French Word · Intermediate
ratatiner
to shrink, shrivel
Pronunciation: /ʁa.ta.ti.ne/
Meaning
to shrink, shrivel
Example
Alors on vit s'avancer sur l'estrade une petite vieille femme de maintien craintif, et qui paraissait se ratatiner dans ses pauvres vêtements.
Then there came forward on the platform a little old woman with timid bearing, who seemed to shrink within her poor clothes.
Practice tips
- Practice ratatiner out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this French word is for intermediate-level learners.