révoltant

§ What 'révoltant' means

Definition

Causing a feeling of revolt or disgust; revolting, outrageous.

When something is described as 'révoltant', it's not just a little annoying or unpleasant. It's something that genuinely makes you feel disgusted, angry, or even a sense of injustice. Think of something so bad that it makes you want to react against it. That's the core meaning of 'révoltant'. It’s a strong word, so use it when you want to emphasize how strongly you feel about a situation or action.

§ Where you hear 'révoltant'

You'll often hear 'révoltant' in contexts where people are expressing strong disapproval or anger. It's common in discussions about social issues, politics, or ethical dilemmas. Here are some common places and situations where you might encounter this word:

• News and media
• Discussions about current events
• Conversations about injustices
• Expressing strong personal opinions

§ 'Révoltant' in the news

In news reports, 'révoltant' is used to describe events or situations that are considered deeply shocking or unacceptable. This could be anything from a scandal to an act of violence or a deeply unfair policy.

Hint: The treatment of refugees is outrageous/revolting.

Hint: This injustice is revolting/outrageous and must be denounced.

§ 'Révoltant' in work and school discussions

While you might not use 'révoltant' every day in casual work or school conversations, it can definitely come up when discussing ethical issues, unfair policies, or particularly egregious behavior. For example, if there's a highly unfair decision or a situation that sparks strong moral indignation, 'révoltant' would be appropriate.

Hint: The working conditions have become revolting/outrageous for some employees.

Hint: It's revolting/outrageous to see such a lack of respect in class.

§ Using 'révoltant' in personal opinions

When you're passionately discussing something with friends or family and you want to express how truly unacceptable something is, 'révoltant' is a great word to use. It conveys a strong emotional reaction.

Hint: The price of gas has become absolutely revolting/outrageous!

Hint: I find his behavior revolting/outrageous.

§ Understanding "révoltant"

The French adjective révoltant is a powerful word. It describes something that causes a strong feeling of disgust, indignation, or outrage. Think of it as something so bad that it makes you feel like revolting against it. It's often used when discussing injustices, unacceptable behavior, or shocking situations.

Let's break down its core meaning:

Definition

Causing a feeling of revolt or disgust; revolting, outrageous.

(It's an outrageous injustice.)

(His behavior was revolting.)

§ Similar words and when to use "révoltant" vs. alternatives

French has several words that can convey similar negative feelings, but révoltant has a specific intensity. Here's how it compares to some common alternatives:

• Scandaleux (scandalous): This word also implies strong disapproval, often relating to something morally offensive or shocking that causes public outcry. While a scandaleux act can be révoltant, scandaleux emphasizes the public nature and the scandal it creates, whereas révoltant focuses more on the feeling of disgust it provokes in an individual.

  La corruption est scandaleuse et révoltante.

  (Corruption is scandalous and revolting.)

• Indignant (indignant): This is the past participle of the verb indigner (to outrage, to provoke indignation). While indigné describes a person feeling outrage, révoltant describes the thing causing that feeling. So, you might say "Je suis indigné par cette situation révoltante." (I am indignant about this revolting situation.)

  Cette décision est vraiment révoltante!

  (This decision is truly revolting!)

• Dégoûtant (disgusting): This is a very strong word, often associated with physical revulsion or something truly repulsive. While something dégoûtant can also be révoltant (e.g., a revolting smell), révoltant more specifically refers to moral or ethical outrage. A dirty bathroom might be dégoûtant, but an unfair law would be révoltante.

  L'odeur était dégoûtante, mais l'injustice était révoltante.

  (The smell was disgusting, but the injustice was revolting.)

• Insupportable (unbearable): This means something is intolerable or cannot be stood. While a révoltant situation can certainly be insupportable, insupportable is a broader term. You might find a loud noise insupportable, but it wouldn't necessarily be révoltant.

  Le bruit était insupportable, mais la situation était révoltante.

  (The noise was unbearable, but the situation was revolting.)

In summary, révoltant is your go-to word when you want to express a deep sense of outrage, disgust, or indignation about something that is fundamentally wrong, unfair, or shocking. It carries a strong emotional weight, signaling that something is beyond mere disapproval and truly offensive to your sensibilities.