Contretemps Meaning in English
word
Definition
A minor and unexpected event or awkward situation that causes inconvenience or embarrassment.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and literary; rarely used in everyday speech. Refers to relatively minor incidents, not serious disasters. Often plural in English. Similar to 'mishap,' but with a more awkward or embarrassing tone.
Example Sentences
There was a contretemps at the meeting when the projector stopped working.
basic
A small contretemps delayed our trip to the park.
basic
They handled the contretemps quickly and continued their work.
basic
We had a little contretemps with the reservation, but everything turned out fine.
natural
An awkward contretemps at the dinner party made everyone a little uncomfortable.
natural
There’s nothing like a minor contretemps to test your patience on a busy day.
natural