manque de respect
The English phrase 'disrespect' can be translated into French as manque de respect.
The phrase manque de respect is used to describe the act of showing a lack of respect. For expressing a higher degree of disrespect, such as contempt or disdain, the term Le mépris is used.
Meaning: to show a lack of respect (verb)
Which one should you use?
While manque de respect translates to 'the lack of respect', you might use Le mépris when the feeling is more intense, specifically to convey contempt or disdain.
Did you know?
- The word manque in manque de respect was borrowed from the Italian word manco, which originally comes from the Latin mancus meaning 'maimed' or 'crippled'.
- French has a distinct linguistic boundary between manque de respect (a failure to show due respect) and insolence (an active, provocative lack of respect).
- The term le mépris can also be used to describe 'disregard' for a rule or a law, such as le mépris des lois, rather than just a feeling toward a person.
Examples in context
- Il a montré un grand manque de respect envers son supérieurHe showed a great lack of respect towards his superior
- Il a fait preuve d'irrespect envers ses aînésHe showed disrespect towards his elders
- Sa remarque était empreinte de méprisHis remark was filled with contempt
- Il a fait preuve d'un grand manque de politesse envers son collègueHe showed a great lack of politeness towards his colleague
- Elle a vraiment manqué de considération pour leurs opinionsShe really lacked consideration for their opinions
- Ses paroles chargées de mépris ont montré un profond manque de respect envers les autres participantsHis words filled with contempt showed a deep lack of respect towards the other participants
- Je ne tolérerai aucun manque de respect ici.I will not tolerate any disrespect here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, manque, respect, CC BY-SA 4.0.
