English Translation
Whenever I try to get near her, she pushes me away.
why is it repousse and not just pousse? Similar to approcher and rapprocher, I don’t quite understand what prompts the use of r/re.
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repousser = to repel
pousser = to push
Same nuance as in English, I would think.
Approcher de / se rapprocher de are synonymous, so I understand your confusion.
The re/r prefix has frequently lost its meaning of repetition/return in French and only usage prevails.
Other examples would be: rajouter, remplir, réveiller, rallonger, raccourcir, rabaisser.
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Thank you. It makes sense that the precision has been lost over time, and your explanation really helps!