French–English Dictionary
French Dictionary
Search 323+ French words with English translations, IPA pronunciation, example sentences and CEFR level ratings. Click any word to hear it spoken.
25 results
à moins que
/a.mwɛ̃.kə/Followed by the subjunctive, introduces condition
À moins qu'il ne vienne, nous partirons.
Unless he comes, we will leave.
bien que
/bjɛ̃.kə/Followed by the subjunctive, introduces contrast
Bien qu'il soit fatigué, il continue.
Although he is tired, he continues.
c'est-à-dire
/sɛ.ta.diʁ/Used to clarify or explain
Il est bilingue, c'est-à-dire qu'il parle deux langues.
He is bilingual, that is to say he speaks two languages.
colonisation
/kɔ.lɔ.ni.za.sjɔ̃/The process by which a country establishes political and economic control over a foreign territory, often displacing or dominating indigenous populations.
La colonisation de l'Afrique par les puissances européennes au XIXe siècle a eu des conséquences durables sur le continent.
The colonisation of Africa by European powers in the 19th century had lasting consequences for the continent.
💡 Often used in historical and political contexts with critical connotations. The related adjective is 'colonial' and the verb is 'coloniser'.
découlant de
/de.ku.lɑ̃/Arising as a consequence of
Les problèmes découlant de cette décision.
The problems resulting from this decision.
engendrer
/ɑ̃.ʒɑ̃.dʁe/To bring about or produce
Ce projet engendre de nombreux emplois.
This project generates many jobs.
féodal
/fe.ɔ.dal/Relating to the social and political system of feudalism, in which land was exchanged for military service and loyalty within a strict social hierarchy.
Dans la société féodale médiévale, les paysans étaient liés à la terre de leur seigneur.
In medieval feudal society, peasants were bound to their lord's land.
💡 Forms: 'féodal' (masc. sing.), 'féodale' (fem. sing.), 'féodaux' (masc. pl.), 'féodales' (fem. pl.). The related noun is 'féodalité' (feudalism/feudal system).
hégémonie
/e.ʒe.mɔ.ni/The dominance or leadership of one country, social group, or ideology over others, particularly in political, cultural, or economic terms.
L'hégémonie romaine sur le bassin méditerranéen a duré plusieurs siècles.
Roman hegemony over the Mediterranean basin lasted several centuries.
💡 Derived from the Greek 'hēgemonia'. The adjective 'hégémonique' is commonly used in political and historical analysis.
insurrection
/ɛ̃.syʁ.ɛk.sjɔ̃/A violent uprising against an established authority or government; an organised act of rebellion.
L'insurrection de la Commune de Paris en 1871 a été réprimée dans le sang par le gouvernement de Versailles.
The insurrection of the Paris Commune in 1871 was violently suppressed by the government of Versailles.
💡 Stronger and more organised than 'émeute' (riot). Related terms: 'insurgé/insurgée' (insurgent), 'se soulever' (to rise up).
l'enjeu
/ɑ̃.ʒø/A key challenge or matter at stake
Les enjeux climatiques sont immenses.
The climate stakes are enormous.
la mondialisation
/mɔ̃.dja.li.za.sjɔ̃/The process of international integration
La mondialisation a changé l'économie.
Globalisation has changed the economy.
la prise de conscience
/pʁiz.də.kɔ̃.sjɑ̃s/The act of becoming aware of something
Il y a une prise de conscience collective.
There is a collective awareness.
laïcité
/la.i.si.te/The principle of separation between the state and religious institutions, ensuring that public life and governance are free from religious influence.
La loi de 1905 sur la séparation de l'Église et de l'État a consacré le principe de laïcité en France.
The 1905 law on the separation of Church and State enshrined the principle of secularism in France.
💡 A distinctly French concept with no direct English equivalent. It is a cornerstone of the French Republic and remains a subject of contemporary debate.
le développement durable
/de.vlo.pmɑ̃.dy.ʁabl/Development that meets present needs without compromising the future
Le développement durable est essentiel.
Sustainable development is essential.
le recul
/ʁə.kyl/Distance or perspective needed to judge something
Il faut du recul pour bien analyser.
You need perspective to analyse well.
Lumières (les)
/le ly.mjɛʁ/An 18th-century European intellectual movement that championed reason, individual liberty, and critical thinking as the basis for reforming society and advancing human progress.
Les philosophes des Lumières, comme Voltaire et Rousseau, ont remis en question les fondements de la société de leur époque.
Enlightenment philosophers such as Voltaire and Rousseau questioned the foundations of the society of their time.
💡 Always used in the plural with a capital letter in this historical sense ('le siècle des Lumières'). 'Lumière' in the singular simply means 'light'.
monarchie
/mɔ.naʁ.ʃi/A system of government in which a single ruler, usually a king or queen, holds supreme power, often by hereditary right.
La monarchie absolue de Louis XIV a profondément marqué l'histoire de France.
Louis XIV's absolute monarchy left a profound mark on the history of France.
💡 Distinguish between 'monarchie absolue' (absolute monarchy) and 'monarchie constitutionnelle' (constitutional monarchy), where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution.
nuancer
/nɥɑ̃.se/To add subtlety or qualification to a statement
Il faut nuancer ce propos.
This statement needs qualifying.
pourtant
/puʁ.tɑ̃/Introducing a surprising contrast
Il est intelligent, pourtant il échoue.
He is intelligent, yet he fails.
quoique
/kwɔ.kə/Followed by the subjunctive, conceding a point
Quoique difficile, c'est faisable.
Although difficult, it is feasible.