Significado
In secret understanding or cooperation with someone, often for illicit purposes.
Contexto cultural
The term is frequently used in French media to describe 'cronyism' (le copinage). It reflects a deep-seated cultural distrust of the 'Enarchie' (graduates of ENA) who are often seen as being in cahoots with each other regardless of political party. In French literature, 'connivence' is often used to describe the 'unspoken' bond between characters, especially in the works of Marcel Proust or Gustave Flaubert, where social cues are subtle. In Quebec, the term is used similarly but may also appear in legal discussions regarding the 'Commission Charbonneau' which investigated corruption in the construction industry. The 'Nouvelle Vague' directors often spoke of the 'connivence' between the camera and the actor, suggesting a secret intimacy that the audience is invited to witness.
The 'Wink' Rule
If you can imagine the two people winking at each other, 'de connivence' is likely the right phrase.
Avoid Positive Contexts
Don't use this to describe your great relationship with your boss unless you want to sound like you're plotting a coup.
Significado
In secret understanding or cooperation with someone, often for illicit purposes.
The 'Wink' Rule
If you can imagine the two people winking at each other, 'de connivence' is likely the right phrase.
Avoid Positive Contexts
Don't use this to describe your great relationship with your boss unless you want to sound like you're plotting a coup.
Journalism Hack
Use this in your C1 writing exam when discussing social issues or corruption to instantly boost your register score.
Ponte a prueba
Complétez la phrase avec la bonne préposition.
Le suspect agissait de connivence ___ son avocat pour cacher les preuves.
On dit toujours 'de connivence AVEC' quelqu'un.
Quelle phrase utilise l'expression correctement ?
Choisissez la meilleure option :
L'expression implique une coopération secrète et souvent illicite.
Associez le registre à la phrase correspondante.
Faites correspondre :
Chaque terme appartient à un niveau de langue différent.
Complétez le dialogue.
A: Comment ont-ils pu entrer sans la clé ? B: C'est simple, ils étaient ___ avec le concierge.
'De connivence' convient parfaitement ici car il s'agit d'une intrusion suspecte.
Dans quelle situation utiliseriez-vous 'de connivence' ?
Situation :
L'expression est liée au secret et à la complicité.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
5 ejerciciosLe suspect agissait de connivence ___ son avocat pour cacher les preuves.
On dit toujours 'de connivence AVEC' quelqu'un.
Choisissez la meilleure option :
L'expression implique une coopération secrète et souvent illicite.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Chaque terme appartient à un niveau de langue différent.
A: Comment ont-ils pu entrer sans la clé ? B: C'est simple, ils étaient ___ avec le concierge.
'De connivence' convient parfaitement ici car il s'agit d'une intrusion suspecte.
Situation :
L'expression est liée au secret et à la complicité.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntas90% of the time, yes. However, in literature, it can describe a deep, silent, and positive bond between two people who understand each other perfectly.
'Complicité' is broader. You can be 'complices' in a crime or just 'complices' as friends. 'Connivence' specifically emphasizes the secret agreement or the act of looking the other way.
Yes, 'connivent' is the adjective form, but it is much rarer than the phrase 'être de connivence'.
Yes, especially regarding price-fixing or anti-competitive behavior.
It is not nasal. It sounds like 'o' + 'n'. /kɔn/.
Yes, 'travailler de connivence avec' is very common in investigative reports.
Yes, but 'de mèche' is informal. Use 'de connivence' for writing and 'de mèche' for talking to friends.
Usually, yes, or a singular subject linked to another via 'avec'.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'en toute transparence' (in full transparency) is the conceptual opposite.
Yes, it is standard French used across the Francophonie.
Frases relacionadas
être de mèche avec
similarTo be in cahoots (informal)
être complice de
similarTo be an accomplice to
agir de concert
similarTo act in concert/together
être d'intelligence avec
specialized formTo be in communication with (often an enemy)
renvoyer l'ascenseur
builds onTo return a favor
