A bit of a digression re déçue: how is it that décevoir means disappoint,

Susan R.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

A bit of a digression re déçue: how is it that décevoir means disappoint,

but seems to come from the same root as deceive?
Asked 8 years ago
AurélieNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer
Bonjour Susan !

That's an interesting remark :)
I guess the two meanings are not that far from each other: after all you would be disappointed if someone deceived you. I guess that's probably the link between the two meanings!

Note that in French we also have "désappointé" and "désappointement", they're just not common and considered quite old-fashioned and quaint.

À bientôt !
Susan R.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
The linkage you point to may be an example of French as the language of diplomacy - "We were disappointed" sounds far more moderate than, "We were deceived." Or maybe not. Thanks for your reply, Aurélie.

A bit of a digression re déçue: how is it that décevoir means disappoint,

but seems to come from the same root as deceive?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...