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B1 adjective 13 min read

indolore

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips indolore in 30 Seconds

Explanation indolore in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic adjectives. 'Indolore' might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it by looking at the word 'douleur' (pain). Think of it as 'no pain'. At this stage, you would mostly hear it if you go to a pharmacy or a doctor in France. The doctor might say 'C'est indolore' to tell you that a vaccine won't hurt. You don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, but recognizing it will help you feel less nervous at the doctor's office. It is an adjective that describes things, not people. Remember that in French, we often say 'J'ai mal' (I have pain), but 'indolore' is for the action or the medicine. For example, 'La crème est indolore'. This level is about simple recognition and basic medical safety words. You might see it on a sign in a hospital or on a box of band-aids. It is a very useful word for traveling because it gives you information about what to expect during a physical experience. Even if you can't conjugate complex verbs, knowing 'indolore' tells you that you will be comfortable. It is a 'friendly' word because it means 'no suffering'.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'indolore' in simple sentences. You are learning about health and the body, so 'indolore' is a great addition to your vocabulary. You can use it to describe a medical exam or a small injury. For example: 'L'examen chez le dentiste était indolore.' (The exam at the dentist was painless). You should notice that the word does not change for masculine or feminine nouns. This is very helpful! 'Un test indolore' and 'une piqûre indolore' both use the same form. At this level, you should also be able to understand 'presque indolore' (almost painless). You might use this word when talking about your experiences in France, like getting a tattoo or a piercing. It is more professional than saying 'ça ne fait pas mal'. By using 'indolore', you show that you are moving beyond basic phrases and starting to use more specific adjectives. You can also start to see it in advertisements for beauty products like 'épilation indolore' (painless hair removal). It's a key word for shopping and services. Practice saying it with the nasal 'in' sound to improve your pronunciation.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex situations and express opinions. 'Indolore' becomes very useful here because you can start using it metaphorically. Beyond just physical pain, you can use it to describe a transition or a change that is easy and doesn't cause trouble. For instance, if you are talking about moving to a new city, you might say: 'Le déménagement a été indolore.' (The move was painless/easy). This shows you understand the figurative meaning of the word. In medical contexts, you can use it to ask questions: 'Est-ce que cette procédure est totalement indolore ?' (Is this procedure totally painless?). You should also be able to compare it with other words like 'douloureux' (painful). Understanding the prefix 'in-' as a negation is a key B1 skill. You will see 'indolore' in news articles about economic reforms or tax changes. Journalists often use it to describe 'painless' budget cuts. At this level, you should be comfortable using the word in both written and spoken French, and you should be able to pluralize it correctly by adding an 's' (des traitements indolores). It adds a layer of sophistication to your descriptions of events and processes.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'indolore'. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'anodin' or 'insensible'. You understand that 'indolore' specifically refers to the absence of pain in an experience or procedure. You can use it in professional contexts, such as describing a business merger: 'La fusion des deux entreprises a été indolore pour les employés.' (The merger of the two companies was painless for the employees). This implies there were no layoffs or salary cuts. You can also use it in more academic or technical discussions. For example, in a debate about ethics, you might discuss 'une mort indolore' (a painless death) in the context of euthanasia. Your use of the word should be precise. You should also be aware of the 'faux-ami' (false friend) 'indolent', which means lazy, and avoid using it when you mean painless. At B2, you are expected to use 'indolore' to provide clear, objective descriptions in reports or formal letters. You might also use it to describe a 'seamless' user experience in a tech review. The word 'indolore' helps you convey the idea of efficiency and lack of friction, which is a common theme in higher-level French discourse.

At the C1 level, your use of 'indolore' should be fluid and natural. You can use it in complex sentence structures and in a variety of registers. You might use it in a literary analysis to describe a character's 'existence indolore' (a painless, perhaps boring existence) or in a high-level economic critique of 'la ponction fiscale indolore' (painless tax collection). You understand the subtle connotations the word carries—sometimes it can be slightly pejorative, implying that something is happening 'behind the scenes' without the person's full awareness, like a 'painless' manipulation. You can use it to discuss philosophical concepts like the 'stoic' approach to pain. Your pronunciation should be perfect, including the nasal vowel and the transition to the 'd'. You can also use the word in idiomatic ways or alongside complex adverbs: 'une transition qui s'est avérée singulièrement indolore'. At this level, 'indolore' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a tool for precise expression. You can use it to describe the 'frictionless' nature of modern digital life or the 'painless' beauty of a well-executed plan. You should be able to explain the etymology (from Latin 'dolor') and how it relates to other words in the 'douleur' family, such as 'endolorir' or 'douloureusement'.

At the C2 level, you have total mastery over 'indolore' and its place in the French language. You can use it in the most formal academic writing or the most casual conversation with perfect appropriateness. You might use it in a dissertation on medical ethics or a deep dive into the socio-economic impact of 'painless' reforms. You are aware of its historical usage and how it has evolved from a purely medical term to a broad metaphorical adjective. You can use it to create poetic or striking imagery, such as 'une aube indolore' (a painless dawn) to describe a peaceful beginning. You understand the political weight of the word when used by leaders to sell difficult policies. You can effortlessly switch between 'indolore' and its more obscure synonyms or related terms in the 'word family' to avoid repetition and add stylistic flair. Your understanding of the word is deeply integrated with your knowledge of French culture, history, and society. You can even use it in wordplay or puns if the situation calls for it. Essentially, 'indolore' is a word you can play with, using its literal and figurative meanings to convey complex, multi-layered ideas with the precision of a native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

indolore in 30 Seconds

Indolore means painless in French.
It is used for medical procedures and metaphorical changes.
It is gender-neutral (stays the same for masc/fem).
Commonly heard at doctors, pharmacies, and in economic news.

The French adjective indolore is a sophisticated yet essential term that translates directly to 'painless' in English. It is a compound word derived from the Latin prefix 'in-' (negation) and 'dolor' (pain). In its most literal sense, it describes medical procedures, physical sensations, or biological states where no physical suffering is felt. However, its utility extends far beyond the doctor's office. In contemporary French, 'indolore' is frequently employed metaphorically to describe transitions, financial changes, or social reforms that occur without causing distress, difficulty, or negative repercussions for those involved.

Medical Context: Used to reassure patients that a vaccine, surgery, or examination will not cause physical discomfort. It is a key word in healthcare communication.

Grâce à l'anesthésie locale, l'extraction de la dent de sagesse a été totalement indolore.

Understanding 'indolore' requires recognizing its neutrality. Unlike 'agréable' (pleasant), 'indolore' simply denotes the absence of a negative (pain). It is an objective descriptor. When a politician speaks of an 'indolore' tax hike, they are suggesting that the impact on the citizen's wallet will be so minimal that it won't be 'felt' as a burden. This metaphorical usage is common in journalism and business French to describe 'seamless' or 'frictionless' processes.

Financial/Economic Context: Refers to costs or changes that do not disrupt a budget or a lifestyle. It implies a smooth transition that avoids social or economic 'friction'.

Le passage à la nouvelle monnaie s'est fait de manière indolore pour la plupart des citoyens.

In literature, 'indolore' can take on a more philosophical tone, describing a state of apathy or emotional numbness. While 'insensible' is more common for describing a person's character, 'indolore' might describe an experience that failed to move or hurt the soul. It is a word that suggests a lack of friction between the self and the external world. When learning this word, focus on its 'in-' prefix which you will find in many French negatives like 'incroyable' or 'invisible'.

Social Context: Describes a social change or a breakup that happens without drama or emotional trauma. It implies a 'clean' break.

Leur divorce a été une procédure indolore car ils étaient restés bons amis.

Une réforme indolore est le rêve de tout politicien cherchant à éviter les manifestations.

To master 'indolore', think of it as the opposite of 'douloureux'. In any situation where you would ask 'Est-ce que ça va faire mal ?' (Will it hurt?), the answer you hope for is 'C'est indolore'. It is a word of comfort, efficiency, and smoothness. Whether you are discussing a laser hair removal session or a software update that doesn't break your computer, 'indolore' is your go-to adjective for a trouble-free experience.

Cette nouvelle technologie permet une chirurgie oculaire indolore et rapide.

Using indolore correctly in a sentence involves understanding its grammatical role as an adjective and its semantic range. As an adjective, it typically follows the noun it modifies. One of its most distinctive features is its gender neutrality. Unlike adjectives like 'heureux/heureuse' or 'grand/grande', 'indolore' remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. This makes it a very 'student-friendly' word in terms of agreement.

Agreement with Plurals: While the gender doesn't change, you must still add an 's' for plural nouns. Example: 'Des soins indolores' (Painless treatments).

L'infirmière a promis que la piqûre serait indolore.

In medical settings, 'indolore' is often paired with verbs like 'être' (to be) or 'paraître' (to seem). It is also frequently used with the preposition 'de manière' to create an adverbial phrase: 'de manière indolore' (painlessly). This is often more common than using the formal adverb 'indolemment', which carries a different connotation of laziness. If you want to say something happened without pain, 'd'une façon indolore' is a very natural French construction.

Metaphorical Application: When using it metaphorically, it often describes economic or bureaucratic processes. Example: 'Une restructuration indolore' implies no jobs were lost.

Nous cherchons une solution indolore pour réduire les dépenses de l'entreprise.

When constructing sentences about feelings, 'indolore' is used to describe the stimulus rather than the person. You wouldn't typically say 'Je suis indolore' to mean 'I am in no pain' (you would say 'Je n'ai pas mal'). Instead, you say 'Le geste est indolore'. This is a crucial distinction for English speakers who might be tempted to translate 'I am painless' (which doesn't make sense in English either, but learners often confuse subject and object in a second language).

Scientific Precision: In biology or zoology, it describes stings or bites that don't hurt. Example: 'La morsure de cette araignée est indolore mais dangereuse.'

Les progrès de la dentisterie moderne rendent les soins presque indolores.

Finally, consider the intensity. 'Indolore' is an absolute. Something is either painless or it isn't. However, you will often hear 'presque indolore' (almost painless) or 'totalement indolore' (totally painless). These modifiers help provide nuance in everyday conversation. When you are writing a formal report or a medical summary, 'indolore' provides a professional, objective tone that 'qui ne fait pas mal' (which doesn't hurt) lacks.

L'application de cette crème rend l'épilation indolore.

Une mort indolore est souvent citée dans les débats sur l'euthanasie.

In the real world, you will encounter indolore in several specific environments. The most common is undoubtedly the healthcare sector. Walk into any French 'pharmacie' or 'cabinet médical', and you will see this word on packaging for creams, patches, and instructions for post-operative care. It is a word of reassurance. Doctors use it to calm nervous children (and adults) before a procedure. If a dentist says 'C'est indolore', they are making a professional promise about the comfort level of the intervention.

Advertising & Cosmetics: Beauty products often use 'indolore' to sell hair removal devices, tattoo removal, or skin treatments. It's a powerful marketing claim.

Découvrez notre nouvel épilateur pour une peau douce et une séance indolore.

Beyond the physical, 'indolore' is a staple of French political and economic discourse. When the government proposes a new tax that is collected at the source (prélèvement à la source), they often describe it as 'indolore' because the taxpayer never sees the money in their bank account to begin with. Here, the word takes on a slightly cynical or persuasive edge, implying that the 'pain' of losing money is mitigated by the lack of active effort in paying it. You'll hear this on news channels like BFM TV or read it in 'Le Monde' during budget season.

News & Media: Journalists use it to describe smooth political transitions or diplomatic agreements that avoid conflict. It suggests a lack of 'clash'.

La passation de pouvoir entre les deux directeurs a été tout à fait indolore pour l'équipe.

In the tech world, 'indolore' describes a user experience (UX) that is seamless. If you are upgrading your phone and all your data transfers without a single error, a French tech reviewer might call it 'une migration indolore'. This usage highlights how the word has evolved to mean 'without friction' or 'without hassle'. It is the opposite of a 'casse-tête' (headache/puzzle). If a process is 'indolore', it means you didn't have to struggle with it.

Veterinary Care: Vets use this word when talking to pet owners. Reassuring an owner that a procedure is 'indolore' for their dog is a common interaction.

Ne vous inquiétez pas, la puce électronique est posée de façon indolore.

Lastly, you might hear it in sports or physical therapy. A 'mouvement indolore' is a range of motion that doesn't trigger an injury. When recovering from a sprain, a 'kinésithérapeute' (physical therapist) will ask you to perform exercises that are 'indolores'. If you feel pain, you stop. Here, the word serves as a safety threshold. In all these contexts, 'indolore' is a marker of safety, ease, and professional care.

L'athlète a repris l'entraînement avec des exercices indolores pour son genou.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with indolore is confusing it with its 'false friend' (faux-ami) indolent. In English, 'indolent' can sometimes refer to a medical condition that is slow-growing or painless (like an indolent tumor), but in common French, 'indolent' almost exclusively means 'lazy', 'sluggish', or 'apathetic'. If you tell a doctor that a wound is 'indolent', they might think you are saying the wound is lazy, which would be confusing! Always use 'indolore' for the absence of pain.

Mistake: Gender Agreement: Learners often try to create a feminine form like 'indoloreuse'. This is incorrect. The word is already feminine-friendly. 'Un soin indolore' (masc) and 'une piqûre indolore' (fem) are both correct.

Incorrect: Cette crème est indoloreuse.
Correct: Cette crème est indolore.

Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'indolore' and 'insensible'. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Indolore' describes the thing that does not cause pain (the vaccine, the transition). 'Insensible' describes the person who does not feel pain or emotion. If you say 'Je suis indolore', it sounds like you are saying 'I am a painless object'. You should say 'Je ne sens rien' or 'C'est indolore pour moi'.

Mistake: Using it as a Noun: 'Indolore' is strictly an adjective. You cannot say 'L'indolore de cette opération' to mean 'the painlessness'. Use 'le caractère indolore' or 'l'absence de douleur'.

On apprécie le caractère indolore de cette méthode moderne.

Phonetically, English speakers often struggle with the nasal 'in' at the beginning. If you pronounce it like the English word 'in' (with a hard 'n'), it might be harder for a native speaker to recognize. The French 'in' is more like the 'an' in the English word 'sang' (but without the 'g'). Also, ensure the 'o' is not a diphthong; it's a pure, short 'o' sound. Mispronouncing the word can lead to it being confused with 'indoré' (not gilded), though that's a much rarer word.

Mistake: Over-usage: Sometimes learners use 'indolore' for emotional situations where 'sans heurts' (without clashes) or 'facile' (easy) would be more natural. Use 'indolore' when you want to emphasize the lack of 'sting'.

La rupture a été indolore (Correct, but implies no emotional pain specifically).

Lastly, remember that 'indolore' is a B1/B2 level word. Using it in A1 contexts might seem a bit too formal. If you are a beginner, 'ça ne fait pas mal' is perfectly acceptable. However, as you progress, using 'c'est indolore' will make your French sound much more precise and professional, especially in medical or business contexts where clarity is paramount.

Il est important d'utiliser le terme indolore dans les rapports médicaux.

If you find yourself using indolore too often, or if you need a word with a slightly different nuance, there are several alternatives. The most common synonym is the phrase sans douleur. While 'indolore' is an adjective, 'sans douleur' is a prepositional phrase that functions the same way. It is slightly less formal and very common in spoken French. For example, 'un accouchement sans douleur' is the standard way to refer to a painless birth.

Indolore vs. Sans Douleur: 'Indolore' is more technical and concise. 'Sans douleur' is more descriptive and emotional. Use 'indolore' for procedures and 'sans douleur' for experiences.

La méthode est indolore, ce qui permet un rétablissement sans douleur.

Another interesting alternative is anodin. While 'anodin' often translates to 'insignificant' or 'harmless', in a medical context, it can describe a treatment that has no painful side effects. However, be careful: 'anodin' can also imply that something is trivial or not important. If you want to emphasize the lack of pain specifically, 'indolore' is better. If you want to say the procedure is 'no big deal', 'anodin' is appropriate.

Indolore vs. Insensible: 'Insensible' means 'unable to feel'. A patient under anesthesia is 'insensible à la douleur', but the surgery itself is 'indolore'.

Il est devenu insensible au froid, mais la morsure de glace n'est pas indolore.

In a metaphorical sense, you might use transparent or invisible. For example, if a price increase is 'indolore', it might also be described as 'invisible' if the customers don't notice it. In business, 'une transition sans heurts' (a transition without clashes) is a very common alternative to 'une transition indolore'. 'Sans heurts' suggests that there were no conflicts or bumps in the road, which is a broader concept than just the absence of pain.

Indolore vs. Lénifiant: 'Lénifiant' is a literary term for something that soothes or calms pain. It is more active than 'indolore', which is passive.

Ses paroles lénifiantes ont rendu la nouvelle moins douloureuse.

Finally, the word bénin (benign) is often used in medical contexts to describe something that is not harmful. While a benign tumor might still be painful, the word 'bénin' shares the same 'reassuring' quality as 'indolore'. When choosing between these words, always ask yourself: am I describing the lack of physical pain (indolore), the lack of feeling (insensible), or the lack of importance (anodin)? Precision in these synonyms will greatly enhance your B2 and C1 level French.

L'opération était indolore et la tumeur s'est révélée bénigne.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'indolore' appeared in French in the 16th century, primarily as a medical term, before expanding to economic and social contexts in the 20th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛ̃.dɔ.lɔʁ/

US /æn.doʊ.lɔr/

The stress is even, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable 'lore'.

Rhymes With

lore encore fort port mort essor accord bord

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'in' like the English word 'in'. It must be nasal.
Adding a 'u' sound like 'pain'.
Making the 'o' a diphthong like 'oh'.
Forgetting the final 'r' sound.
Stressing the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'douleur'.

Writing 4/5

Easy to spell, but watch the nasal 'in'.

Speaking 5/5

The nasal vowel can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 4/5

Clear sound, but often spoken quickly in medical contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

douleur mal médecin piqûre examen

Learn Next

insensible anodin bénin soulagement anesthésie

Advanced

lénifiant analgésique narcose stoppeur atténuation

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

Un soin indolore / Des soins indolores.

Gender Neutrality

Un test indolore / Une piqûre indolore.

Adverbial Formation

Utiliser 'de manière indolore' au lieu de 'indolemment'.

Negation Prefix 'in-'

Indolore (painless), Invisible (unseen), Incroyable (unbelievable).

Placement

L'adjectif suit généralement le nom (Une piqûre indolore).

Examples by Level

La piqûre est indolore.

The shot is painless.

Adjective 'indolore' follows the noun 'piqûre'.

C'est un test indolore.

It is a painless test.

Indolore is masculine here to match 'un test'.

Le vaccin est indolore.

The vaccine is painless.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

La crème est indolore.

The cream is painless.

Notice 'indolore' does not change for feminine 'crème'.

C'est presque indolore.

It is almost painless.

'Presque' is an adverb modifying the adjective.

Le soin est indolore.

The treatment is painless.

Basic A1 vocabulary for health.

Une opération indolore.

A painless operation.

Noun + Adjective placement.

Le geste est indolore.

The gesture/action is painless.

'Geste' refers to the medical action here.

Le dentiste dit que c'est indolore.

The dentist says it's painless.

Indirect speech with 'dire que'.

Cette nouvelle méthode est indolore.

This new method is painless.

Demonstrative adjective 'Cette'.

Les soins sont souvent indolores.

Treatments are often painless.

Plural agreement: add 's' to 'indolores'.

L'épilation au laser est indolore.

Laser hair removal is painless.

Specific vocabulary for beauty services.

C'est une procédure rapide et indolore.

It is a quick and painless procedure.

Using two adjectives with 'et'.

Je cherche un traitement indolore.

I am looking for a painless treatment.

Verb 'chercher' + object.

Le nettoyage des dents est indolore.

Teeth cleaning is painless.

Compound noun 'nettoyage des dents'.

Est-ce que l'examen est indolore ?

Is the exam painless?

Interrogative form with 'Est-ce que'.

Le prélèvement à la source est une taxe indolore.

Tax withholding is a painless tax.

Metaphorical use in finance.

La transition vers le numérique a été indolore.

The transition to digital was painless.

Abstract noun 'transition'.

Nous avons trouvé une solution indolore pour le budget.

We found a painless solution for the budget.

Business context.

Cette réforme sera indolore pour les retraités.

This reform will be painless for retirees.

Future tense 'sera'.

L'opération s'est déroulée de façon indolore.

The operation took place in a painless way.

Adverbial phrase 'de façon indolore'.

La séparation a été indolore pour les deux amis.

The separation was painless for both friends.

Emotional/Social context.

On promet une restructuration indolore de l'entreprise.

They promise a painless restructuring of the company.

Passive 'on' construction.

C'est un changement indolore mais nécessaire.

It's a painless but necessary change.

Conjunction 'mais' for contrast.

La morsure de cet insecte est totalement indolore.

The bite of this insect is totally painless.

Intensifier 'totalement'.

Le passage à la nouvelle version du logiciel a été indolore.

The switch to the new software version was painless.

Technical/UX context.

L'anesthésie garantit un acte chirurgical indolore.

Anesthesia guarantees a painless surgical act.

Formal medical terminology.

Il faut que la réduction des coûts soit indolore.

The cost reduction must be painless.

Subjunctive mood after 'Il faut que'.

La mort indolore est un sujet de débat éthique.

Painless death is a subject of ethical debate.

Abstract philosophical noun.

Cette crème rend la piqûre d'abeille presque indolore.

This cream makes the bee sting almost painless.

Verb 'rendre' + adjective.

Les économistes cherchent une inflation indolore.

Economists are looking for painless inflation.

Complex economic concept.

Sa critique était si douce qu'elle en devenait indolore.

His criticism was so gentle it became painless.

Result clause with 'si... que'.

L'euthanasie vise à offrir une fin de vie indolore.

Euthanasia aims to offer a painless end of life.

Formal verb 'viser à'.

La ponction fiscale fut si progressive qu'elle parut indolore.

The tax levy was so gradual that it seemed painless.

Passé Simple 'fut' and 'parut'.

Une existence indolore peut parfois manquer de relief.

A painless existence can sometimes lack character/depth.

Literary/Philosophical use.

L'intégration des données s'est faite de manière indolore pour l'utilisateur.

The data integration was done in a painless way for the user.

Pronominal verb 's'est faite'.

Le chirurgien a pratiqué une incision indolore grâce au laser.

The surgeon made a painless incision thanks to the laser.

High-level medical description.

Elle préférait une rupture nette et indolore à une longue agonie.

She preferred a clean and painless break to a long agony.

Comparative structure.

Le caractère indolore de la réforme masque sa brutalité sociale.

The painless nature of the reform masks its social brutality.

Political critique.

L'évolution des mœurs est un processus rarement indolore.

The evolution of customs is rarely a painless process.

Sociological observation.

Le stoïcisme ne promet pas une vie indolore, mais une âme invincible.

Stoicism does not promise a painless life, but an invincible soul.

Philosophical juxtaposition.

Cette politique de 'rigueur indolore' est une contradiction dans les termes.

This 'painless austerity' policy is a contradiction in terms.

Ironical/Critical register.

L'anesthésie de la conscience rend les crimes moraux indolores.

The numbing of conscience makes moral crimes painless.

Metaphorical abstraction.

La mutation technologique, bien qu'indolore en apparence, bouleverse nos vies.

The technological mutation, although painless in appearance, disrupts our lives.

Concessive clause 'bien que'.

Il s'agit d'une ablation indolore pratiquée sous hypnose.

It is a painless removal performed under hypnosis.

Technical medical procedure.

La transition démographique fut loin d'être indolore pour les structures familiales.

The demographic transition was far from being painless for family structures.

Complex historical analysis.

On assiste à une érosion indolore de nos libertés individuelles.

We are witnessing a painless erosion of our individual freedoms.

Sophisticated social commentary.

Le poète évoque la mélancolie comme une blessure indolore.

The poet evokes melancholy as a painless wound.

Literary metaphor.

Synonyms

sans douleur anodin doux insensible lénifiant imperceptible bénin calme

Antonyms

douloureux pénible cuisant atroce

Common Collocations

piqûre indolore

mort indolore

réforme indolore

examen indolore

transition indolore

traitement indolore

méthode indolore

épilation indolore

geste indolore

séparation indolore

Common Phrases

C'est indolore.

— It doesn't hurt. Used by doctors.

Ne vous inquiétez pas, c'est indolore.

De manière indolore.

— Painlessly. Used as an adverb.

Le changement s'est fait de manière indolore.

Totalement indolore.

— Completely painless.

L'opération est totalement indolore.

Presque indolore.

— Almost painless.

Une piqûre presque indolore.

Rendre indolore.

— To make something painless.

Cette crème rend l'épilation indolore.

Une ponction indolore.

— A painless withdrawal (often of money).

La ponction fiscale est indolore.

Un acte indolore.

— A painless act/procedure.

C'est un acte chirurgical indolore.

Rester indolore.

— To remain painless.

La plaie doit rester indolore.

Une technique indolore.

— A painless technique.

Une technique de massage indolore.

Une solution indolore.

— A painless solution.

Nous cherchons une solution indolore.

Often Confused With

indolore vs indolent

Means 'lazy' or 'sluggish' in French, not 'painless'.

indolore vs insensible

Refers to the person not feeling, not the object not causing pain.

indolore vs endormi

Means 'asleep' or 'numbed', usually by anesthesia.

Idioms & Expressions

"Passer comme une lettre à la poste"

— To go through very easily and without trouble (related concept).

Cette réforme est passée comme une lettre à la poste.

informal

"Une main de fer dans un gant de velours"

— Firmness hidden by gentleness (often used for 'painless' but firm changes).

Il a mené la restructuration avec une main de fer dans un gant de velours.

neutral

"Faire passer la pilule"

— To make a difficult situation easier to accept (to make it 'indolore').

Le gouvernement essaie de faire passer la pilule de la taxe.

informal

"Sans coup férir"

— Without having to strike a blow/without effort.

Il a gagné sans coup férir.

formal

"Comme dans du beurre"

— Like through butter (extremely easily).

Le couteau est entré comme dans du beurre.

informal

"Sans tambour ni trompette"

— Without any fuss or noise (discreetly, often 'indolore').

Il est parti sans tambour ni trompette.

neutral

"Une partie de plaisir"

— A piece of cake (often used ironically for something that isn't indolore).

Ce n'était pas une partie de plaisir !

informal

"S'en sortir indemne"

— To come out unscathed/unhurt.

Il est sorti indemne de l'accident.

neutral

"Avoir le cœur net"

— To be sure about something (often used before an 'indolore' test).

Faisons ce test pour en avoir le cœur net.

neutral

"Prendre des gants"

— To handle with care (to make a process indolore).

Il faut prendre des gants avec lui.

neutral

Easily Confused

indolore vs indolent

Looks like the English medical term 'indolent'.

In French, it almost always means lazy or slow. 'Indolore' is the word for painless.

Un élève indolent (a lazy student) vs. Un soin indolore (a painless treatment).

indolore vs insensible

Both relate to lack of feeling.

Insensible is the person; indolore is the thing causing the feeling.

Je suis insensible au froid vs. Le froid est indolore.

indolore vs anodin

Both describe something that doesn't cause much trouble.

Anodin means insignificant/harmless; indolore specifically means no pain.

Un problème anodin vs. Une piqûre indolore.

indolore vs bénin

Both are reassuring medical terms.

Bénin means not dangerous/cancerous; indolore means no pain.

Une tumeur bénigne vs. Une opération indolore.

indolore vs doux

Both describe a lack of harshness.

Doux means gentle/soft; indolore means no pain.

Un savon doux vs. Un traitement indolore.

Sentence Patterns

Le/La [noun] est indolore.

La piqûre est indolore.

C'est un/une [noun] indolore.

C'est une procédure indolore.

Le changement a été indolore pour [person].

La réforme a été indolore pour les citoyens.

Rendre [noun] indolore.

Rendre le traitement indolore.

De manière indolore.

Il a agi de manière indolore.

Le caractère indolore de [noun].

Le caractère indolore de la transition.

Bien qu'indolore, [clause].

Bien qu'indolore, le test est long.

[Noun] s'est avéré singulièrement indolore.

La mutation s'est avérée singulièrement indolore.

Word Family

Nouns

douleur (pain)

indolence (laziness/apathy)

Verbs

endolorir (to make sore/painful)

douloir (archaic: to suffer)

Adjectives

douloureux (painful)

indolent (lazy)

anti-douleur

souffrance

anesthésie

insensible

bénin

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

Cette piqûre est indoloreuse. → Cette piqûre est indolore.
There is no feminine form for 'indolore'. It is already the correct form.
→ indolore
Don't use 'indolent' to mean painless; it means lazy in French.
Je suis indolore. → Je ne sens rien / C'est indolore pour moi.
A person is not 'indolore'; the procedure is.
Des soins indolore. → Des soins indolores.
You must add an 's' for plural nouns.
Une indolore opération. → Une opération indolore.
Adjectives usually come after the noun in French.

Tips

Gender Neutral

Don't waste time looking for a feminine form. 'Indolore' works for everything!

Prefix Power

The 'in-' prefix is your friend. It almost always negates the word that follows.

Nasal Check

Make sure the 'in' is nasal. If you say it like English 'in', people might not understand.

Medical Must

If you go to a French doctor, use this word to ask if a procedure will hurt.

Corporate Lingo

Use 'indolore' to describe smooth changes in a professional setting.

Latin Root

Connect it to 'dolor' (pain) which you might know from 'dolorous' in English or 'dolor' in Spanish.

Plural S

Always remember the 's' for plural nouns: 'des piqûres indolores'.

Cultural Tax

Understand that 'l'impôt indolore' is a common phrase for taxes taken before you see your salary.

Precision

Use 'indolore' instead of 'pas mal' to sound more educated and precise.

False Friend

Never use 'indolent' to mean painless. It means lazy!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'In' (No) + 'Dolor' (Dollar/Pain). No pain, no loss of dollars!

Visual Association

Imagine a feather touching a surface without making a sound or mark. That is 'indolore'.

Word Web

douleur santé médecin piqûre facile calme anesthésie confort

Challenge

Try to use 'indolore' to describe a recent software update or a small change in your daily routine.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'indolorius', from 'in-' (negation) and 'dolor' (pain).

Original meaning: Without pain.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'indolore' for serious topics like death; use it with professional empathy.

English speakers often use 'painless', but 'indolore' sounds more formal and professional in French.

Le Prélèvement à la Source (often called 'l'impôt indolore'). L'Accouchement Sans Douleur (historical medical movement). Indolore (a song by some French indie artists).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Dentist

Est-ce que c'est indolore ?
Je veux un soin indolore.
L'anesthésie rend l'acte indolore.
C'était indolore.

In Politics

Une taxe indolore.
Une réforme indolore.
Une transition indolore.
C'est indolore pour le contribuable.

Beauty Salon

Épilation indolore.
Soin du visage indolore.
Est-ce que le laser est indolore ?
Une séance indolore.

Technology

Migration indolore.
Mise à jour indolore.
Installation indolore.
Transfert de données indolore.

Veterinary

La puce est indolore.
L'examen est indolore.
C'est indolore pour l'animal.
Une piqûre indolore.

Conversation Starters

"Saviez-vous que cette nouvelle méthode de dentisterie est totalement indolore ?"

"Pensez-vous qu'une réforme fiscale peut vraiment être indolore ?"

"Avez-vous déjà eu une opération qui était étonnamment indolore ?"

"Quelle est la meilleure crème pour rendre une piqûre indolore ?"

"Est-ce que l'apprentissage d'une langue peut être un processus indolore ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une expérience médicale qui a été indolore alors que vous aviez peur.

Pensez-vous que les changements dans la vie doivent être douloureux pour être efficaces, ou peuvent-ils être indolores ?

Imaginez une invention qui rendrait toutes les tâches difficiles indolores.

Racontez une fois où vous avez dû faire un choix difficile de manière indolore.

Écrivez sur l'importance du caractère indolore des soins pour les enfants.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'indolore' is an invariable adjective for gender because it ends in 'e'. You use it for both masculine and feminine nouns. However, you must add an 's' for plural nouns.

They mean the same thing. 'Indolore' is a single adjective and sounds slightly more formal or technical. 'Sans douleur' is a phrase and is very common in everyday speech.

Usually, no. This would mean 'I am a painless object'. If you want to say you feel no pain, say 'Je n'ai pas mal' or 'Je ne sens rien'.

Yes, it can be used metaphorically for things like breakups or social changes that don't cause emotional distress, though 'sans heurts' is also common.

The most direct opposite is 'douloureux' (painful).

Yes, especially in medical, beauty, and economic contexts. You will see it on products in every French pharmacy.

It is a nasal vowel. It sounds like the 'an' in 'sang' or 'bank', but without the 'g' or 'k' sound at the end.

Generally no. It describes an action, a procedure, or a thing. To describe a person who doesn't feel pain, use 'insensible'.

It describes taxes or budget cuts that are done in a way that the public doesn't 'feel' the immediate impact, like automatic deductions.

The formal adverb is 'indolemment', but it usually means 'lazily'. To say 'painlessly', French speakers use 'de manière indolore'.