Significado
To refuse to change one's opinion or decision, to be stubborn.
Contexto cultural
In French political culture, 'ne pas en démordre' is often seen as a sign of 'conviction'. Politicians who change their minds are often accused of 'retourner leur veste' (turning their coat). While used in Quebec, you might also hear 's'entêter' or 'tenir son bout' (holding one's end/bit), which is a local variation of sticking to one's position. Usage is identical to France, often appearing in the context of complex Belgian coalition negotiations where parties 'n'en démordent pas' on specific regional issues. In the context of Swiss direct democracy, this phrase might describe a group that refuses to withdraw a 'popular initiative' despite government opposition.
The 'En' Rule
Always include 'en'. Without it, the phrase sounds like a literal dog bite description.
Don't over-use
It's a strong phrase. Use it for significant disagreements, not for what you want for dinner (unless you're being funny).
Significado
To refuse to change one's opinion or decision, to be stubborn.
The 'En' Rule
Always include 'en'. Without it, the phrase sounds like a literal dog bite description.
Don't over-use
It's a strong phrase. Use it for significant disagreements, not for what you want for dinner (unless you're being funny).
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Malgré toutes mes preuves, il n'___ ___ _________ pas.
We need 'en' and the 3rd person singular 'démord'.
Which sentence is the most idiomatic?
Choose the best way to say 'He is sticking to his guns.'
The form with 'en' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu as essayé de le convaincre ? B: Oui, mais il _________.
The subject is 'il', so we use 'démord'.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosMalgré toutes mes preuves, il n'___ ___ _________ pas.
We need 'en' and the 3rd person singular 'démord'.
Choose the best way to say 'He is sticking to his guns.'
The form with 'en' is the standard idiomatic expression.
A: Tu as essayé de le convaincre ? B: Oui, mais il _________.
The subject is 'il', so we use 'démord'.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasYes, it can imply great conviction or integrity, though it often leans toward stubbornness.
It is always 'de'. That is why we use the pronoun 'en'.
Yes, but usually to say 'Il a fini par en démordre' (He finally gave in).
Not inherently, but it describes a situation of conflict, so use it carefully.
Frases relacionadas
Camper sur ses positions
synonymTo refuse to budge from one's stance.
S'entêter
similarTo be stubborn.
Lâcher le morceau
contrastTo give up / to spill the beans.
Tenir tête à quelqu'un
builds onTo stand up to someone.
