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A2 noun #5,500 most common 8 min read

dégoût

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dégoût in 30 Seconds

  • Dégoût means strong disgust or revulsion.
  • It's a visceral reaction to something unpleasant or offensive.
  • Used for intense negative feelings, not mild dislike.
  • Commonly related to food, hygiene, and moral offenses.

The French word dégoût, pronounced roughly as 'day-goo', refers to a strong feeling of revulsion, disgust, or extreme dislike. It's a powerful emotion that arises when something is perceived as deeply unpleasant, offensive, or sickening. This can be triggered by various things, including spoiled food, unpleasant smells, morally reprehensible actions, or even certain visual stimuli that are considered repulsive. It's a visceral reaction, a gut feeling of wanting to turn away or reject something entirely. When you experience dégoût, it's more than just mild dislike; it's a profound sense of aversion.

In everyday conversation, dégoût is used to express a strong negative reaction. For instance, someone might say they felt dégoût upon seeing a very dirty public restroom, or they might express dégoût at a cruel act of injustice. It signifies a level of displeasure that goes beyond simple disapproval; it's a feeling that can make one physically recoil. The intensity of the feeling means it's reserved for situations that are truly offensive or sickening to the senses or moral compass. It’s important to distinguish it from simple dislike (antipathie) or disapproval (désapprobation), as dégoût implies a much stronger, often physical, reaction of aversion.

Key Characteristics
Intensity: It signifies a strong, often overwhelming, negative emotion.
Aversion: It implies a desire to reject or turn away from the source of the feeling.
Trigger: Can be sensory (sight, smell, taste), moral, or even psychological.

The sight of the rotten food filled him with dégoût.

She expressed her dégoût towards the politician's unethical behavior.

Common Triggers
Sensory: Spoiled food, strong foul odors, graphic images of injury, certain textures.
Moral: Acts of cruelty, betrayal, extreme selfishness, injustice.
Social/Situational: Extremely unhygienic environments, offensive public behavior.

Using dégoût correctly involves understanding the intensity of the emotion it conveys. It's not a word for mild annoyance; it’s for situations that provoke a strong, visceral negative reaction. You can use it as a noun, often preceded by an article (le, un) or a possessive adjective (mon, son, etc.), to name the feeling itself. For example, 'J'ai ressenti un profond dégoût' (I felt a deep disgust). It can also be used in expressions like 'quel dégoût !' (what disgust!), which is an exclamation of strong aversion.

Verbs like 'ressentir' (to feel), 'éprouver' (to experience), or even 'avoir' (to have) are commonly used with dégoût. For instance, 'Il a eu le dégoût de voir...' (He had the disgust of seeing...). It can also be the object of verbs of emotion or reaction, such as 'exprimer son dégoût' (to express one's disgust) or 'montrer son dégoût' (to show one's disgust). The context is crucial; the situation must warrant such a strong word. Imagine describing a scene that is truly revolting, either physically or morally, and that's where dégoût fits perfectly.

Sentence Structures
Subject + Verb + dégoût:
'La saleté de la rue m'a causé du dégoût.' (The dirtiness of the street caused me disgust.)
Verb + de + dégoût:
'Il a montré du dégoût en mangeant.' (He showed disgust while eating.)
Exclamations:
'Quel dégoût !' (What disgust!)

Le bruit constant et la pollution ont engendré un profond dégoût pour la vie en ville.

Après avoir découvert la vérité, elle ne pouvait cacher son dégoût.

You'll frequently encounter the word dégoût in discussions about food, especially when something has gone off or is prepared in a way that is unappetizing. A restaurant review might mention a dish that caused 'un grand dégoût' due to its poor quality or presentation. Similarly, in everyday life, if someone finds a piece of food spoiled, they might exclaim, 'Oh, quel dégoût!'

Beyond food, dégoût is common in contexts discussing hygiene and sanitation. News reports about public health issues, or personal anecdotes about visiting unsanitary places, will often use this word. For instance, someone might describe their 'dégoût' upon entering a particularly filthy public facility. It’s also prevalent when discussing morally questionable actions or social issues. Discussions about crime, corruption, or unethical behavior in politics or business can easily lead to expressions of societal or personal dégoût.

In literature and film, dégoût is a powerful tool used by authors and directors to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience. Descriptions of gruesome scenes, morally corrupt characters, or unsettling situations often employ this word to convey the intended feeling of revulsion. Even in casual conversations among friends, when sharing a particularly unpleasant experience, 'dégoût' can be the go-to word. It's a versatile term that captures a universal human emotion.

Common Scenarios
Culinary Disasters: Describing spoiled food or unappetizing meals.
Hygiene Complaints: Discussing dirty environments or poor sanitation.
Moral Outrage: Reacting to unethical or cruel behavior.
Media Reviews: Critiquing content that is found to be repulsive.

Le critique gastronomique a exprimé son dégoût face à la présentation négligée du plat.

Les citoyens ont manifesté leur dégoût face à la corruption politique.

One common mistake for learners is to overuse dégoût for situations that only warrant mild dislike or disapproval. For example, saying you feel 'dégoût' because your coffee is lukewarm is an exaggeration. The word implies a much stronger, often visceral, reaction. In English, we might say 'I dislike it' or 'I'm not happy about it,' but 'I feel disgust' is reserved for truly unpleasant things. French speakers reserve 'dégoût' for similar intense situations.

Another potential pitfall is confusing 'dégoût' with words that describe sadness or anger. While disgust can sometimes lead to anger, it is a distinct emotion. Sadness (tristesse) is a feeling of unhappiness, while anger (colère) is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. Dégoût is specifically about revulsion and aversion. For instance, if someone betrayed you, you might feel anger or sadness, but if you witnessed them doing something truly vile and sickening, you would feel dégoût.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the grammatical construction. While 'avoir du dégoût' is correct, using it without a qualifier like 'du' or 'un' can sound unnatural. For example, saying 'J'ai dégoût' is less common than 'J'ai du dégoût' or 'J'ai ressenti du dégoût.' The definite article 'le' can also be used, as in 'le dégoût de la vérité' (the disgust of the truth), but this is often in more formal or literary contexts. Pay attention to how native speakers use articles with this word.

Common Errors
Overuse: Applying 'dégoût' to minor annoyances.
Confusion with other emotions: Mistaking it for anger, sadness, or simple dislike.
Grammatical awkwardness: Incorrect use of articles or prepositions.

Incorrect: 'J'ai dégoût de ce film.' (Too weak.) Correct: 'Ce film m'a causé du dégoût.' (This film caused me disgust.)

He felt dégoût, not just annoyance, at the blatant lie.

While dégoût signifies a strong revulsion, several other French words express negative feelings with varying degrees of intensity. Répugnance is very close in meaning to dégoût, also denoting a feeling of intense aversion or loathing, often with a physical component. It can be used interchangeably in many contexts, especially when describing a strong visceral reaction to something offensive or sickening.

For less intense feelings, antipathie can be used. This translates to dislike or aversion, but it's much milder than dégoût. You might feel antipathie towards someone whose personality you don't like, but you wouldn't typically feel dégoût unless their actions were profoundly offensive. Similarly, désapprobation means disapproval, which is a judgment that something is wrong or unacceptable, but it lacks the strong emotional and visceral component of dégoût.

In informal contexts, one might use expressions like 'ça me révulse' (it revolts me) or 'c'est écœurant' (it's sickening), which convey a similar sense of disgust. However, dégoût remains the standard noun for the feeling itself. When describing a moral failing, one might also use indignation, which implies anger and a sense of injustice, but dégoût focuses more on the sickening aspect of the offense.

Comparisons
Dégoût vs. Répugnance: Both strong, often visceral, aversion. Répugnance might lean slightly more towards physical revulsion.
Dégoût vs. Antipathie: Dégoût is intense revulsion; antipathie is mild dislike.
Dégoût vs. Désapprobation: Dégoût is a feeling of disgust; désapprobation is a judgment of unacceptability.
Dégoût vs. Indignation: Dégoût is about revulsion; indignation is about anger at injustice.

Instead of 'J'ai antipathie pour les cafards', use 'J'ai du dégoût pour les cafards' if you feel strong revulsion.

The politician's lies caused dégoût, while his corruption sparked indignation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Slang

""

Fun Fact

The root 'gout' (taste) is shared with the English word 'gust' (a sudden rush of wind or flavor) and 'gustatory' (relating to the sense of taste). So, 'dégoût' literally means something that spoils or removes good taste.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /deɪˈɡuː/
US /deɪˈɡuː/
The stress is on the second syllable: dé-GOÛT.
Rhymes With
brou chou cou doux flou fou genou il jou loup mou nous où pou rou tout vert vou zou
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the final 't' in 'goût'.
  • Using an incorrect vowel sound for 'ou', making it sound like 'goot' or 'got'.
  • Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

At CEFR A2, learners will encounter 'dégoût' in simple contexts. Understanding its intensity and differentiating it from milder negative feelings requires practice. Texts at this level might use it for spoiled food or unpleasant sights. Higher levels will encounter it in more abstract moral or social contexts.

Writing 3/5

Learners at A2 might struggle to use 'dégoût' appropriately, potentially overusing it or confusing it with other negative emotions. Mastering its intensity and correct grammatical structures is key for effective writing.

Speaking 3/5

Pronouncing 'dégoût' correctly is important. Beyond pronunciation, using it spontaneously in conversation requires understanding the nuances of its intensity and when it's appropriate to express such a strong emotion.

Listening 3/5

Recognizing 'dégoût' in spoken French, especially when spoken quickly or with strong emotion, can be challenging. Its pronunciation and the context in which it's used are crucial for comprehension.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

aimer détester mauvais sale horrible odeur goût

Learn Next

répugnance aversion écœurant révoltant indignation dégoûtant

Advanced

lamentable odieux ignoble abject moralement répréhensible

Grammar to Know

Using the verb 'être dégoûté(e) par/de'

Je suis dégoûté par son attitude. (I am disgusted by his attitude.)

Using the verb 'dégoûter' (to disgust)

La saleté de la rue me dégoûte. (The dirtiness of the street disgusts me.)

Agreement of 'dégoûté(e)' with the subject when used as an adjective.

Elle est dégoûtée par la nouvelle. (She is disgusted by the news.)

Using prepositions 'pour', 'envers', 'à cause de' with 'dégoût'.

Il ressent du dégoût pour la violence. (He feels disgust for violence.)

Using indefinite and partitive articles with 'dégoût'.

Il a ressenti un dégoût soudain. (He felt a sudden disgust.) / J'ai du dégoût pour cette idée. (I have disgust for this idea.)

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Examples by Level

1

La nourriture est mauvaise.

The food is bad.

Simple adjective use.

2

Je n'aime pas ça.

I don't like that.

Basic negation.

3

C'est sale.

It is dirty.

Basic adjective.

4

Quelle horreur !

How horrible!

Exclamation.

5

Ça sent mauvais.

It smells bad.

Verb phrase.

6

Je ne veux pas manger.

I don't want to eat.

Negated verb.

7

C'est pas bon.

It's not good.

Informal negation.

8

Je suis fâché.

I am angry.

Basic emotion.

1

J'ai ressenti un grand dégoût en voyant cela.

I felt great disgust seeing that.

Using 'ressentir' with 'dégoût'.

2

La cuisine était d'un tel dégoût qu'elle n'a rien mangé.

The food was of such disgust that she ate nothing.

Using 'dégoût' with 'un tel'.

3

Quel dégoût ! Cette odeur est insupportable.

What disgust! This smell is unbearable.

Exclamatory phrase.

4

Il a montré son dégoût par un geste de la main.

He showed his disgust with a gesture of his hand.

Using 'montrer' with 'dégoût'.

5

Le film m'a inspiré un profond dégoût.

The movie inspired in me a deep disgust.

Using 'inspirer' with 'dégoût'.

6

Ce comportement me donne du dégoût.

This behavior gives me disgust.

Using 'donner' with 'dégoût'.

7

Elle a exprimé son dégoût pour la violence.

She expressed her disgust for violence.

Using 'exprimer' with 'dégoût'.

8

L'état de la chambre provoquait le dégoût.

The state of the room provoked disgust.

Using 'provoquer' with 'dégoût'.

1

Face à une telle injustice, un sentiment de dégoût m'envahit.

Faced with such injustice, a feeling of disgust invades me.

Using 'envahir' with 'sentiment de dégoût'.

2

Le dégoût qu'il éprouvait pour son travail était palpable.

The disgust he felt for his work was palpable.

Using 'éprouver' with 'dégoût'.

3

Elle a fait part de son dégoût face à la cruauté du spectacle.

She shared her disgust regarding the cruelty of the show.

Using 'faire part de' with 'dégoût'.

4

Le dégoût de la foule était évident après la déclaration.

The crowd's disgust was evident after the statement.

Using 'dégoût' as the subject.

5

Il a tenté de masquer son dégoût, mais ses yeux trahissaient ses sentiments.

He tried to hide his disgust, but his eyes betrayed his feelings.

Using 'masquer' with 'dégoût'.

6

Cette histoire a suscité un dégoût généralisé.

This story aroused widespread disgust.

Using 'susciter' with 'dégoût'.

7

Le dégoût moral est parfois plus fort que le dégoût physique.

Moral disgust is sometimes stronger than physical disgust.

Distinguishing types of dégoût.

8

Il ressentait un dégoût profond pour les manipulateurs.

He felt a deep disgust for manipulators.

Using 'ressentir' with 'dégoût profond'.

1

Le scandale a engendré un dégoût généralisé envers les dirigeants.

The scandal generated widespread disgust towards the leaders.

Using 'engendrer' with 'dégoût'.

2

Elle ne pouvait réprimer son dégoût face à l'hypocrisie ambiante.

She could not suppress her disgust at the prevailing hypocrisy.

Using 'réprimer' with 'dégoût'.

3

Le dégoût qu'il manifestait envers la nourriture était presque théâtral.

The disgust he showed towards the food was almost theatrical.

Using 'manifester' with 'dégoût'.

4

Face à la barbarie, le dégoût fut la seule émotion qu'il parvint à exprimer.

Faced with barbarity, disgust was the only emotion he managed to express.

Using 'parvenir à exprimer' with 'dégoût'.

5

L'artiste a dépeint le dégoût de la société pour la superficialité.

The artist depicted society's disgust for superficiality.

Using 'dépeindre' with 'dégoût'.

6

Son discours était empreint d'un dégoût sincère pour la corruption.

His speech was imbued with a sincere disgust for corruption.

Using 'empreint de' with 'dégoût'.

7

Le dégoût viscéral qu'il ressentait pour les araignées était bien connu.

The visceral disgust he felt for spiders was well known.

Using 'viscéral' to qualify 'dégoût'.

8

Il ne fallait pas chercher à comprendre son dégoût pour les conventions.

One should not try to understand his disgust for conventions.

Using 'dégoût pour' in a more abstract sense.

1

Le dégoût suscité par les révélations financières a ébranlé la confiance du public.

The disgust aroused by the financial revelations shook public trust.

Using 'suscité par' and 'ébranler'.

2

Elle exhalait un dégoût subtil pour toute forme de compromission.

She exuded a subtle disgust for any form of compromise.

Using 'exhaler' and 'subtil'.

3

Le dégoût de l'artiste pour le consumérisme se reflétait dans ses œuvres.

The artist's disgust for consumerism was reflected in his works.

Using 'se refléter dans'.

4

Il y avait dans son regard une lassitude teintée de dégoût.

There was in his gaze a weariness tinged with disgust.

Using 'teintée de' with 'dégoût'.

5

Le dégoût qu'il portait à cette idéologie était inébranlable.

The disgust he held for this ideology was unshakeable.

Using 'porter à' with 'dégoût'.

6

La description crue des événements ne pouvait qu'inspirer le dégoût.

The raw description of the events could only inspire disgust.

Using 'cru' and 'ne pouvait qu'inspirer'.

7

Il combattait son propre dégoût pour accomplir sa mission.

He fought his own disgust to accomplish his mission.

Using 'combattre' with 'dégoût'.

8

La platitude du débat a engendré chez certains un dégoût poli.

The platitude of the debate generated in some a polite disgust.

Using 'poli' to qualify 'dégoût'.

1

Le dégoût de l'artiste pour la trivialité bourgeoise transparaissait dans ses toiles.

The artist's disgust for bourgeois triviality shone through in his canvases.

Using 'trivialité bourgeoise' and 'transparaître'.

2

Il y avait une répugnance mêlée de dégoût dans sa manière de parler de ses anciens associés.

There was a repugnance mixed with disgust in his way of speaking of his former associates.

Using 'mêlée de' to combine emotions.

3

Le dégoût qu'il professait pour la médiocrité intellectuelle était légendaire.

The disgust he professed for intellectual mediocrity was legendary.

Using 'professer' and 'médiocrité intellectuelle'.

4

Elle portait un dégoût voilé pour les conventions sociales qu'elle jugeait étouffantes.

She harbored a veiled disgust for social conventions she deemed stifling.

Using 'voilé' and 'juger étouffantes'.

5

Le dégoût viscéral qu'il éprouvait à la simple évocation de son passé était manifeste.

The visceral disgust he felt at the mere mention of his past was manifest.

Using 'manifeste' and 'évocation'.

6

Son discours était un plaidoyer contre la complaisance, empreint d'un dégoût profond pour l'inaction.

His speech was a plea against complacency, imbued with a deep disgust for inaction.

Using 'plaidoyer' and 'complaisance'.

7

Le dégoût qu'il inspirait était le reflet de sa propre décadence morale.

The disgust he inspired was a reflection of his own moral decadence.

Using 'inspirer' and 'décadence morale'.

8

Elle décelait dans ses paroles un dégoût latent pour toute forme d'autorité arbitraire.

She detected in his words a latent disgust for any form of arbitrary authority.

Using 'déceler' and 'latent'.

Common Collocations

ressentir du dégoût
éprouver du dégoût
causer du dégoût
inspirer le dégoût
exprimer son dégoût
montrer du dégoût
quel dégoût !
profond dégoût
dégoût moral
dégoût physique

Common Phrases

Quel dégoût !

— This is a common exclamation used to express strong disgust or revulsion upon encountering something unpleasant.

Quand j'ai vu le rat dans la cuisine, j'ai crié : 'Quel dégoût !'

J'ai du dégoût pour...

— This phrase means 'I have disgust for...' and is used to state what specifically causes the feeling of revulsion.

J'ai du dégoût pour les gens qui mentent constamment.

Ça me donne du dégoût.

— Literally 'That gives me disgust,' this phrase is used to say that something causes you to feel disgusted.

La vue de cette blessure me donne du dégoût.

Un sentiment de dégoût.

— This translates to 'A feeling of disgust' and is used to describe the presence of the emotion.

Un sentiment de dégoût m'a envahi en lisant le journal.

Le dégoût de la vérité.

— This refers to the aversion or unwillingness to confront or accept a harsh or unpleasant truth.

Il semblait y avoir un dégoût de la vérité dans son refus de répondre.

Montrer son dégoût.

— To show one's disgust, often through facial expressions, gestures, or words.

Il n'a pas essayé de cacher son dégoût, il a montré son dégoût ouvertement.

Inspirer le dégoût.

— To inspire disgust; to cause others to feel disgusted.

Son attitude arrogante et cruelle inspire le dégoût.

Le dégoût physique.

— Physical disgust, usually related to sensory input like sight, smell, or taste.

L'odeur était si forte qu'elle provoquait un dégoût physique.

Le dégoût moral.

— Moral disgust, related to unethical or reprehensible actions.

Il ressentait un dégoût moral profond face à la corruption.

Éprouver du dégoût.

— To experience disgust; a more formal way of saying 'to feel disgust'.

Elle éprouvait du dégoût pour toute forme de violence.

Often Confused With

dégoût vs dégoûtant

'Dégoûtant' is the adjective form, meaning 'disgusting'. While related, 'dégoût' is the noun for the feeling itself. For example, 'La nourriture est dégoûtante' (The food is disgusting), versus 'J'ai du dégoût pour cette nourriture' (I have disgust for this food).

dégoût vs dégoûter

'Dégoûter' is the verb, meaning 'to disgust'. 'La vue de la blessure me dégoûte' (The sight of the wound disgusts me). 'Dégoût' is the feeling caused by the action of the verb.

dégoût vs aversion

'Aversion' is a broader term for strong dislike. 'Dégoût' specifically refers to a feeling of revulsion or sickness caused by something unpleasant or offensive, often with a more visceral component than general 'aversion'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Avoir le cœur écœuré"

— Literally 'to have a sickened heart,' this idiom expresses a feeling of intense disgust, nausea, or moral revulsion, often due to witnessing something deeply unpleasant or morally offensive. It's a strong expression of feeling sickened.

Quand j'ai entendu ce qu'il avait fait, j'ai eu le cœur écœuré.

Informal/Neutral
"Ça me révulse"

— This phrase means 'It revolts me.' It's a direct and strong expression of disgust, indicating that something is so offensive or repulsive it makes you want to recoil.

La violence gratuite dans ce film me révulse.

Neutral
"Avoir la nausée"

— Literally 'to feel nauseous,' this is often used metaphorically to express a strong feeling of disgust, especially when something is morally offensive or physically repulsive. It implies a feeling so strong it makes one feel physically ill.

La simple idée de manger ça me donne la nausée.

Neutral
"En avoir ras le bol"

— While this idiom more generally means 'to be fed up' or 'to have had enough,' in certain contexts, especially when referring to repeated unpleasant experiences or witnessing constant bad behavior, it can carry a strong undertone of disgust and exasperation.

Après tant de mensonges, j'en ai ras le bol de cette situation.

Informal
"Se voiler la face"

— This idiom means 'to bury one's head in the sand' or 'to pretend not to see.' While not directly meaning disgust, it can be a response to something that disgusts you – you choose to ignore it rather than confront it, perhaps out of aversion.

Il se voile la face devant la gravité de la crise.

Neutral
"Être dégoûté par..."

— This is the most direct way to say 'to be disgusted by...' and is a very common construction. It clearly links the feeling of disgust to its cause.

Il était dégoûté par la malhonnêteté de son collègue.

Neutral
"Avoir un haut-le-cœur"

— This phrase means 'to feel a gag reflex' or 'to feel like vomiting.' It's used for something intensely physically repulsive, causing a strong physical reaction akin to disgust.

La vision de la plaie ouverte lui a causé un haut-le-cœur.

Neutral
"Un dégoût amer"

— This describes a disgust that is mixed with bitterness or resentment, often related to betrayal or a deep disappointment.

Il ressentait un dégoût amer envers ceux qui l'avaient trahi.

Formal/Literary
"Le dégoût de la vie"

— This refers to a profound sense of disgust or weariness with life itself, often associated with existential angst or deep despair.

Dans ses écrits, il exprimait un dégoût de la vie qu'il trouvait absurde.

Literary/Philosophical
"Un dégoût poli"

— This paradoxical phrase describes a subtle, almost understated expression of disgust, often maintained to remain socially acceptable. It's a polite way of showing you are repulsed.

Elle a esquissé un sourire, mais son regard trahissait un dégoût poli.

Neutral/Literary

Easily Confused

dégoût vs dégoûtant

Both words are derived from the same root and express strong negative feelings.

'Dégoût' is a noun referring to the feeling of disgust itself. 'Dégoûtant' is an adjective describing something that causes disgust. You *feel* dégoût *because* something is dégoûtant.

Le spectacle était <strong>dégoûtant</strong> (adjective), et cela m'a inspiré du <strong>dégoût</strong> (noun).

dégoût vs répugnance

Both words denote strong aversion and revulsion.

'Dégoût' often implies a more visceral, gut-level reaction, sometimes linked to sickness or nausea. 'Répugnance' can also be physical but might lean more towards a moral or intellectual rejection of something offensive or vile.

J'ai du <strong>dégoût</strong> pour les cafards (physical revulsion), mais une profonde <strong>répugnance</strong> pour la trahison (moral revulsion).

dégoût vs désapprobation

Both express negative judgment.

'Désapprobation' is simple disapproval or finding something unacceptable. 'Dégoût' is a much stronger, emotional reaction of revulsion. You might feel désapprobation about someone's mistake, but dégoût about their cruelty.

Il y avait une légère <strong>désapprobation</strong> dans son regard, mais pas de <strong>dégoût</strong>.

dégoût vs écœurement

Both relate to feeling sickened or disgusted.

'Écœurement' often implies a feeling of being nauseated or sickened, particularly by taste, smell, or morally offensive content. 'Dégoût' is a broader term for intense dislike and revulsion, which can include, but is not limited to, physical sickness.

L'odeur m'a causé un <strong>écœurement</strong>, un vrai <strong>dégoût</strong>.

dégoût vs antipathie

Both are negative feelings towards something or someone.

'Antipathie' is a general dislike or aversion, often based on personality or character. 'Dégoût' is a much stronger, more visceral feeling of revulsion triggered by something perceived as truly unpleasant or offensive.

J'ai une légère <strong>antipathie</strong> pour lui, mais son acte m'a inspiré du <strong>dégoût</strong>.

Sentence Patterns

A2

Subject + ressentir/avoir + du dégoût + pour/envers + Noun

Je ressens du dégoût pour les insectes.

A2

Quel + dégoût ! + Clause

Quel dégoût ! Cette nourriture est pourrie.

B1

Noun/Clause + causer/inspirer/provoquer + du dégoût + à + Noun

Son attitude a causé du dégoût à ses amis.

B1

Être + dégoûté(e) + par/de + Noun/Clause

Nous sommes dégoûtés par cette injustice.

B2

Le dégoût + que + Subject + Verb + [...] + était/fut + Adjective

Le dégoût qu'il éprouvait pour la politique était évident.

B2

Subject + exprimer/manifester + son dégoût + pour/face à + Noun/Clause

Elle a exprimé son dégoût face à la violence.

C1

Dégoût + suscité par/engendré par + Noun/Clause

Le dégoût suscité par le scandale a secoué le pays.

C1

Un + [Adjective] + dégoût + [preposition] + Noun

Un profond dégoût pour la superficialité.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

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How to Use It

frequency

Common, especially in contexts describing strong negative reactions.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'dégoût' for mild dislike. → Using milder expressions like 'ne pas aimer' or 'peu apprécié'.

    'Dégoût' implies strong revulsion. Saying 'J'ai du dégoût pour ce café trop froid' is an exaggeration. It's better to say 'Ce café est un peu froid, je ne l'apprécie pas beaucoup'.

  • Confusing 'dégoût' (noun) with 'dégoûtant' (adjective). → Using the adjective 'dégoûtant' to describe something that causes disgust, and the noun 'dégoût' for the feeling itself.

    Incorrect: 'Ce plat est dégoût.' (This dish is disgust). Correct: 'Ce plat est dégoûtant.' (This dish is disgusting) or 'J'ai du dégoût pour ce plat.' (I have disgust for this dish).

  • Pronouncing the final 't' in 'dégoût'. → Pronouncing 'dégoût' as /deɪˈɡuː/, with a silent 't'.

    The final 't' in 'goût' is typically silent in French, just like in many other words ending in 't'. Forgetting this leads to an incorrect pronunciation.

  • Using 'dégoût' for anger or sadness. → Distinguishing 'dégoût' (revulsion) from 'colère' (anger) or 'tristesse' (sadness).

    'Dégoût' is a specific feeling of aversion, often visceral. Anger is about frustration or hostility, and sadness is about unhappiness. While they can overlap, they are distinct emotions.

  • Incorrect article usage. → Using appropriate articles like 'du dégoût', 'un dégoût', or 'le dégoût' based on context.

    Saying 'J'ai dégoût' is less natural than 'J'ai du dégoût' (I have some disgust) or 'J'ai ressenti du dégoût' (I felt disgust). The choice of article depends on whether you are referring to the general feeling or a specific instance.

Tips

Mastering the Sound

Focus on the 'ay' sound in 'dé' and the 'goo' sound in 'goût'. Remember the final 't' is silent. Practice saying 'Day-GOO' with a slightly pursed lip for the 'oo' sound, and ensure the stress is on the second syllable. Listening to native speakers is key.

Synonym Exploration

Learn related words like 'répugnance', 'écœurement', and 'aversion'. Understanding their subtle differences will enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise expression of negative emotions.

Article Usage

Pay attention to the articles used with 'dégoût'. 'Du dégoût' (some disgust) is common for the feeling itself, while 'un dégoût' (a disgust) might refer to a specific instance or type of disgust, and 'le dégoût' (the disgust) refers to a specific, known disgust.

Mnemonic Association

Connect 'dégoût' to the sound of gagging or a strong, unpleasant 'gooey' substance. Visualizing something truly repulsive associated with this sound can help cement the word's meaning.

Cultural Nuance

Understand that 'dégoût' can be moral or physical. In French culture, expressing strong negative reactions to injustice or unethical behavior using 'dégoût' is common and accepted.

Sentence Building

Create your own sentences using 'dégoût' in different contexts: food, hygiene, moral issues. Try using it with different verbs like 'ressentir', 'éprouver', 'causer', and 'inspirer'.

Avoid Overuse

Be cautious not to overuse 'dégoût' for minor issues. This can make your French sound exaggerated or even comical. Reserve it for genuinely revolting or deeply offensive situations.

Opposite Feelings

Learn the antonyms like 'plaisir', 'satisfaction', and 'enthousiasme' to better grasp the full spectrum of emotional expression and to contrast positive reactions with 'dégoût'.

Expand Your Vocabulary

Explore related adjectives like 'dégoûtant' (disgusting) and verbs like 'dégoûter' (to disgust) to build a comprehensive understanding of the concept.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine someone tasting something incredibly foul, making them say 'Day-GOO!' (like 'day-goo-t') with a disgusted face. The 'Day' could represent the time of day when something spoiled, and 'GOO' represents the disgusting substance.

Visual Association

Picture a rotten apple with a worm crawling out, emitting a foul smell. Your mind instantly recoils with a feeling of 'dégoût'. Or imagine a very dirty, grimy bathroom that makes you want to leave immediately.

Word Web

Feeling Revulsion Dislike Aversion Offensive Unpleasant Sickening Repulsive

Challenge

Try to describe three things that would evoke 'dégoût' in you, using the word in a sentence for each. For example: 'The smell of garbage left out for days fills me with dégoût.' Then, try to describe three things that would evoke the opposite feeling, using antonyms.

Word Origin

The word 'dégoût' originates from Old French 'degout', which itself comes from the verb 'degouter'. This verb is formed from the prefix 'dé-' (indicating removal or negation) and 'gout' (meaning taste or flavor). Thus, the original sense was related to having one's taste spoiled or ruined.

Original meaning: Spoiling of taste; distaste.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Gallo-Romance > Old French > French

Cultural Context

While 'dégoût' is a strong word, it is used appropriately to describe genuinely revolting or offensive situations. Overusing it for minor inconveniences can diminish its impact and sound exaggerated.

The English word 'disgust' is a very close cognate and shares a similar meaning and intensity. The French word is often used in contexts where English speakers would use 'disgust', 'revulsion', or 'loathing'.

The works of writers like Baudelaire often explore themes of decay and the darker aspects of human experience, which can evoke 'dégoût'. French cinema, known for its realism and sometimes provocative themes, frequently depicts situations that elicit 'dégoût' from characters and the audience. In culinary critiques, a dish described as causing 'dégoût' is a severe condemnation.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Food and Dining

  • La nourriture était avariée, quel dégoût !
  • Ce plat a un goût étrange, ça me donne du dégoût.
  • Elle a montré son dégoût pour la présentation.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

  • L'état de la salle de bain m'a causé du dégoût.
  • Cette odeur de moisi inspire le dégoût.
  • Quel dégoût de voir autant de saleté.

Moral and Ethical Issues

  • J'ai du dégoût pour les actes de cruauté.
  • Son comportement malhonnête m'a inspiré du dégoût.
  • Le dégoût moral face à la corruption.

Reactions to Media/Art

  • Ce film m'a causé un profond dégoût.
  • La violence dans ce livre m'a dégoûté.
  • Elle a exprimé son dégoût pour le message du tableau.

Personal Experiences

  • J'ai ressenti un dégoût immense.
  • Ce souvenir me donne encore du dégoût.
  • Quel dégoût d'avoir été traité ainsi.

Conversation Starters

"What is something that always makes you feel a strong sense of dégoût?"

"Can you think of a time when you felt dégoût towards a place you visited?"

"How would you describe dégoût to someone who doesn't know the word?"

"When do you think dégoût is a justified emotion?"

"Are there any foods that, even thinking about them, give you dégoût?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a situation where you experienced dégoût. What caused it, and how did you react physically and emotionally?

Reflect on the difference between mild dislike and dégoût. When does displeasure cross the line into revulsion?

Write about a fictional character who consistently feels dégoût towards the world around them. What drives this feeling?

Consider a time when you witnessed someone else's strong dégoût. What did their reaction tell you about their values?

Imagine you have to explain the concept of 'dégoût moral' to a child. How would you simplify it?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'dégoût' is a strong word in French, signifying intense disgust, revulsion, or strong disapproval. It's not used for minor annoyances or simple dislike. Think of it as equivalent to 'disgust' or 'loathing' in English. For example, one would feel 'dégoût' upon seeing spoiled food or witnessing a cruel act, not just mild displeasure.

'Dégoût' is a noun, referring to the feeling of disgust itself. For instance, 'J'ai du dégoût.' (I have disgust.) 'Dégoûtant' is an adjective, meaning 'disgusting', and it describes something that causes this feeling. For example, 'Ce plat est dégoûtant.' (This dish is disgusting.) So, something that is 'dégoûtant' causes 'dégoût'.

Absolutely. While 'dégoût' can certainly be triggered by physical things like bad smells or spoiled food (physical disgust), it is very commonly used to express aversion to morally reprehensible actions, unethical behavior, or societal problems. This is often referred to as 'dégoût moral' (moral disgust). For example, witnessing corruption or extreme selfishness can inspire 'dégoût'.

For milder negative feelings, French speakers use words like 'ne pas aimer' (to not like), 'déplaire' (to displease), 'ne pas apprécier' (to not appreciate), or 'antipathie' (dislike/aversion). 'Dégoût' is reserved for when the feeling is intense and involves revulsion or sickness.

The pronunciation is approximately /deɪˈɡuː/. The stress is on the second syllable: dé-GOÛT. The 'd' is like in 'dog', the 'é' sounds like 'ay' in 'day', and 'goût' sounds like 'goo' (as in 'gooey'), with the final 't' being silent. Try to round your lips slightly for the 'ou' sound.

Yes, very common ones include 'Quel dégoût !' (What disgust!), which is an exclamation of strong aversion. You might also hear 'J'ai du dégoût pour...' (I have disgust for...) or 'Ça me donne du dégoût' (That gives me disgust). The adjective form 'être dégoûté(e)' is also frequent, meaning 'to be disgusted'.

'Nausée' literally means nausea, the feeling of wanting to vomit. It's often used to describe a strong physical reaction to something repulsive. 'Dégoût' is a broader term for intense dislike and revulsion. While 'dégoût' can sometimes lead to 'nausée', 'nausée' specifically refers to the sickness-like feeling, whereas 'dégoût' is the general feeling of aversion.

Both 'dégoût' and 'répugnance' denote strong aversion. 'Dégoût' often implies a more visceral, gut-level reaction, perhaps leading to physical sickness. 'Répugnance' can also be physical but might lean more towards a deep moral or intellectual rejection of something vile or offensive. They are often interchangeable, but 'dégoût' might be slightly more common for immediate, sensory-based revulsion.

Yes, 'dégoût' is frequently used in literature to describe characters' strong negative reactions to events, people, or societal conditions. Authors use it to convey deep emotional responses and critiques. For example, a character might feel 'dégoût' towards the decadence of society.

Yes, the verb is 'dégoûter', which means 'to disgust'. For example, 'La violence du film m'a dégoûté' means 'The violence of the film disgusted me'. This verb is closely related to the noun 'dégoût'.

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