French translation of backbiting is 
médisance

Meaning of "backbiting" in English

Backbiting refers to the act of speaking negatively or maliciously about someone who is not present to defend themselves. This behavior often involves gossiping or spreading harmful rumors behind a person's back. Typically, backbiting is driven by jealousy, resentment, or a desire to undermine the individual's reputation. It contrasts with openly confronting someone about their behavior and generally contributes to an atmosphere of distrust and negativity. In social groups, backbiting can lead to conflicts and damaged relationships.

Meaning of "médisance" in French

In French, "médisance" describes the act of speaking badly or spreading negative remarks about someone not present to defend themselves. It involves gossip or negative commentary intended to tarnish another's reputation. Much like its English counterpart, médisance is often motivated by feelings such as envy or resentment and generally takes place behind the target's back. This behavior can foster an environment of mistrust and is considered harmful to interpersonal relationships, echoing the same consequences seen in English-speaking societies.

Pronunciation of "backbiting" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈbækˌbaɪtɪŋ/.

Pronunciation Variations: In British English, the pronunciation is similar to American English, but the intonation may vary slightly. Additionally, regional accents across the US might affect the clarity of vowels but generally maintain the same structure.

Pronunciation of "médisance" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /medizɑ̃s/.

Pronunciation Variations: The French pronunciation remains mostly consistent across different regions, though there may be slight variations in accent and intonation in areas with strong regional dialects, like in parts of Quebec.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. She was hurt by the backbiting of her colleagues. - Elle a été blessée par la médisance de ses collègues.
2. Backbiting can destroy friendships over time. - La médisance peut détruire les amitiés au fil du temps.
3. He avoided the backbiting and focused on his work. - Il a évité la médisance et s'est concentré sur son travail.
4. The team's backbiting led to mistrust among members. - La médisance au sein de l'équipe a entraîné une méfiance entre les membres.
5. She refused to engage in backbiting about her friends. - Elle a refusé de se livrer à des médisances sur ses amis.
6. Backbiting only benefits those who start it. - La médisance ne profite qu'à ceux qui la commencent.
7. His reputation suffered due to the backbiting. - Sa réputation a souffert à cause de la médisance.
8. The constant backbiting eroded the group’s morale. - La médisance constante a érodé le moral du groupe.
9. She decided to confront the backbiting directly. - Elle a décidé de confronter la médisance directement.
10. Addressing backbiting can improve workplace harmony. - Aborder la médisance peut améliorer l'harmonie au travail.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "backbiting" in English

Synonyms: gossiping, slandering, calumniating, maligning, defaming, disparaging, vilifying, bad-mouthing, speaking ill, detraction.

Antonyms: praising, complimenting, supporting, endorsing, admiring, appreciating, lauding, honoring, commending, extolling.

Similar Words: gossip, rumor, whispering, tale-bearing, muckraking, slander, denunciation, criticism, fault-finding, whisper campaign.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "médisance" in French

Synonyms: calomnie, diffamation, dénigrement, potin, commérage, ragot, malignité, méchanceté, critique, bavardage.

Antonyms: éloge, louange, compliment, éloges, appréciation, admiration, hommage, soutien, approbation, acclamation.

Similar Words: calomnie, potin, commérage, diffamation, délation, détraction, ragot, rumeur, cancan, méchanceté.

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