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bête

beast

noun adjective BET Less Common
Animals & Nature Wild Animals

Also means

stupid

Usage Note

Bête functions as both a noun ('animal, beast') and a colloquial adjective meaning 'stupid' or 'dumb' — c'est bête! ('that's so stupid!'). As a noun, it can refer to any animal, especially a wild or farm animal. Bête noire ('black beast') is a set phrase borrowed into English meaning a pet hate or bugbear. The final -e is silent.

Examples

"Cette bête est très dangereuse."

Natural Translation

That beast is very dangerous.

Literal Translation

This beast is very dangerous

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