is perfect for this. It allows you to express a moral objection. For example, in a discussion about the environment, you might say, 'Cela me répugne de voir autant de plastique dans l'océan.' This shows you aren't just 'sad' about it, but you find it morally offensive. You should also start using the construction 'répugner à + infinitive.' This is a very common way to say you are 'loath' to do something. 'Je répugne à sortir sous la pluie' (I am loath to go out in the rain). It's stronger than 'Je n'ai pas envie de...' (I don't feel like...). It implies a real internal struggle. You will also encounter the noun 'la répugnance.' Learning the verb and noun together will help your vocabulary grow. At B1, you are expected to handle more complex sentence structures, and 'répugner' fits perfectly into 'Cela me [verb]' or 'Il [verb] à [infinitive]' patterns.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, 'répugner' should be a part of your active vocabulary. You are expected to argue and express nuanced viewpoints, and this verb is a key tool for that. You should understand the subtle difference between 'répugner à faire quelque chose' (being reluctant due to a moral or visceral reason) and 'hésiter à faire quelque chose' (just being unsure). B2 students should also be comfortable with the impersonal use: 'Il me répugne de penser que...' (It revolts me to think that...). This 'Il [me/te/lui] répugne de' construction is very elegant. You should also be able to use it in formal letters or essays. If you are writing about a social issue, using 'répugner' shows a high level of language control. For example, 'La société répugne à accepter ces changements radicaux.' This sounds much more professional than 'Les gens n'aiment pas ces changements.' You should also be aware of the register—it's formal. Don't use it with friends at a bar unless you're being ironic or very serious. At B2, you should also be able to recognize synonyms like 'rebuter' or 'écœurer' and know when 'répugner' is the better choice (usually when ethics or deep visceral reactions are involved).

At the C1 level, you should have a complete mastery of 'répugner' and its various shades of meaning. You can use it to discuss complex philosophical, legal, or literary topics. You understand that 'répugner à' can take both a verb and a noun: 'Il répugne à l'effort' (He is loath to make an effort). You also recognize its use in classical literature, where it often describes a character's 'sensibilité' or their reaction to the 'basse' (low) aspects of life. At C1, you can play with the word's placement and use it in more complex structures, such as 'Tout en lui répugnait à cette compromission' (Everything in him resisted this compromise). You should also be able to distinguish it from 'abhorrer' (which is more about active hatred) and 'exécrer'. You might use 'répugner' to describe a physical reaction that has intellectual roots, a concept common in French existentialist literature. Your use of the word should feel natural and appropriately timed within a high-level discourse. You also know the etymology (Latin 'repugnare' - to fight back) and how that history informs its modern meaning of internal resistance. You are also capable of using the noun 'répugnance' in complex phrases like 'éprouver une insurmontable répugnance à l'égard de...'

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, you use 'répugner' with the precision of a native speaker who is well-versed in the nuances of their language. You might use it in literary criticism, legal briefs, or high-level academic papers. You are aware of the rare and archaic uses of the word and can appreciate its evolution from Latin. You can use it to describe the 'répugnance' of a physical law or a logical contradiction: 'Cette conclusion répugne à la raison' (This conclusion is contrary to reason). This abstract usage is a hallmark of C2 mastery. You can also use it to create specific stylistic effects, perhaps using it in an ironic way to describe something trivial, or using its weight to anchor a profound moral argument. You understand how the word interacts with other high-level verbs to create a rich tapestry of meaning. For example, you might contrast 'répugner' with 'consentir' (to consent) to show the tension in a character's decision-making process. Your mastery extends to the most formal registers, where 'répugner' is not just a word for disgust, but a word for the fundamental 'clash' between an individual's essence and an external reality. You can discuss how the word functions as a 'moteur' (driver) of action or inaction in a narrative, and you can use it effortlessly in any grammatical configuration, including the most complex impersonal and relative clauses.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

répugner في 30 ثانية

A formal verb meaning 'to disgust' or 'to be loath to.'
Often used with the preposition 'à' (répugner à).
Expresses moral or visceral resistance rather than just simple dislike.
Key for B2+ level French in formal, academic, or literary contexts.

The French verb répugner is a sophisticated and evocative term that primarily translates to 'to disgust' or 'to cause revulsion.' However, its usage in French is more nuanced than a simple expression of physical nausea. At its core, répugner describes a profound internal resistance, whether it be physical, moral, or intellectual. It is the feeling of being pushed back by something that offends your senses or your principles. In the French language, this word is often categorized as B2 or C1 level because it carries a weight of formality and precision that common words like dégoûter lack. When you use répugner, you are signaling a deeper level of aversion. It is not just that you dislike something; it is that the very thought or presence of it creates a barrier in your mind or soul.

Grammatical Structure: The verb can be used impersonally, such as 'Cela me répugne' (That disgusts me), or with the preposition 'à' when expressing reluctance: 'Il répugne à mentir' (He is loath to lie).
Register: This is a formal verb. You will encounter it in literature, high-level journalism, and intellectual debates rather than in casual street slang.

Historically, the word comes from the Latin repugnare, which means 'to fight back' or 'to resist.' This etymological root is still visible in how we use it today; when something répugne you, it is as if your whole being is fighting against the acceptance of that thing.

L'idée de trahir ses amis lui répugne profondément.

In modern French, you might use it to describe your reaction to a corrupt political act, a cruel piece of news, or even a particularly foul smell, though the latter is more frequently handled by dégoûter. The distinction is that répugner often implies a conflict with one's values. If a food te répugne, it's not just that it tastes bad, but that the idea of eating it is fundamentally offensive to you. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the French tendency to categorize emotions by their intensity and their source. Physical disgust is one thing, but moral répugnance is a hallmark of a refined vocabulary. In literature, authors like Victor Hugo or Émile Zola used répugner to describe the visceral reactions of characters to the injustices of society or the filth of the industrial revolution. It is a word that demands attention and conveys a strong, uncompromising stance. When you say 'Cela me répugne,' you are not just complaining; you are making a moral judgment. This makes it a powerful tool for intermediate and advanced learners who wish to express complex emotions with precision. Whether you are discussing ethics in a university seminar or expressing your distaste for certain social behaviors, répugner provides a level of gravitas that few other verbs can match. It suggests a visceral 'no' that comes from the core of the individual.

Emotional Depth: It conveys a sense of being 'loath' to do something, implying a struggle between duty and desire, or between opportunity and integrity.

Elle répugne à l'idée d'abandonner son projet après tant d'efforts.

Using répugner correctly requires mastering its two distinct syntactic structures. The first is the transitive indirect construction where the thing causing disgust is the subject: [Something] répugne à [Someone]. For example, 'Cette injustice répugne à ma conscience.' In this case, the injustice is doing the 'repulsing' to the conscience. It is very similar to how the English word 'repels' works. The second, and perhaps more common in B2-level French, is the construction [Someone] répugne à [Verb/Noun]. This means the person is extremely reluctant or loath to do something. For example, 'Le directeur répugne à licencier son personnel.' Here, the director feels a deep internal resistance to the act of firing people.

Structure 1: Impersonal/External: Subject (Thing) + répugne + à + Object (Person). Example: 'L'idée même de cet accord me répugne.'
Structure 2: Personal Reluctance: Subject (Person) + répugne + à + Infinitive/Noun. Example: 'Il répugne à toute forme de violence.'

It is vital to notice the preposition à. Unlike 'dégoûter', which takes a direct object (Cela me dégoûte), répugner almost always demands that 'à'. If you say 'Cela me répugne', you are actually using an older or more literary form where the 'à' is implied or has been dropped in modern idiomatic usage, but 'Cela répugne à mon sens moral' is the more grammatically 'complete' version.

Je répugne à croire qu'il a pu agir ainsi par pure méchanceté.

When describing physical sensations, the word is used to express a visceral reaction. If you are walking through a dirty alleyway, you might say, 'La saleté de cet endroit me répugne.' This is stronger than saying you don't like it; it implies you want to turn around and run away. The word is also frequently used in the negative to show willingness or lack of hesitation: 'Il ne répugne pas à la tâche,' meaning he is not afraid of hard work or doesn't find the work beneath him. In academic writing, répugner is often used to discuss philosophical or legal objections. A judge might 'répugner à condamner' someone if the evidence is purely circumstantial but legally sufficient. This usage highlights the internal conflict between the person's gut feeling or moral compass and the external requirements of the situation.

Common Collocations: 'Répugner profondément', 'Répugner à l'idée de', 'Répugner au changement'.

Beaucoup de citoyens répugnent à l'idée d'une nouvelle augmentation des impôts.

To master this verb, practice using it in the first person: 'Je répugne à [verb]'. This is a great way to express your personal boundaries or ethical limits in a discussion. 'Je répugne à juger les gens sans les connaître' (I am loath to judge people without knowing them) is a perfect B2-level sentence that demonstrates both grammatical control and sophisticated vocabulary.

You will encounter répugner in several specific environments in the French-speaking world. First and foremost is in the realm of high journalism and editorial writing. When a columnist for Le Monde or Le Figaro wants to express that a certain political strategy is ethically questionable or offensive to democratic values, they will use répugner. It conveys a sense of intellectual and moral disgust that is more 'civilized' than simply saying something is 'horrible.' For instance, 'L'opinion publique répugne à accepter ces mesures d'austérité' suggests not just a dislike of the measures, but a fundamental rejection based on a sense of fairness.

Political Discourse: Used to describe the public's or a politician's visceral reaction to policies, scandals, or unethical behavior.
Literature and Cinema: In classic French films or novels, it's used to show a character's internal struggle with a distasteful task.

Another common place to hear this word is in legal or ethical discussions. Bioethics is a field where répugner is frequently used. 'Certains scientifiques répugnent à manipuler le génome humain' (Some scientists are loath to manipulate the human genome). Here, the word captures the 'yuck factor'—that instinctive moral recoil that often precedes a formal ethical argument.

La Cour répugne à intervenir dans les affaires privées des familles sauf en cas de danger immédiat.

You might also hear it in formal documentaries or historical programs. A narrator describing the conditions of a 19th-century prison might say, 'L'insalubrité des cellules répugnait même aux gardiens les plus endurcis' (The filth of the cells disgusted even the most hardened guards). This usage emphasizes the extreme nature of the conditions. In everyday life, you won't hear a teenager say 'Ça me répugne' about a burger they don't like; they'll say 'C'est dégueu' (slang for dégueulasse). However, an educated adult in a formal dinner setting might say, 'Je répugne à parler de travail pendant le repas' (I am loath to talk about work during the meal). It sets a boundary with elegance.

Modern Media: Podcasts like 'France Culture' or 'France Inter' are excellent places to hear this word used in intellectual contexts.

Il répugne à admettre qu'il a eu tort devant toute l'assemblée.

Finally, in the world of French literature, from Flaubert to modern novelists like Amélie Nothomb, répugner is a staple for describing the physical and psychological landscape of characters who are sensitive to their environment. It is a word of 'sensibilité.' If you are reading a novel and a character répugne à something, pay close attention—it is a key insight into their character and their values. It tells you where their line in the sand is drawn.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with répugner is treating it exactly like the English verb 'to repugn' (which is rare) or misapplying the syntax of 'to be disgusted.' In English, we say 'I am disgusted BY something.' In French, you cannot say 'Je suis répugné par...' This is a classic anglicism. Instead, the thing must be the subject: 'Cela me répugne.' Another common pitfall is forgetting the preposition à when expressing reluctance. Many learners say 'Je répugne mentir' instead of the correct 'Je répugne à mentir.'

Mistake: Passive Voice: Avoid: 'Je suis répugné par son comportement.' Correct: 'Son comportement me répugne.'
Mistake: Missing Preposition: Avoid: 'Elle répugne faire ses devoirs.' Correct: 'Elle répugne à faire ses devoirs.'

Confusion with the verb dégoûter is also common. While they are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. Dégoûter is more common for physical sensations (food, smells) and is slightly less formal. Répugner is better suited for moral or intellectual aversion. If you use répugner for a slightly overcooked steak, it might sound melodramatic or overly poetic.

Ne confondez pas : 'Cela me répugne' (moral/visceral) et 'Cela me dégoûte' (physical/general).

Another nuance is the difference between répugner à and hésiter à. Hésiter à implies you are unsure or taking time to decide. Répugner à implies you really don't want to do it because it feels wrong or unpleasant, even if you eventually do it. Using 'hésiter' when you mean 'répugner' weakens your statement. There is also a rare pronominal form, se répugner, but it is almost never used in modern French. Stick to the active and impersonal forms. Lastly, be careful with the noun répugnance. In English, we might say 'with repugnance,' but in French, it's more common to say 'avec répugnance' or 'avec dégoût.'

False Friend Alert: English 'repugnant' (adjective) is 'répugnant' in French. They match well, but the verb 'to repugn' is not used in English, so don't try to translate 'I repugn this' directly.

Il répugne à l'idée d'échouer (Correct) vs Il répugne l'idée d'échouer (Incorrect).

In summary, focus on: 1. Avoiding the passive voice. 2. Always including 'à' before an infinitive. 3. Reserving the word for situations with moral or significant visceral weight.

To truly master répugner, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of dislike and disgust. The most common alternative is dégoûter. While dégoûter is versatile, répugner is your 'power word' for more serious or formal situations. If you are talking about something that makes you feel physically sick, écœurer is another excellent choice. Écœurer literally means to 'hit the heart' (le cœur) and describes that feeling of nausea or being 'fed up' to the point of sickness.

Répugner vs. Dégoûter: Répugner is formal and moral; dégoûter is everyday and physical. 'Sa conduite me répugne' (formal) vs 'Ce plat me dégoûte' (common).
Répugner vs. Rebuter: 'Rebuter' means to put someone off or to discourage. It is less about disgust and more about being unappealing or difficult. 'Ce livre est intéressant mais son style me rebute.'

If you want to express a very strong, almost violent dislike, you might use horripiler (to infuriate/make one's hair stand on end) or abhorrer (to abhor). Abhorrer is even more literary than répugner and is used for intense hatred. On the other hand, if you are just 'loath' to do something but not necessarily disgusted, être réticent à or avoir de la répugnance pour are good alternatives.

Il est réticent à l'idée de déménager, mais il ne répugne pas au travail physique.

For the construction 'répugner à + verb', you can also use rechigner à. Rechigner implies grumbling or doing something with a bad grace—like a child being told to clean their room. It's less about moral disgust and more about being stubborn or unwilling. In a business context, you might use être peu enclin à (to be little inclined to). This is a very polite and professional way to say you don't want to do something. 'Nous sommes peu enclins à modifier les termes du contrat' is much softer than 'L'idée de modifier le contrat nous répugne.'

Academic Synonyms: 'Avoir de l'aversion pour', 'Être en horreur de', 'Se refuser à'.

Elle abhorre le mensonge, mais elle répugne surtout à blesser les gens avec la vérité.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact 'flavor' of dislike you want to convey, making your French sound more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The word originally described a physical fight or resistance before it evolved into a psychological feeling of disgust.

دليل النطق

UK /ʁe.pyɲ.e/

US /re.pyn.je/

Stress is typically on the last syllable in French: re-pugn-ER.

يتقافى مع

daigner peigner enseigner baigner saigner éloigner témoigner soigner

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing 'gn' as 'g' + 'n' (like 'signature' in English). It should be one sound.
Pronouncing the final 'r'. It is silent.
Confusing the 'u' sound with 'ou' (ooh). It should be the tight French 'u'.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 4/5

Common in literature and newspapers, but requires understanding nuances.

الكتابة 5/5

Challenging to use the 'à' preposition correctly and match the formal register.

التحدث 4/5

Requires good pronunciation of the 'gn' sound and 'u'.

الاستماع 3/5

Distinctive sound makes it recognizable once learned.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

dégoûter aimer vouloir hésiter à

تعلّم لاحقاً

abhorrer exécrer réticent aversion mépris

متقدم

insurmontable viscéral éthique déontologie intégrité

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Verbs with 'à' preposition

répugner à, s'habituer à, penser à

Impersonal constructions with 'Il'

Il me répugne de... (like Il convient de...)

Regular -ER verb conjugation

Je répugne, nous répugnons

Adverb placement with verbs

Je répugne profondément à...

Subjunctive after 'l'idée que'

Je répugne à l'idée qu'il soit là.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

Ce plat me répugne.

This dish disgusts me.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Je n'aime pas ça, ça me répugne.

I don't like that, it disgusts me.

Using 'ça' as the subject.

Il répugne à manger ça.

He is loath to eat that.

Introduction of 'répugner à'.

Elle répugne au désordre.

She is loath to (hates) mess.

'Au' is 'à + le'.

L'odeur me répugne.

The smell disgusts me.

Noun as subject.

Tu répugnes à faire tes devoirs ?

Are you loath to do your homework?

Question form.

Ça nous répugne.

That disgusts us.

Plural pronoun 'nous'.

Le chat répugne à l'eau.

The cat is loath to (hates) water.

Simple subject 'le chat'.

Il répugne à mentir à ses parents.

He is reluctant to lie to his parents.

Infinitive after 'à'.

Cette idée me répugne un peu.

This idea disgusts me a little.

Adverb 'un peu' modifying the feeling.

Nous répugnons à changer nos habitudes.

We are reluctant to change our habits.

First person plural conjugation.

Est-ce que tu répugnes à ce travail ?

Are you loath to do this work?

Interrogative with 'est-ce que'.

Elle répugne à l'idée de partir seule.

She is loath to the idea of leaving alone.

Noun phrase 'l'idée de'.

Le bruit de la ville me répugne.

The noise of the city disgusts me (repels me).

Abstract subject causing the feeling.

Ils ne répugnent pas à l'effort.

They are not loath to effort (They don't mind working hard).

Negative form 'ne... pas'.

Ce film répugne à beaucoup de gens.

This movie disgusts many people.

Indirect object 'à beaucoup de gens'.

Je répugne à accepter cet argent sans travailler.

I am loath to accept this money without working.

Moral context typical of B1.

L'injustice me répugne profondément.

Injustice disgusts me deeply.

Adverb 'profondément' for emphasis.

Il répugne à admettre ses erreurs en public.

He is loath to admit his mistakes in public.

Social context.

Cela me répugne de voir tant de gaspillage.

It disgusts me to see so much waste.

Impersonal 'Cela me répugne de...'.

Elle répugne à toute forme de cruauté envers les animaux.

She is loath to any form of cruelty towards animals.

Expressing a strong belief.

Pourquoi répugnes-tu à l'idée d'un compromis ?

Why are you loath to the idea of a compromise?

Inversion in a question.

Le directeur ne répugne pas à aider ses employés.

The director is not loath to help his employees.

Using the negative to show willingness.

Sa façon de parler me répugne.

The way he speaks disgusts me.

Focus on behavior.

L'opinion publique répugne à ces nouvelles mesures fiscales.

Public opinion is loath to these new tax measures.

Formal/Political context.

Elle répugne à l'idée que son fils puisse échouer.

She is loath to the idea that her son could fail.

Subjunctive 'puisse' after 'l'idée que'.

Il me répugne de devoir vous annoncer cette nouvelle.

It revolts me to have to tell you this news.

Formal impersonal construction.

Certains historiens répugnent à utiliser ce terme.

Some historians are loath to use this term.

Academic context.

Son comportement répugne à la morale la plus élémentaire.

His behavior is contrary to the most basic morality.

'Répugner à' meaning 'to be contrary to'.

Je répugne à croire que tout est perdu d'avance.

I am loath to believe that everything is lost in advance.

Expressing philosophical resistance.

Elle ne répugne pas à la difficulté, bien au contraire.

She is not loath to difficulty, quite the opposite.

Character description.

Cette trahison me répugne plus que tout.

This betrayal disgusts me more than anything.

Comparative 'plus que tout'.

L'artiste répugne à expliquer le sens de ses œuvres.

The artist is loath to explain the meaning of his works.

Nuance of professional integrity.

Cette conclusion répugne à la logique cartésienne.

This conclusion is contrary to Cartesian logic.

Abstract/Intellectual usage.

Il répugne à s'abaisser à de telles manœuvres politiques.

He is loath to stoop to such political maneuvers.

High-level moral vocabulary.

La conscience humaine répugne à l'idée de l'oubli total.

The human conscience is loath to the idea of total oblivion.

Philosophical subject.

Elle a toujours répugné à la médiocrité ambiante.

She has always been loath to the surrounding mediocrity.

Passé composé and abstract noun.

Il me répugne d'imaginer les conséquences de cet acte.

I find it revolting to imagine the consequences of this act.

Sophisticated impersonal structure.

Le juge répugne à prononcer une peine aussi lourde.

The judge is loath to pronounce such a heavy sentence.

Legal context.

Rien ne lui répugne autant que l'hypocrisie.

Nothing disgusts him as much as hypocrisy.

Negative comparison 'Rien ne... autant que'.

Cette proposition répugne à l'esprit même de la Constitution.

This proposal is contrary to the very spirit of the Constitution.

High-level legal/political nuance.

Le poète répugne à la facilité du langage vernaculaire.

The poet is loath to the facility of vernacular language.

Literary/Stylistic context.

Il répugne à sa nature profonde d'agir avec une telle froideur.

It is contrary to his deep nature to act with such coldness.

Complex 'répugner à [nature]' structure.

Une telle interprétation répugne au bon sens.

Such an interpretation is contrary to common sense.

Idiomatic 'répugner au bon sens'.

Elle répugnait à l'idée de devoir transiger sur ses principes.

She was loath to the idea of having to compromise on her principles.

Imparfait used for a lasting state of mind.

L'esthétique de ce bâtiment répugne à l'harmonie du quartier.

The aesthetics of this building are contrary to the harmony of the neighborhood.

Abstract aesthetic usage.

On ne saurait répugner à la vérité sans se perdre soi-même.

One cannot be loath to the truth without losing oneself.

Use of 'on ne saurait' + infinitive (C2 level).

L'âme sainte répugne au péché comme le corps au poison.

The holy soul is loath to sin as the body is to poison.

Literary analogy.

تلازمات شائعة

répugner profondément

répugner à l'idée de

répugner à la tâche

répugner au changement

répugner à mentir

répugner à admettre

répugner à la violence

répugner au bon sens

répugner à l'effort

répugner à la médiocrité

العبارات الشائعة

Cela me répugne.

— That disgusts me / I find that revolting.

Voir des gens souffrir ? Cela me répugne.

Ne pas répugner à...

— To not mind doing something / to be willing.

Il ne répugne pas à donner un coup de main.

Répugner à l'idée que...

— To be loath to the idea that...

Je répugne à l'idée qu'il parte sans nous.

Tout en lui répugne à...

— Everything in him resists...

Tout en lui répugne à la trahison.

Répugner au travail.

— To be loath to work.

Il ne faut pas répugner au travail bien fait.

Avoir de la répugnance pour...

— To have a feeling of disgust for...

J'ai de la répugnance pour les serpents.

Inspirer de la répugnance.

— To inspire disgust.

Son comportement inspire de la répugnance.

Sans répugnance.

— Without hesitation or disgust.

Il a accepté la mission sans répugnance.

Vaincre sa répugnance.

— To overcome one's disgust/reluctance.

Il a dû vaincre sa répugnance pour entrer dans la grotte.

Éprouver une vive répugnance.

— To feel a strong disgust.

Elle éprouve une vive répugnance pour le mensonge.

يُخلط عادةً مع

répugner vs repousser

Repousser means to push away physically or to delay. Répugner is the feeling of disgust.

répugner vs réputer

Réputer means to deem or consider. It sounds similar but has zero relation to disgust.

répugner vs répugnant

This is the adjective. Remember that the verb requires 'à' but the adjective does not.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"La raison y répugne"

— It goes against reason / it's illogical.

Accepter cette version des faits ? La raison y répugne.

formal

"Répugner à la besogne"

— To be lazy / to avoid work.

Il n'est pas du genre à répugner à la besogne.

neutral

"Cœur qui répugne"

— A heart that resists or finds something distasteful.

C'est un cœur qui répugne à la haine.

literary

"Répugner à soi-même"

— To be disgusted with oneself.

Après cet acte, il finit par se répugner à lui-même.

literary

"Répugner au goût"

— To be distasteful to the palate.

Ce remède répugne au goût mais il est efficace.

neutral

"Répugner à l'évidence"

— To be loath to accept the obvious.

Il répugne à l'évidence de son échec.

formal

"Répugner à l'ordre"

— To be averse to order/discipline.

Son esprit libre répugne à l'ordre établi.

literary

"Faire quelque chose avec répugnance"

— To do something with great reluctance.

Elle a mangé les insectes avec répugnance.

neutral

"La nature a horreur du vide (related)"

— Nature abhors a vacuum (often used similarly to describe natural resistance).

En politique, la nature a horreur du vide.

formal

"Répugner à la lumière"

— To avoid the truth or public scrutiny.

Les comploteurs répugnent à la lumière.

literary

سهل الخلط

répugner vs dégoûter

Both mean disgust.

Dégoûter is more physical/common; répugner is more moral/formal.

Ce lait périmé me dégoûte. Sa trahison me répugne.

répugner vs rebuter

Both imply a 'no' reaction.

Rebuter is about being put off by difficulty or lack of appeal. Répugner is about revulsion.

Le prix me rebute. L'idée de voler me répugne.

répugner vs hésiter

Both involve a delay in action.

Hésiter is about uncertainty. Répugner is about dislike/objection.

J'hésite entre deux plats. Je répugne à manger de la viande.

répugner vs rechigner

Both mean reluctance.

Rechigner implies grumbling/unwillingness due to laziness. Répugner is deeper.

Il rechigne à faire son lit. Il répugne à la cruauté.

répugner vs abhorrer

Both express strong dislike.

Abhorrer is 'to hate' (active). Répugner is 'to disgust' (reactive).

J'abhorre les moustiques. Leur bourdonnement me répugne.

أنماط الجُمل

S + répugne + à + Inf

Il répugne à travailler.

Cela + me + répugne + de + Inf

Cela me répugne de mentir.

S (Thing) + répugne + à + S (Person)

Cette idée répugne à mon père.

Ne pas + répugner + à + Noun

Elle ne répugne pas à l'effort.

S + répugne + au + Noun (Abstract)

Cela répugne au bon sens.

Rien + ne + lui + répugne + autant que + Noun

Rien ne lui répugne autant que la trahison.

S + répugnerait + à + Inf (Conditional)

Il répugnerait à agir ainsi sans preuves.

Tout en + Pronoun + répugne + à...

Tout en lui répugne à la violence.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

la répugnance (disgust/reluctance)

الأفعال

répugner (to disgust)

الصفات

répugnant (disgusting/repulsive)

مرتبط

le dégoût

la répulsion

répulsif

pugnace (etymologically distant but shares root)

répulsion

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كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Medium (Common in written French, less so in casual speech)

أخطاء شائعة

Je suis répugné par cette idée. → Cette idée me répugne.
French uses the active voice or impersonal construction, not the passive 'to be disgusted by'.
Il répugne mentir. → Il répugne à mentir.
The preposition 'à' is mandatory before an infinitive.
Ça me répugne de le chocolat. → Le chocolat me répugne.
Don't use 'de' if you are just using a noun as the subject.
Je répugne cet homme. → Cet homme me répugne.
In this sense, the person/thing is the subject, not the one feeling the disgust.
Il répugne à le travail. → Il répugne au travail.
Remember to contract 'à + le' into 'au'.

نصائح

The 'à' Rule

Always remember 'répugner à'. If you forget the 'à', the sentence will sound broken to a native speaker.

Don't Overuse

Because it's a strong word, using it for small things (like a messy desk) can make you sound overly dramatic.

Level Up

Replace 'Je n'aime pas mentir' with 'Je répugne à mentir' in your next B2 exam for extra points.

The 'GN' Sound

Practice the 'gn' sound by saying 'o-nion' and then trying to replicate that 'ny' in the middle of 'répugner'.

Impersonal Magic

Use 'Il me répugne de...' to sound very sophisticated in formal writing.

Moral vs Physical

Use it primarily for moral issues to get the best 'flavor' out of the word.

French Ethics

French speakers often use this word to talk about their 'valeurs' (values). It's a very 'French' way to express a boundary.

Latin Root

Remember 'pugnare' (to fight). You are fighting against the thing that disgusts you.

Synonym Variety

Don't use 'dégoûter' five times in an essay. Switch to 'répugner' for variety.

News Context

When you hear this on the news, it usually means something serious is being discussed.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'RE-PUGN'. 'RE' as in 'Return' (push back) and 'PUGN' as in 'Pugilist' (fighter). You are fighting back against something disgusting.

ربط بصري

Imagine a person pushing a plate of slimy food away with both hands. That physical 'push back' is the essence of 'répugner'.

Word Web

Disgust Resistance Reluctance Morality Revulsion Visceral Formal Ethics

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'répugner à' in a sentence about a job you would never do. Then use 'Cela me répugne' to describe a movie scene.

أصل الكلمة

From the Latin 'repugnare', composed of 're-' (against) and 'pugnare' (to fight).

المعنى الأصلي: Literally 'to fight back' or 'to resist.'

Romance (Latin root).

السياق الثقافي

Be careful when using it to describe people; it is very strong and can be insulting if used to describe someone's physical appearance or culture.

In English, 'repugnant' is common, but the verb 'to repugn' is almost never used. English speakers should use 'répugner' where they would say 'to be loath to' or 'to find revolting.'

Used in Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables' to describe Jean Valjean's struggle. Common in the philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre regarding 'la nausée' (nausea). Frequent in French legal codes regarding 'clauses léonines'.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Food and Senses

Cette odeur me répugne.
Répugner à goûter.
Un aspect répugnant.
Vaincre sa répugnance.

Ethics and Morality

Répugner au mensonge.
Une action qui répugne à la morale.
Cela me répugne de trahir.
Répugner à la corruption.

Work and Effort

Ne pas répugner à la tâche.
Répugner à l'effort.
Répugner à obéir.
Répugner aux corvées.

Logic and Reason

Répugner au bon sens.
Une idée qui répugne à la raison.
Répugner à l'évidence.
Incompatibilité qui répugne.

Social Situations

Répugner à se justifier.
Répugner aux mondanités.
Répugner à la foule.
Répugner à parler de soi.

بدايات محادثة

"Quelles sont les habitudes qui vous répugnent le plus chez les autres ?"

"Répugnez-vous à l'idée de manger des insectes pour sauver la planète ?"

"Y a-t-il une tâche ménagère à laquelle vous répugnez vraiment ?"

"Est-ce que l'injustice vous répugne autant que moi ?"

"Pourquoi certains politiciens répugnent-ils à admettre leurs erreurs ?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Décrivez une situation où vous avez dû faire quelque chose qui vous répugnait.

Pourquoi la notion de mensonge répugne-t-elle à certaines personnes plus qu'à d'autres ?

Réfléchissez à une œuvre d'art qui vous a d'abord répugné mais que vous appréciez maintenant.

Qu'est-ce qui vous répugne dans la société moderne ?

Est-il possible de ne répugner à rien ?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, it always expresses a form of dislike, disgust, or reluctance. However, 'ne pas répugner à' is a positive way to say someone is willing to do something difficult.

Yes, but it's very strong. Use it for things that truly gross you out, not just things you don't like the taste of.

'Répugner à' is the correct form for reluctance. 'Répugner de' is generally considered incorrect in modern French, although you might see 'Il me répugne de...' in impersonal constructions.

No, this is a common mistake for English speakers. Say 'Cela me répugne' or 'J'éprouve de la répugnance.'

Yes, 'Cette personne me répugne' means you find them revolting, usually due to their character or actions.

The 'gn' stays throughout: je répugne, nous répugnons, ils répugnent. It's always the same 'ny' sound.

Yes, they are very close in meaning, though the French word is used slightly more frequently.

Yes, 'Nous répugnons à...' is a very formal and firm way to say you are unwilling to do something.

There isn't one perfect verb, but 'attirer' (to attract) or 'plaire' (to please) are the closest semantic opposites.

It's common in written French and formal speech, but you won't hear it every day in casual conversation.

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