Significado
To strip something of its inherent meaning, purpose, or logical coherence, rendering it absurd or nonsensical.
Contexto cultural
In France, being 'logical' is a core part of the national identity. Calling something 'dénué de sens' is a common way for intellectuals to dismiss ideas that don't follow a strict linear progression. In Quebec, while 'dénué de sens' is understood, people might use 'ça fait pas de sens', which is a direct calque from the English 'it doesn't make sense'. Purists in France often criticize this. The phrase is heavily associated with the 'Theater of the Absurd' (Beckett, Ionesco). It describes the human condition in a world where God or logic has disappeared. Belgian French uses 'dénué de sens' in administrative contexts similarly to France, often to describe complex European Union regulations that seem contradictory.
Use it in Essays
This is a 'magic phrase' for French exams like DALF C1. It instantly elevates your register when critiquing a text.
The Final 'S'
Always pronounce the 's' in 'sens' in this phrase. If you don't, it sounds like 'sang' (blood) or 'sans' (without).
Significado
To strip something of its inherent meaning, purpose, or logical coherence, rendering it absurd or nonsensical.
Use it in Essays
This is a 'magic phrase' for French exams like DALF C1. It instantly elevates your register when critiquing a text.
The Final 'S'
Always pronounce the 's' in 'sens' in this phrase. If you don't, it sounds like 'sang' (blood) or 'sans' (without).
The Absurd
Mentioning that something is 'dénué de sens' in a discussion about literature will make you sound very culturally aware of French Existentialism.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'dénuer de sens'.
Cette théorie scientifique est totalement ________.
'Théorie' is a feminine singular noun, so we add an 'e' to 'dénué'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Choose the best option:
This is the most natural and grammatically correct usage. 'Dénué du sens' is wrong because of the article, and 'dénuer mon café' is nonsensical.
Match the register with the correct sentence.
Match the following:
Each sentence correctly reflects its register.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi as-tu démissionné ? B: Parce que mon travail était devenu ________.
'Travail' is masculine singular, so 'dénué de sens' is the correct form.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosCette théorie scientifique est totalement ________.
'Théorie' is a feminine singular noun, so we add an 'e' to 'dénué'.
Choose the best option:
This is the most natural and grammatically correct usage. 'Dénué du sens' is wrong because of the article, and 'dénuer mon café' is nonsensical.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Each sentence correctly reflects its register.
A: Pourquoi as-tu démissionné ? B: Parce que mon travail était devenu ________.
'Travail' is masculine singular, so 'dénué de sens' is the correct form.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but it's much more formal. 'Nonsense' can be translated as 'n'importe quoi' (informal) or 'absurdité' (neutral). 'Dénué de sens' is the descriptive, formal version.
Absolutely. It's a very common variation that specifically targets the lack of logical reasoning.
Yes, 'dénuer' (or 'dénué') is a transitive verb that requires the preposition 'de' to introduce what is missing.
Not really. You wouldn't say 'Cet homme est dénué de sens'. You would say 'Cet homme est insensé' or 'Cet homme manque de bon sens'.
Yes, frequently. It's used to describe data or results that don't fit a hypothesis and therefore 'make no sense'.
The most direct opposite is 'plein de sens' (full of meaning) or 'porteur de sens'.
In the noun 'sens' (meaning/direction), yes. In the verb 'sent' (from sentir), no. Here, it's the noun, so pronounce it!
Only if you are being ironic or very serious. It's usually too formal for a quick text.
In modern spoken French, 'ça n'a pas de sens' is most common. In writing, 'vide de sens' and 'dénué de sens' are used almost equally.
It's three syllables: dé-nu-é. The 'u' is the French 'u' sound (like 'tu').
Frases relacionadas
vide de sens
synonymEmpty of meaning.
insensé
similarSenseless or crazy.
n'avoir ni queue ni tête
informal equivalentTo have neither head nor tail.
dépourvu de
builds onLacking in...
