contretemps
[ kon-truh-tahn; French kawntruh-tahn ]
/ ˈkɒn trəˌtɑ̃; French kɔ̃trəˈtɑ̃ /
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noun, plural con·tre·temps [kon-truh-tahnz; French kawntruh-tahn]. /ˈkɒn trəˌtɑ̃z; French kɔ̃trəˈtɑ̃/.
an inopportune occurrence; an embarrassing mischance: He caused a minor contretemps by knocking over his drink.
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Words nearby contretemps
contrecoup injury of brain, contredanse, contre-jour, cont. rem., contre-partie, contretemps, contrib., contribute, contribution, contributor, contributory
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for contretemps
contretemps
/ (ˈkɒntrəˌtɑːn, French kɔ̃trətɑ̃) /
noun plural -temps
an awkward or difficult situation or mishap
fencing a feint made with the purpose of producing a counterthrust from one's opponent
a small disagreement that is rather embarrassing
Word Origin for contretemps
C17: from French, from contre against + temps time, from Latin tempus
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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