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avare
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., grand, petit).
1. (stingy)
a. miserly
Damien est si avare qu'il refuse d'allumer le chauffage quand il fait froid.Damien is so miserly that he refuses to turn on the heating when it's cold.
b. mean (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom.
Mon premier mari était riche mais avare. Il détestait dépenser de l’argent.My first husband was wealthy but mean. He hated to spend money.
2. (figurative) (not being lavish; used with "de")
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
a. very sparing with
Nous ne savons pas grand-chose de ce qui s'est passé. Pauline a été avare de détails.We don't know much about what happened. Pauline was very sparing with details.
b. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
Caroline était très avare de son temps. Elle refusait souvent d’aider les autres.Caroline was very reluctant to give up her time. She often refused to help others.
Mon compagnon est avare de compliments ou d'affection.My partner rarely gives compliments or shows affection.
A masculine or feminine noun is a noun can be masculine or feminine depending on the gender of the person or animal it refers to (e.g., le footballeur, la footballeuse).
a. miser
Pourquoi tu ne demandes pas de l'argent à Sonia ? - Parce qu'elle ne m'en prêtera pas ! C'est une vraie avare !Why don't you ask Sonia for money? - Because she won't lend me any! She's a real miser!
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