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A2 adjective #6,000 mais comum 11 min de leitura

glaçant

Top 6,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas glaçant em 30 segundos

Explicação glaçant in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the literal meaning of 'glaçant'. Think of it as a very strong version of 'froid' (cold). While you might not use it often in basic conversation, you will see it in weather reports or simple descriptions of winter. Remember that it comes from 'glace' (ice). If you are in a French-speaking country during winter and the wind is very, very cold, you can say 'Le vent est glaçant'. It's a great way to show you know more than just the basic words. Just remember: 'froid' is cold, 'très froid' is very cold, and 'glaçant' is freezing/icy. Don't worry about the psychological meanings yet; just use it for the weather or very cold water.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'glaçant' to describe more than just the weather. You might use it to talk about a movie or a story that was a bit scary in a 'cold' way. For example, 'C'est une histoire glaçante' (It's a chilling story). Pay close attention to the grammar: because it's an adjective, it must agree with the noun. If the noun is feminine, add an 'e' (glaçante). If it's plural, add an 's' (glaçants/glaçantes). You should also learn the common phrase 'un silence glaçant', which describes a silence that feels uncomfortable or scary. This level is about expanding from the physical to the basic emotional usage.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'glaçant' in both literal and figurative contexts. You should be able to use it to describe an atmosphere, a look, or a specific piece of news. For instance, 'Son regard était glaçant' (His look was chilling). At this level, you should also distinguish between 'glaçant' and 'glacé'. Remember: you drink 'thé glacé' (iced tea), but you feel a 'peur glaçante' (chilling fear). You can also use it to describe news or statistics that are disturbing. 'Les nouvelles sont glaçantes' means the news is so bad it makes you feel cold or shocked. It's a more sophisticated way to express 'choquant' (shocking) or 'effrayant' (scary).

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At the B2 level, 'glaçant' becomes a key tool for nuance in your writing and speaking. You should use it to describe the 'sang-froid' (cold-bloodedness) of a character in a book or the 'réalisme glaçant' of a documentary. It is particularly useful in debates or essays about social issues; for example, describing a 'constat glaçant' (a chilling observation) about the environment or human rights. You should also be aware of its role in media—how journalists use it to create an atmosphere of gravity. You should be able to use it in complex sentences, such as: 'Malgré le soleil, le vent restait glaçant, ajoutant à l'atmosphère déjà pesante de la cérémonie.' This shows you can handle multiple layers of meaning.

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For C1 learners, 'glaçant' is a word of precision. You use it to distinguish between different types of fear or coldness. You might analyze why an author chose 'glaçant' instead of 'glacial' or 'effrayant' in a literary text. At this level, you should be able to use the word in high-level critiques of art, politics, or philosophy. For example, discussing a 'logique glaçante'—a logic that is perfectly sound but completely devoid of human empathy. This is a common theme in critiques of bureaucracy or extremist ideologies. You should also master the subtle pronunciation and spelling (the cedilla 'ç') in all written forms, ensuring perfect agreement in complex grammatical structures.

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At the C2 level, 'glaçant' is part of your instinctive vocabulary. You understand its historical roots and its place in the 'grandes œuvres' of French literature. You can use it with irony or in highly specialized contexts, such as describing a 'clarté glaçante' (a chilling clarity) in a philosophical argument. You might use it to describe the aesthetic of a minimalist architect or the tone of a dystopian novel. At this level, the word is no longer just about 'cold' or 'scary'; it's about a specific aesthetic and emotional frequency. You can seamlessly integrate it into a wide range of registers, from a casual but descriptive conversation to a formal academic lecture on 'le sentiment d'inquiétante étrangeté' (the uncanny).

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

glaçant em 30 segundos

Glaçant is an adjective meaning 'freezing' or 'chilling'. It comes from 'glace' (ice).
It is used literally for extreme cold weather and figuratively for terrifying stories or looks.
Grammatically, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (glaçant, glaçante, glaçants, glaçantes).
It is a 'strong' adjective, so it is often used with 'absolument' rather than 'très'.

The French adjective glaçant is a powerful and evocative word that bridges the physical sensation of extreme cold with the psychological state of intense fear or shock. At its most literal level, it refers to something that is freezing or icy. However, its most frequent usage in modern French, especially in media and literature, is figurative. It describes something so disturbing, eerie, or terrifying that it metaphorically 'freezes' the blood in your veins. Understanding this word requires recognizing the root glace (ice) and the verb glacer (to freeze). When you call a story 'glaçant', you aren't saying it's cold to the touch; you are saying it is bone-chilling.

Literal Temperature: Used to describe weather, water, or wind that is painfully cold. It suggests a temperature that goes beyond just 'froid' (cold) to something that feels like it is turning things to ice. For example, 'un vent glaçant' is a wind that cuts through clothing and makes the skin sting.

L'eau du lac était d'un froid glaçant, rendant la baignade impossible même en plein été.

Emotional Impact: This is the most common use in journalism and storytelling. It describes a testimony, a crime scene, or a look that is so devoid of humanity or so horrifying that it leaves the observer stunned. It is often paired with 'récit' (account), 'témoignage' (testimony), or 'regard' (look/stare).

Le tueur a gardé un calme glaçant pendant tout le procès, ne montrant aucun remords.

The word carries a weight of stillness. Unlike 'effrayant' (scary), which might imply a jump-scare or a loud fright, 'glaçant' implies a slow, creeping dread. It is the silence after a scream, the cold logic of a villain, or the realization of a terrible truth. In French culture, it is frequently used in 'faits divers' (news items about crimes or accidents) to emphasize the horror of a situation without being overly sensationalist, as it focuses on the internal reaction of the observer.

Artistic Critique: In film and book reviews, 'glaçant' is a high compliment for a thriller or a horror movie. It suggests that the atmosphere was perfectly executed to create a sense of unease that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.

La performance de l'acteur dans ce rôle de psychopathe est tout simplement glaçante.

Ultimately, 'glaçant' is about the absence of warmth—both thermal and human. It describes the void left by empathy or the harsh reality of a winter storm. When you use it, you are signaling that the experience was more than just unpleasant; it was transformative in its coldness.

Using glaçant correctly involves mastering its grammatical agreement and its placement relative to the noun. As an adjective derived from a present participle, it follows the standard rules for gender and number agreement in French. This means you must change the ending to match the noun it describes: glaçant (masculine singular), glaçante (feminine singular), glaçants (masculine plural), and glaçantes (feminine plural). Note that the 'ç' (c-cedilla) is essential before the 'a' to maintain the soft 's' sound, but it remains throughout the conjugation because the root is 'glacer'.

Agreement Patterns: Always look at the noun. For 'une nouvelle' (a piece of news), you use 'glaçante'. For 'des cris' (screams), you use 'glaçants'. The pronunciation remains largely the same, except for the feminine where the 't' is slightly more audible due to the following 'e'.

Elle a poussé un cri glaçant qui a réveillé tout le voisinage.

Positioning: In French, 'glaçant' almost always follows the noun. This is typical for adjectives that describe a physical quality or an emotional state. Placing it before the noun (e.g., 'un glaçant récit') is very rare and would only be seen in highly stylized, poetic literature to add dramatic emphasis.

Les statistiques sur le changement climatique sont tout simplement glaçantes.

Another important aspect is the intensity. 'Glaçant' is already a 'strong' adjective, similar to 'freezing' or 'terrifying'. Therefore, you rarely use it with 'très' (very). Instead, use 'absolument' (absolutely), 'véritablement' (truly), or 'tout simplement' (quite simply) to reinforce the meaning. Using 'très glaçant' is grammatically correct but stylistically weak, as 'glaçant' already implies a high degree of intensity.

Common Noun Pairings: Learn these as set blocks: 'un silence glaçant' (a chilling silence), 'une vérité glaçante' (a chilling truth), 'un réalisme glaçant' (a chilling realism), 'une froideur glaçante' (a chilling coldness/indifference).

Il y avait un réalisme glaçant dans ce film de guerre.

Finally, remember that 'glaçant' can also be used to describe people, but usually in terms of their behavior or a specific trait (like their gaze or their voice), rather than their overall personality. If you say 'cet homme est glaçant', you mean his presence makes people feel uneasy or scared, often because he lacks emotion.

To hear glaçant in the wild, you should look toward specific domains of French life: the news, the arts, and the winter weather reports. It is a word that thrives in environments where drama and intensity are present. In the world of French media, particularly in the 'JT' (Journal Télévisé), anchors will use 'glaçant' to describe a particularly heinous crime or a shocking revelation in a political scandal. It is a 'headline' word—designed to grab attention and convey the gravity of a situation.

In Crime Journalism: Journalists often describe the 'calme glaçant' (chilling calm) of a suspect or the 'détails glaçants' (chilling details) of a police investigation. This usage highlights the lack of human emotion in a dark situation.

Le procureur a décrit des détails glaçants sur le mode opératoire du suspect.

In Cinema and Literature: If you read reviews on sites like Allociné or in magazines like Télérama, you will see 'glaçant' used to describe thrillers. A 'thriller glaçant' is one that doesn't rely on gore but on psychological tension. It's a hallmark of the 'Nordic Noir' genre in French translation.

C'est un suspense glaçant qui vous tient en haleine jusqu'à la dernière minute.

In everyday conversation, you might hear it when someone describes a narrow escape or a very uncomfortable social encounter. If someone looks at you with a 'regard glaçant', they are looking at you with such coldness or hostility that you feel physically uncomfortable. It's also used when discussing the weather, particularly during the 'Mistral' or 'Tramontane' winds in the south of France, which can be described as 'glaçants' even if the sun is out, because of their biting intensity.

In Political Discourse: Politicians or activists might use the word to describe the potential consequences of a policy or a trend. For example, 'un constat glaçant' (a chilling observation) about poverty or environmental destruction.

Le rapport de l'ONU présente un constat glaçant sur l'état de la biodiversité.

Finally, in the digital world, YouTube titles or social media posts often use 'glaçant' as clickbait to describe 'paranormal' videos or 'unsolved mysteries'. While this is a more informal use, it shows how the word has permeated all levels of French communication to signify something that is 'scary and cold' simultaneously.

Even for intermediate learners, glaçant can be a bit tricky due to its similarity to other words and its specific emotional weight. The most common pitfall is the confusion between 'glaçant' and 'glacé'. While both come from 'glace' (ice), they are used in very different contexts. 'Glacé' is a past participle used as an adjective, meaning 'iced' or 'frozen' in a physical, often culinary sense. You drink 'café glacé' (iced coffee) or eat 'marrons glacés' (candied chestnuts). You would never call a coffee 'glaçant' unless it was so cold it was literally terrifying you, which makes no sense!

Glaçant vs. Glacé: 'Glaçant' is active (it makes you feel cold/scared), whereas 'glacé' is passive (the object itself has been frozen). Use 'glacé' for food and 'glaçant' for effects/feelings.

Incorrect: Ce film était glacé. (Unless the DVD was in the freezer!)
Correct: Ce film était glaçant.

Overuse as a Synonym for 'Cold': Another mistake is using 'glaçant' for any cold temperature. If you just want to say it's chilly outside, use 'frais' or 'froid'. Reserve 'glaçant' for when the cold is extreme or has a biting, painful quality. Using it for a mild autumn day sounds overly dramatic and slightly ridiculous to native speakers.

Spelling Error: glacant (Missing cedilla).
Correct: glaçant.

Learners also sometimes confuse 'glaçant' with 'glacial'. While they are close, 'glacial' is often used more technically (e.g., 'ère glaciale' - ice age) or to describe a social atmosphere that is stiff and unfriendly but not necessarily scary. 'Glaçant' is more visceral and emotional. If a party is 'glaciale', it's boring and nobody is talking. If a party is 'glaçante', something very creepy is happening.

Agreement Mistakes: Since 'glaçant' ends in 't', people often forget to add the 'e' for feminine nouns. 'Une ambiance glaçante' is correct. Forgetting the 'e' makes the sentence grammatically incorrect and can confuse the listener about the noun you are describing.

Incorrect: Une peur glaçant.
Correct: Une peur glaçante.

Finally, avoid using 'glaçant' to describe a person's physical temperature (like if someone has a fever or is cold). For that, you would say 'il est gelé' or 'il est tout froid'. 'Il est glaçant' describes his personality or effect on others, not his body temperature.

To truly master glaçant, you should understand how it sits within a family of related French adjectives. Depending on whether you want to emphasize the physical cold or the emotional terror, you might choose a different word. French is rich in nuances, and choosing the right synonym can change the entire tone of your sentence. Here is a breakdown of how 'glaçant' compares to its closest relatives.

Glacial vs Glaçant: 'Glacial' is often more formal or technical. It describes extreme cold without the necessarily 'scary' connotation of 'glaçant'. In a social sense, 'un accueil glacial' means a very cold, unfriendly welcome, whereas 'un accueil glaçant' would mean a welcome that made your hair stand on end.

Effrayant vs Glaçant: 'Effrayant' is the general word for 'scary' or 'frightening'. It can be used for a spider, a loud noise, or a monster. 'Glaçant' is a specific type of 'effrayant'—it's the kind of scary that makes you go still and cold. Use 'effrayant' for active fear and 'glaçant' for a deep, unsettling dread.

Un film effrayant peut faire sursauter, mais un film glaçant vous empêche de dormir.

Saisissant vs Glaçant: 'Saisissant' means 'striking' or 'startling'. It can be positive or negative. A 'beauté saisissante' is a striking beauty. 'Glaçant' is always negative or at least unsettling. However, both imply a physical reaction (being 'seized' or 'frozen').

Le silence sépulcral de la crypte était glaçant.

Terrifiant vs Glaçant: 'Terrifiant' is 'terrifying'. It is higher on the scale of fear than 'effrayant'. 'Glaçant' is often used as a synonym for 'terrifiant' in literary contexts to add a layer of coldness or 'sang-froid' (cold bloodedness) to the description.

In summary, choose glaçant when there is a 'cold' element involved—either literal cold or an emotional coldness that makes the fear feel more 'inner' and lasting. For a more direct, external fear, 'effrayant' or 'terrifiant' are your best bets. For a social coldness without fear, 'glacial' is the standard choice.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'glace' in French is a 'doublet' because it means both 'ice' and 'mirror'. This is because early mirrors were made of polished surfaces that looked like frozen water.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ɡla.sɑ̃/

US /ɡlæ.sɑ̃/

The stress is equal on both syllables, as is typical in French, but the nasal 'an' carries a slight emphasis in emotional speech.

Rima com

passant cassant laissant pressant puissant naissant glissant ravissant

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the final 't'. (It should be silent).
Pronouncing the 'ç' as a 'k' sound. (It must be an 's' sound).
Failing to make the 'an' nasal. (It should not sound like 'ann' in 'Annie').
Pronouncing the 'g' as a 'j' sound (like 'George').
Over-emphasizing the first syllable.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'glace', but figurative meanings require context.

Escrita 3/5

Must remember the cedilla 'ç' and gender/number agreement.

Expressão oral 3/5

The nasal 'an' and silent 't' can be tricky for beginners.

Audição 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

glace froid peur eau vent

Aprenda a seguir

glacial saisissant effrayant frissonner glacer

Avançado

sépulcral sidérant pétrifiant sang-froid imperturbable

Gramática essencial

Agreement of adjectives ending in -ant

Un vent glaçant (m), une pluie glaçante (f).

The use of the cedilla (ç) before 'a', 'o', 'u'

Glacer -> Glaçant (to keep the 's' sound).

Adjectives of emotion placement

Usually follow the noun: Un récit glaçant.

Present participle as adjective

Glaçant comes from the verb glacer.

Intensifiers with strong adjectives

Use 'absolument' or 'véritablement' instead of 'très'.

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Exemplos por nível

Le vent est glaçant aujourd'hui.

The wind is freezing today.

Simple subject + verb 'être' + adjective.

L'eau de la mer est glaçante.

The sea water is freezing.

Feminine agreement: 'glaçante' matches 'l'eau'.

Il fait un froid glaçant ce matin.

It is freezing cold this morning.

Using 'glaçant' to modify the noun 'froid'.

Mets ton manteau, l'air est glaçant.

Put on your coat, the air is freezing.

Imperative verb + explanation with 'glaçant'.

La neige est glaçante pour mes mains.

The snow is freezing for my hands.

Adjective describing the effect of snow.

Ce courant d'air est glaçant.

This draft is freezing.

Masculine singular agreement.

Les nuits sont glaçantes en hiver.

The nights are freezing in winter.

Feminine plural agreement: 'glaçantes' matches 'les nuits'.

J'ai un pied glaçant !

I have a freezing foot!

Informal use for physical sensation.

C'est une histoire glaçante sur les fantômes.

It's a chilling ghost story.

Feminine agreement with 'histoire'.

Il y a un silence glaçant dans la maison.

There is a chilling silence in the house.

Common collocation: 'silence glaçant'.

Son regard était glaçant quand il est parti.

His look was chilling when he left.

Describing an emotional expression.

Le film de hier soir était vraiment glaçant.

Last night's movie was really chilling.

Using 'vraiment' to intensify the adjective.

Elle a entendu un cri glaçant dans la rue.

She heard a chilling scream in the street.

Masculine agreement with 'cri'.

Les nouvelles à la radio sont glaçantes.

The news on the radio is chilling.

Feminine plural agreement with 'nouvelles'.

Cette vieille prison est un endroit glaçant.

This old prison is a chilling place.

Describing the atmosphere of a place.

J'ai ressenti une peur glaçante.

I felt a chilling fear.

Feminine agreement with 'peur'.

Le récit du témoin était absolument glaçant.

The witness's account was absolutely chilling.

Use of 'absolument' for emphasis.

Il a gardé un calme glaçant pendant l'accident.

He kept a chilling calm during the accident.

Describing an unsettling lack of emotion.

C'est un thriller glaçant avec une fin inattendue.

It's a chilling thriller with an unexpected ending.

Common literary/cinematic genre description.

Les détails du crime sont glaçants.

The details of the crime are chilling.

Masculine plural agreement with 'détails'.

La ressemblance entre les deux scènes est glaçante.

The resemblance between the two scenes is chilling.

Feminine agreement with 'ressemblance'.

Elle a un ton de voix glaçant quand elle est en colère.

She has a chilling tone of voice when she is angry.

Describing a specific quality of speech.

Le constat sur la pollution est glaçant pour l'avenir.

The observation about pollution is chilling for the future.

Using 'glaçant' in a social/environmental context.

On a trouvé des preuves glaçantes dans la cave.

They found chilling evidence in the cellar.

Feminine plural agreement with 'preuves'.

L'absence de remords du coupable est glaçante.

The culprit's lack of remorse is chilling.

Abstract noun 'absence' as the subject.

Le film dépeint une réalité glaçante de la guerre.

The film depicts a chilling reality of war.

Using 'glaçante' to describe a harsh reality.

Il y avait une indifférence glaçante dans ses propos.

There was a chilling indifference in his words.

Describing a psychological state through speech.

Les prévisions économiques sont tout simplement glaçantes.

The economic forecasts are quite simply chilling.

Adverbial phrase 'tout simplement' for emphasis.

Le tueur agissait avec une précision glaçante.

The killer acted with chilling precision.

Describing the manner of an action.

Cette découverte remet tout en cause de façon glaçante.

This discovery challenges everything in a chilling way.

Adverbial construction 'de façon glaçante'.

Le silence qui a suivi l'annonce était glaçant.

The silence that followed the announcement was chilling.

Relative clause 'qui a suivi...' modifying 'silence'.

Elle a écrit un poème d'une beauté glaçante.

She wrote a poem of chilling beauty.

Oxymoron-like pairing: 'beauté' + 'glaçante'.

L'auteur manie l'ironie avec une froideur glaçante.

The author handles irony with a chilling coldness.

Literary analysis context.

C'est une analyse glaçante des mécanismes du pouvoir.

It's a chilling analysis of the mechanisms of power.

Describing intellectual work.

Le contraste entre le luxe et la misère était glaçant.

The contrast between luxury and misery was chilling.

Describing a social observation.

Une clarté glaçante se dégageait de son raisonnement.

A chilling clarity emerged from his reasoning.

Metaphorical use for logic.

Le film évite le sensationnalisme pour un réalisme glaçant.

The film avoids sensationalism for a chilling realism.

Contrast between two artistic styles.

Leurs témoignages concordent avec une exactitude glaçante.

Their testimonies match with a chilling accuracy.

Describing the perfection of something disturbing.

Il règne ici une atmosphère de désolation glaçante.

A chilling atmosphere of desolation reigns here.

Using 'règne' to describe an atmosphere.

L'indifférence des passants était le plus glaçant.

The indifference of the passers-by was the most chilling thing.

Superlative structure 'le plus glaçant'.

Le texte explore la vacuité glaçante de l'existence moderne.

The text explores the chilling vacuity of modern existence.

Philosophical/Existential context.

Une esthétique glaçante imprègne chaque plan du film.

A chilling aesthetic permeates every shot of the film.

Artistic/Cinematic critique.

La déshumanisation du discours politique est glaçante.

The dehumanization of political discourse is chilling.

Sociopolitical critique.

Il y a une solennité glaçante dans ce rituel ancien.

There is a chilling solemnity in this ancient ritual.

Describing ritualistic atmosphere.

L'œuvre confronte le spectateur à une solitude glaçante.

The work confronts the viewer with a chilling solitude.

Describing the effect of art on the viewer.

Sa lucidité glaçante ne lui laissait aucun espoir.

His chilling lucidity left him no hope.

Describing a tragic mental state.

Le silence sépulcral de la crypte était proprement glaçant.

The sepulchral silence of the crypt was truly chilling.

Using 'proprement' to mean 'literally/truly'.

Le rapport dresse un portrait glaçant de la corruption.

The report paints a chilling portrait of corruption.

Metaphorical 'portrait' for a descriptive report.

Colocações comuns

un silence glaçant

un récit glaçant

un calme glaçant

un réalisme glaçant

un regard glaçant

une vérité glaçante

un vent glaçant

des détails glaçants

une froideur glaçante

un constat glaçant

Frases Comuns

C'est glaçant.

— Used as a reaction to something scary or disturbing. It means 'That's chilling.'

Tu as vu ce documentaire ? Oui, c'est glaçant.

Une ambiance glaçante.

— Describes a room or situation that feels very creepy. It means 'A chilling atmosphere.'

Il y avait une ambiance glaçante dans ce vieux château.

Un cri glaçant.

— A scream that makes you freeze with fear. It means 'A bone-chilling scream.'

Soudain, un cri glaçant a déchiré la nuit.

Une peur glaçante.

— A fear that is so intense it feels cold. It means 'A chilling fear.'

Une peur glaçante s'est emparée de lui.

Un froid glaçant.

— Extreme cold that feels like ice. It means 'A freezing cold.'

Il fait un froid glaçant dehors, couvre-toi bien.

Des nouvelles glaçantes.

— Shocking or disturbing news. It means 'Chilling news.'

Nous avons reçu des nouvelles glaçantes ce matin.

Une précision glaçante.

— Something done with scary accuracy. It means 'Chilling precision.'

Il se souvient de tout avec une précision glaçante.

Un témoignage glaçant.

— A witness account that is horrifying. It means 'A chilling testimony.'

Le tribunal a écouté un témoignage glaçant.

Un ton glaçant.

— A way of speaking that is cold and scary. It means 'A chilling tone.'

Elle m'a répondu d'un ton glaçant.

Une indifférence glaçante.

— A lack of care that is scary. It means 'A chilling indifference.'

Son indifférence face au drame était glaçante.

Frequentemente confundido com

glaçant vs glacé

Glacé means 'iced' (like iced tea) or 'frozen'. Glaçant means 'freezing' or 'chilling' (the effect it has).

glaçant vs glacial

Glacial is often more literal/technical or describes a cold but not scary atmosphere.

glaçant vs glissant

Glissant means 'slippery'. Don't confuse the 's' sound in both.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Avoir le sang glacé"

— To be extremely scared or shocked (literally 'to have frozen blood'). Related to 'glaçant'.

Cette nouvelle m'a glacé le sang.

Common

"Rester de glace"

— To remain indifferent or unmoved, showing no emotion. Related to the 'cold' aspect.

Malgré ses excuses, elle est restée de glace.

Common

"Briser la glace"

— To break the ice (start a conversation). While not 'glaçant', it uses the same root.

Il a raconté une blague pour briser la glace.

Common

"Un froid de canard"

— Extremely cold weather (often described as 'glaçant').

Il fait un froid de canard aujourd'hui !

Informal

"Être cloué par la peur"

— To be frozen with fear (similar to the effect of something 'glaçant').

Il est resté cloué par la peur devant le serpent.

Neutral

"Faire froid dans le dos"

— To give someone the creeps (literally 'to make cold in the back').

Cette histoire me fait froid dans le dos.

Common

"Garder son sang-froid"

— To keep one's cool. The 'froid' here is positive, unlike the 'froid' in 'glaçant'.

Il a gardé son sang-froid pendant l'urgence.

Neutral

"Être glacé jusqu'aux os"

— To be chilled to the bone.

Après cette marche sous la pluie, je suis glacé jusqu'aux os.

Common

"Un accueil de banquise"

— An extremely cold welcome (similar to 'accueil glacial').

On a reçu un accueil de banquise dans ce magasin.

Informal

"Se refroidir"

— To cool down, but also slang for 'to die' (making the body 'glaçant').

Le café se refroidit.

Neutral/Slang

Fácil de confundir

glaçant vs glacé

Both come from 'glace'.

Glacé is the state of being cold/frozen. Glaçant is the quality of making someone feel cold/scared.

Un thé glacé vs. un vent glaçant.

glaçant vs glacial

Very similar meaning.

Glacial is more 'technical' or 'distant'. Glaçant is more 'visceral' and 'emotional'.

Une ère glaciale vs. un cri glaçant.

glaçant vs glaçage

Similar root.

Glaçage is a noun meaning 'icing' on a cake.

Le glaçage du gâteau est sucré.

glaçant vs glaçon

Similar root.

Glaçon is a noun meaning 'ice cube'.

Je veux deux glaçons dans mon verre.

glaçant vs glacer

It's the verb form.

Glacer is the action. Glaçant is the description.

La peur m'a glacé le sang.

Padrões de frases

Le [weather noun] est glaçant.

Le vent est glaçant.

C'est un(e) [noun] glaçant(e).

C'est une histoire glaçante.

J'ai trouvé ce [noun] glaçant.

J'ai trouvé ce film glaçant.

Il y a un [noun] glaçant dans [place/situation].

Il y a un réalisme glaçant dans ce livre.

[Noun] se révèle d'une froideur glaçante.

Son analyse se révèle d'une froideur glaçante.

[Abstract noun] est tout simplement glaçant.

Leur indifférence est tout simplement glaçante.

Une esthétique [adjective] et glaçante.

Une esthétique épurée et glaçante.

L'œuvre dresse un portrait glaçant de [topic].

L'œuvre dresse un portrait glaçant de la société.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

glace (ice/mirror)

glaçon (ice cube)

glacier (glacier/ice cream maker)

glacière (cooler/ice box)

glaçage (icing/frosting)

Verbos

glacer (to freeze/to ice)

déglacer (to deglaze in cooking)

congelé (to deep freeze)

Adjetivos

glacé (iced/frozen)

glacial (glacial/very cold)

glaciaire (relating to glaciers)

Relacionado

froid

gel

frisson

effroi

banquise

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Como usar

frequency

Common in media and literature; moderate in daily speech.

Erros comuns

Un thé glaçant → Un thé glacé
You use 'glacé' for things that are intentionally made cold, like drinks or food.
Une histoire glaçant → Une histoire glaçante
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'histoire'.
Le vent est glacant → Le vent est glaçant
You must use the cedilla 'ç' to keep the soft 's' sound.
Il est très glaçant (meaning he is cold) → Il a très froid
To say someone feels cold, use 'avoir froid'. 'Il est glaçant' means he is a scary person.
Un accueil glaçant (meaning a boring welcome) → Un accueil glacial
Use 'glacial' for a cold social atmosphere that isn't necessarily scary.

Dicas

Don't forget the cedilla

Always write the 'ç'. Without it, 'glacant' would be pronounced with a hard 'k' sound, which is wrong.

Pair it with 'Silence'

'Un silence glaçant' is one of the most common collocations. Use it to describe a moment where everyone is too shocked to speak.

Use for Thrillers

When writing a book or movie review in French, 'glaçant' is the perfect word for a good psychological thriller.

Silent T

The 't' at the end of 'glaçant' is silent in the masculine form. In the feminine 'glaçante', you pronounce it.

Weather Context

In winter, use 'glaçant' to complain about the biting wind. It sounds very native!

Glaçant vs Glacé

Remember: Food is 'glacé', feelings are 'glaçant'. Don't mix them up at a restaurant!

Human Coldness

Use it to describe a lack of empathy. A 'calme glaçant' during a crisis suggests someone is perhaps a bit sociopathic.

Agreement check

Always check the noun gender. 'Une nouvelle' -> 'glaçante'. 'Un vent' -> 'glaçant'.

News keywords

When you hear 'glaçant' on French news, pay attention—something serious is being discussed.

Ice = Scared

Just remember: Ice (glace) makes you shiver. Fear makes you shiver. Both are 'glaçant'.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Glacier'. A glacier is huge, cold, and can be scary if you fall in. 'Glaçant' is the feeling you get when you look at a scary glacier.

Associação visual

Imagine a person standing in front of a giant ice monster. The person is shivering (cold) and their eyes are wide (scared). That is 'glaçant'.

Word Web

glace froid peur horreur hiver silence regard récit

Desafio

Try to use 'glaçant' to describe a movie you saw recently. Write three sentences: one about the weather in the movie, one about the villain's look, and one about the ending.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the French verb 'glacer', which comes from the Vulgar Latin 'glaciare', originating from the Classical Latin 'glacies' meaning 'ice'. The suffix '-ant' creates the present participle, which in this case functions as an adjective.

Significado original: To turn into ice or to cause something to become icy.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'glaçant' to describe people. It is a very strong negative judgment, implying they are scary or lack humanity. Don't use it for someone who is just a bit unfriendly.

In English, we have many words like 'chilling', 'freezing', 'hair-raising', and 'eerie'. 'Glaçant' covers the space between 'chilling' and 'freezing'.

The atmosphere in 'Le Silence des Agneaux' (The Silence of the Lambs) is often described as 'glaçante' in French reviews. The winter descriptions in 'Le Passe-miroir' by Christelle Dabos. News headlines regarding the 'Affaire Grégory', a famous French cold case.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Weather

Un vent glaçant
Un froid glaçant
Une pluie glaçante
L'air est glaçant

Movies/Books

Un thriller glaçant
Une intrigue glaçante
Une fin glaçante
Un suspense glaçant

Crime/News

Des détails glaçants
Un témoignage glaçant
Un crime glaçant
Un calme glaçant

Human Interaction

Un regard glaçant
Un ton glaçant
Une indifférence glaçante
Un silence glaçant

Social Issues

Un constat glaçant
Une réalité glaçante
Des chiffres glaçants
Une perspective glaçante

Iniciadores de conversa

"As-tu déjà vu un film que tu as trouvé vraiment glaçant ?"

"Quel est l'endroit le plus glaçant que tu as visité ?"

"Est-ce qu'il fait souvent un froid glaçant dans ta région ?"

"Que penses-tu du silence glaçant dans les films d'horreur ?"

"As-tu déjà reçu un regard glaçant de la part d'un inconnu ?"

Temas para diário

Décrivez une expérience où vous avez ressenti un froid glaçant, soit à cause de la météo, soit à cause de la peur.

Écrivez le début d'une histoire courte qui commence par : 'Un silence glaçant régnait dans la pièce.'

Pensez à un problème mondial actuel. Pourquoi le trouvez-vous glaçant ?

Comparez l'effet d'un film 'effrayant' et d'un film 'glaçant'. Lequel préférez-vous ?

Décrivez un personnage qui a un calme glaçant. Comment agit-il ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, for iced tea you must use 'glacé'. 'Thé glacé' is the correct term. 'Glaçant' would imply the tea is terrifying or freezing you in a scary way.

Yes, it is much stronger than 'froid' (cold) or 'effrayant' (scary). It implies an extreme sensation.

The 'ç' is always pronounced like an 's' in 'snake'. Never like a 'k'.

Rarely. It almost always has a negative or unsettling connotation. However, in art or film, being 'glaçant' can be a sign of high quality in the thriller genre.

The feminine plural is 'glaçantes'. You add an 'e' for feminine and an 's' for plural.

It almost always comes after the noun. For example: 'un vent glaçant' or 'un récit glaçant'.

You can, but it's better to use 'absolument' or 'vraiment' because 'glaçant' is already an extreme adjective.

Yes, especially when talking about the weather or a scary movie you just saw.

'Terrifiant' is general terror. 'Glaçant' is a specific type of terror that feels 'cold', 'still', and 'emotionless'.

Yes, but it describes their effect on others. 'Il est glaçant' means he is creepy or intimidatingly cold, not that he is physically cold.

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