Also means
drab
Usage Note
Terne describes a lack of brightness or vivacity, applied to colours, eyes, skin, or personalities. It is invariable in gender: un teint terne, une couleur terne. The verb ternir means 'to tarnish' or 'to dull', and is frequently used figuratively: ternir la réputation de quelqu'un ('to tarnish someone's reputation').
Examples
"Son regard était terne et fatigué."
Natural Translation
His gaze was dull and tired.
Related Words
Explore French by topic