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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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