preen

• Verbe décrivant le fait pour un oiseau de nettoyer et d'arranger ses plumes avec son bec, ou, au sens figuré, de se faire beau avec soin.

A verb used to describe the act of cleaning and arranging feathers (of birds) or, figuratively, of grooming oneself with meticulous care.

1. Clean feathers with the beakB2formal

   To clean and arrange feathers using the beak, as birds do.

   lisser son plumage

   • The pigeon sat on the ledge and began to preen its feathers.
   • After bathing, the swan spent several minutes preening.
   • Birds preen to keep their feathers in good condition for flight.

   Synonymescleangroomplumesmoothtend

2. Feel self-satisfactionC1formal

   To feel or show pride in oneself, often for an accomplishment.

   Se féliciter

   • He preened himself on winning the prestigious award.
   • She preened with satisfaction after her successful presentation.
   • The team preened over their victory in the championship.

   Synonymespride oneself

3. Groom oneself meticulouslyB2informal

   To dress or groom oneself with great care and attention to detail.

   se pomponner

   • She spent an hour preening in front of the mirror before the party.
   • He preened his hair and adjusted his tie for the interview.
   • The actor preened himself before stepping onto the red carpet.

   Synonymesdress upgroomprimpspruce up

   Antonymesdisarraydisheveldisorderneglectrumple