French translation of
idler
is
fainéant
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Meaning of "idler" in English
An "idler" refers to a person who avoids work or is habitually lazy. It typically describes someone who chooses to be inactive or engages in aimless activities, often perceived as lacking ambition or motivation. The term can also relate to a mechanical component, like an idler pulley, which assists in maintaining tension or guiding a belt system without performing direct work. While it can have a negative connotation when describing a person, its mechanical usage is neutral and purely functional.
Meaning of "fainéant" in French
In French, "fainéant" signifies a person who is lazy or idle, much like the English counterpart "idler." It portrays someone reluctant to engage in work or activities requiring effort, often preferring leisure or inactivity. Historically, "fainéant" carried a similar disparaging implication as seen in English, though the intensity can vary based on context. Its usage is typically in informal contexts to critique someone's lack of activity or motivation.
Pronunciation of "idler" in English
Phonetic Transcription: /ˈaɪdlər/.
Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "idler" is generally consistent across English dialects, though in some regions, the "r" may be softer or silent, particularly in certain British accents. The emphasis remains on the first syllable.
Pronunciation of "fainéant" in French
Phonetic Transcription: /fɛ.na.ɑ̃/.
Pronunciation Variations: In standard French, each syllable is pronounced clearly, with a nasal sound in the last syllable. Regional accents might slightly alter emphasis or nasalization, particularly in areas with strong local dialects.
Sentence examples in English and translation to French
- The idler sat on the park bench all afternoon. (Le fainéant est resté assis sur le banc du parc tout l'après-midi.)
- She accused him of being an idler who contributed nothing to the household. (Elle l'a accusé d'être un fainéant qui ne contribuait à rien au ménage.)
- The idler pulley helps maintain the tension in the car's belt system. (La poulie fainéante aide à maintenir la tension dans le système de courroie de la voiture.)
- He was labeled an idler by his peers due to his lack of effort. (Il a été étiqueté fainéant par ses pairs en raison de son manque d'effort.)
- Even as an idler, he managed to find joy in simple pleasures. (Même en tant que fainéant, il a réussi à trouver du plaisir dans les plaisirs simples.)
- The idler lacked ambition and preferred a relaxed lifestyle. (Le fainéant manquait d'ambition et préférait un style de vie détendu.)
- Her brother is an idler who barely helps with chores. (Son frère est un fainéant qui aide à peine aux tâches ménagères.)
- The idler gear connects two other gears without any direct output. (Le pignon fainéant connecte deux autres pignons sans sortie directe.)
- As an idler, he spent hours daydreaming. (En tant que fainéant, il passait des heures à rêvasser.)
- He developed a reputation as the office idler due to his frequent breaks. (Il a acquis la réputation d'être le fainéant du bureau en raison de ses pauses fréquentes.)
Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "idler" in English
Synonyms: loafer, slacker, lazybones, layabout, couch potato, shirker, drone, dawdler, do-nothing, laggard.
Antonyms: worker, hustler, achiever, striver, go-getter, doer, dynamo, busy bee, industrious person, active person.
Similar Words: procrastinator, dreamer, couch surfer, drifter, bum, negligent person, grifter, time-waster, apathetic person, passive person.
Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "fainéant" in French
Synonyms: paresseux, flemmard, feignant, indolent, oisif, désoeuvré, traînard, lambin, flâneur, tire-au-flanc.
Antonyms: travailleur, actif, dynamique, laborieux, assidu, industrieux, acharné, énergique, persévérant, zélé.
Similar Words: procrastinateur, rêveur, amateur de canapé, vagabond, bon à rien, négligent, grugeur, gaspilleur de temps, apathique, passif.
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