repoussoir

[ ruh-poo-swahr ]

/ rə puˈswɑr /

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noun Painting.

a figure or object in the extreme foreground: used as a contrast and to increase the illusion of depth.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of repoussoir

1870–75; <French, equivalent to repouss(er) to push back (see repoussé) + -oir-ory²

Words nearby repoussoir

repossess, repost, repot, repoussage, repoussé, repoussoir, repp, Repplier, repr., reprehend, reprehensible