prim

• Qualifie une personne très formelle, guindée, facilement choquée par ce qui est grossier ou inconvenant.

Describes a person who is very formal, proper, and easily shocked by anything rude or indecent.

1. Excessively proper or formalB2formal

   Behaving in a very formal, correct, and slightly stiff manner, often to seem superior.

   maniéré, collet monté

   • She gave a prim smile and refused to join the game.
   • He sat primly on the edge of the chair, hands folded.
   • The old lady was known for her prim and proper attitude.

   Synonymesformalgenteelold-maidishpriggishprissyproperpuritanicalstiffstrait-laceduptight

   Antonymescarelesseasygoinginformallooserelaxedslovenlyunaffected

2. Neat and formal in appearanceB2formal

   Describing someone's dress or appearance as very neat, tidy, and formal, sometimes in an exaggerated way.

   d'une mise soignée et guindée

   • She wore a prim little dress with a high collar.
   • His prim appearance made him stand out at the casual party.
   • The room was decorated in a prim, old-fashioned style.

   Synonymescorrectdapperdemurefastidiousformalneatprecisepriggishproperprudishsprucestiffstrait-lacedtidytrim

   Antonymesdisheveleddisorderlymessyrumpledscruffyslipshodsloppyslovenlyunkemptuntidy

• Verbe signifiant rendre quelque chose net, formel ou précis, souvent d'une manière guindée ou trop stricte, ou se donner un air guindé.

A verb meaning to make something neat, formal, or precise, often in a stiff or overly proper manner.

1. Assume a prim appearanceC1formal

   To adopt a neat, formal, and proper appearance or demeanor.

   Prendre un air guindé

   • She primmed herself before the formal dinner.
   • He primmed his tie and adjusted his collar.
   • The actress primmed for the cameras on the red carpet.

   Synonymespreenprimpprinkspruce

2. Contract one's lipsC1formal

   To purse or tighten one's lips, often to show disapproval or to look proper.

   Pincer les lèvres

   • She primmed her lips in disapproval.
   • He primmed his mouth when he heard the rude comment.
   • The teacher primmed her lips before scolding the student.

   Synonymescompresspuckerpursetighten

3. Dress primlyC1formal

   To dress in a neat, formal, and proper manner.

   Habiller avec soin et formalité

   • She primmed herself in a tailored suit for the interview.
   • He primmed his outfit to match the strict dress code.
   • The children were primmed in their Sunday best.

   Synonymespreenprinkspruce

   Antonymesdishevelmussrufflerumple

Variantes phrasalprim outprim up