arch

• Décrit quelqu'un ou quelque chose qui affiche délibérément ou avec malice une supériorité, une conscience ou un ton taquin, suggérant un sentiment de supériorité ou d'ironie.

Describes someone or something that is deliberately or playfully superior, knowing, or teasing in a way that suggests a sense of superiority or irony.

1. Playfully mischievousB2informal

   Characterized by a teasing, playful, or slightly naughty attitude.

   espiègle, malicieux

   • She gave him an arch smile before walking away.
   • His arch comment made everyone laugh.
   • The child's arch expression hinted at a prank.

   Synonymesimpishknowingmischievousroguishsaucyslyteasingwaggish

   Antonymesearnestgraveserioussinceresolemnstraightforward

2. Condescending or superiorC1formal

   Showing a superior or condescending attitude, often with a hint of irony.

   condescendant

   • He spoke in an arch tone, as if he knew better than everyone else.
   • Her arch remarks were meant to belittle his efforts.
   • The critic's arch review dismissed the film entirely.

   Synonymescondescendingdisdainfulhaughtypatronizingscornfulsmugsnobbishsupercilioussuperior

   Antonymesdeferentialhumblemodestrespectfulunassuming

3. Principal or chiefC1formal

   Being the most important or leading in a particular context.

   principal, suprême

   • He was the arch rival of the champion.
   • The arch villain in the story was finally defeated.
   • She is considered the arch authority on medieval history.

   Synonymeschiefforemostleadingmainpreeminentpremierprimaryprimeprincipalsupremetop

   Antonymeslesserminorsecondarysubordinatesubsidiary

• Nom désignant une structure courbée qui enjambe une ouverture, ou une forme arquée; également utilisé pour décrire une structure osseuse incurvée dans le corps.

A noun referring to a curved structure spanning an opening, or a curved shape or form; also used to describe a curved bony structure in the body.

1. Curved architectural structureB1formalart

   A curved structure, typically made of stone or brick, that spans an opening and supports the weight above it.

   Arc architectural

   • The ancient Romans were masters of the arch.
   • The cathedral's main entrance features a beautiful stone arch.
   • The bridge is supported by a series of steel arches.

   Synonymesarcarchwayspanvault

2. Curved passagewayB1formal

   A passageway or entrance that is covered by a curved masonry construction.

   Passage en arche

   • We walked through the arch into the courtyard.
   • The garden is hidden behind a vine-covered arch.
   • The arch leads to a small, quiet square.

   Synonymesarchway

3. Curved foot structureB1formalmedical

   The curved, bony part on the underside of the foot that helps support the body's weight.

   Voûte plantaire

   • Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot collapses.
   • Runners often suffer from pain in their arches.
   • The doctor examined the arch of her foot for any injury.

4. Playful or mischievousC1informal

   Having a playful, mischievous, or knowingly superior attitude.

   espiègle

   • She gave him an arch look, hinting at a secret.
   • His arch tone suggested he knew more than he was letting on.
   • The comedian's arch humor delighted the audience.

   Synonymesimpishknowingmischievousplayfulroguishsaucyslywaggish

   Antonymesearnestgraveserioussinceresolemn

5. Principal or chiefC1formal

   Used to describe someone who is a principal or leading figure, often in a negative context.

   archi- (préfixe) / principal, suprême

   • He is the family's arch rival in business.
   • The story's arch villain was finally defeated.
   • She is an arch conservative in her political views.

   Synonymeschiefforemostleadingpreeminentprincipalsupreme

• Verbe désignant l'action de former ou de courber en forme d'arc, ou de couvrir quelque chose d'une arche, ou encore de s'étendre en courbe au-dessus de quelque chose.

A verb used to indicate the act of forming or bending into a curved shape, or to span or cover with an arch.

1. Form a curveB2formal

   To bend or shape into a curved structure, like an arch.

   Former une arche

   • The cat arched its back when it saw the dog.
   • The bridge arches gracefully over the river.
   • She arched her eyebrows in surprise.

   Synonymesarcbendbowcurvevault

   Antonymesflattenlevelstraighten

Variantes phrasalarch over