contretemps etymology

Etymology:

  • French: contretemps
  • Latin: contra (against) + tempus (time)

Meaning:

  • An unexpected or untimely event, occurrence, or interruption.
  • A situation or event that is inconvenient, embarrassing, or causes a setback.

Origin:

The term "contretemps" originated in the 17th century in French. It was originally used in music to refer to a discord caused by a note played out of time or harmony. Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to describe any type of unexpected or inconvenient event or situation.

Usage:

"Contretemps" is typically used in a neutral or negative sense to describe events or situations that disrupt or cause problems. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including:

  • Social gatherings
  • Business meetings
  • Travel plans
  • Personal relationships

Examples:

  • "My car broke down, causing a contretemps that delayed my arrival by several hours."
  • "The contretemps at the party embarrassed both the host and the guests."
  • "The release of the confidential documents was an unfortunate contretemps that damaged the company's reputation."

contretemps relate terms

  • contra

    Etymology The word contra is derived from the Latin prefix contra meaning against

  • temporal

    Etymology The word temporal is derived from Latin temporalis which in turn comes fro

  • temporary

    Etymology The word temporary comes from the Late Latin temporarius meaning of time

  • brush

    Etymology and Meaning Brush derives from the Middle English word brusche which in tur

  • shrub

    Etymology The word shrub originates from the Middle English word scrob which in tur

  • clash

    Etymology The word clash comes from the Middle English word clashen which in turn i

  • skirmish

    Etymology and Origin The word skirmish originates from the Middle French word escarmou

  • encounter

    Etymology The word encounter is derived from the Old French word encontrer which me

  • dearth

    Etymology Middle English derth from Old English deore dear precious costly Proto

  • quench

    Etymology Quench ultimately comes from the Proto Indo European root sweŋ meaning to

  • architect

    Etymology The word architect derives from the French word architecte which in turn c

  • Salem

    Etymology and Meaning The name Salem is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the word

  • remember

    Etymology The word remember comes from the Old French remembrer which is derived fro