Contretemps

usgb/ˈkɑːntrətɑ̃ː/
noun

An unexpected problem or disagreement that interrupts what people are doing.

They had a little contretemps about the arrangements for the meeting.
Visual representation of "contretemps" - An unexpected problem or disagreement that interrupts what people are doing

Often appears as...

  • have a contretemps
  • little contretemps

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "contretemps"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unexpected Interruption

Think of contretemps as a surprise, often causing a slight disturbance or brief stop in what's happening.

Illustration for Unexpected Interruption
The power outage caused a contretemps in the concert, but the band continued acoustically.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slight Disagreement

A contretemps involves a disagreement that's usually not serious and can be resolved quickly.

Illustration for Slight Disagreement
Their debate on the color of the car was a mere contretemps and soon settled.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Use in Narratives

In books and stories, contretemps adds drama or highlights relationships between characters.

Illustration for Use in Narratives
The contretemps between the heroes added tension to the storyline.
Word comparison image

Compare with

argumentconflictualdisagreediscorddisputemisunderstandingquibblesquabble
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Visual representation of the word "Contretemps"

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