blême
pale, wan, ashen
adjective BLEHM Rare
Origin: From Old Norse 'blámr' (bluish), via Old French.
Usage Note
Blême (same form for both genders) denotes an unnaturally pale complexion caused by shock, fear, illness, or cold — more dramatic than pâle. The phrase blême de colère ('white with rage') is idiomatic. The related verb blêmir means to turn pale: il a blêmi en entendant la nouvelle ('he went pale on hearing the news').
Examples
"Elle était blême après la mauvaise nouvelle."
Natural Translation
She was ashen after the bad news.
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