synthétique en 30 segundos
- Refers to man-made materials like polyester, nylon, or plastic produced through chemical processes in a laboratory or factory setting.
- Describes an intellectual ability to summarize complex information concisely and clearly, a highly valued skill in French professional environments.
- Functions as an adjective that follows the noun and remains identical in spelling for both masculine and feminine singular forms.
- Commonly used in science, fashion, education, and business to denote either artificial composition or the distillation of ideas.
The French adjective synthétique is a versatile word that functions as a direct cognate to the English word 'synthetic,' but with nuances that are deeply embedded in French academic and industrial culture. At its most basic level, it describes something that is not of natural origin but has been produced through chemical or industrial processes. However, in a pedagogical or intellectual context, it describes the ability to summarize complex information into a coherent, condensed whole. This dual nature makes it an essential word for both shopping for clothes and succeeding in a French university setting.
- Material Context
- In the world of textiles and chemistry, 'synthétique' refers to man-made materials like polyester, nylon, or certain plastics. When you look at a clothing label in a Parisian boutique, you might see 'fibres synthétiques.' This indicates that the garment was manufactured in a laboratory rather than harvested from a plant like cotton or an animal like a sheep. It carries a connotation of durability and technical precision, though sometimes it can imply a lack of the breathability found in natural fabrics.
- Intellectual Context
- This is perhaps the most praised use of the word in France. An 'esprit synthétique' (a synthetic mind) is one that can take vast amounts of data and extract the essential points. In the French education system, students are constantly asked to perform a 'note de synthèse,' which is a summary of multiple documents. Being 'synthétique' in your speech or writing is considered a mark of high intelligence and efficiency, as it respects the listener's time by avoiding unnecessary fluff.
Cette veste est fabriquée à partir de tissus synthétiques recyclés pour protéger l'environnement.
The word is also prevalent in the sciences. A 'produit synthétique' can refer to a medication created in a lab or a chemical compound used in agriculture. In these cases, the word is neutral, focusing on the method of creation. In contrast, when used in philosophy, following the Kantian tradition, it refers to judgments where the predicate is not contained within the subject, adding new knowledge through the combination of concepts. This shows the word's journey from high-level philosophy to the everyday label on your socks.
Il a une vision synthétique des problèmes économiques mondiaux.
Historically, the rise of the word 'synthétique' parallels the industrial revolution in France. As the nation moved from artisanal production to mass manufacturing, the need for a word to describe lab-created materials became paramount. Today, the word is ubiquitous in discussions about ecology, as the world grapples with the impact of synthetic microfibers in the oceans. Thus, using 'synthétique' correctly requires an understanding of both the physical world and the world of abstract thought.
Using 'synthétique' correctly in French involves understanding its grammatical behavior as an adjective. Like most French adjectives, 'synthétique' typically follows the noun it modifies. Because it ends in an 'e' in its masculine singular form, it does not change for the feminine singular. This makes it relatively easy for English speakers to master. However, it does take an 's' for the plural forms: 'synthétiques'. This consistency across genders is a relief for many learners navigating the complexities of French agreement.
- Placement and Agreement
- Standard: 'Un tissu synthétique' (masculine), 'Une fibre synthétique' (feminine). Notice how the spelling remains identical. Plural: 'Des produits synthétiques' (masculine plural), 'Des matières synthétiques' (feminine plural). Always place it after the noun to describe the nature or composition of the object.
Le rapport présente une approche synthétique des résultats de l'enquête.
When using 'synthétique' to describe a person's cognitive style, it is often paired with nouns like 'esprit' (mind), 'vision' (vision), or 'approche' (approach). In these cases, it functions as a qualitative adjective. For example, 'Il est très synthétique' means 'He is very concise' or 'He is good at summarizing.' This is a high compliment in academic and professional circles. It implies the person doesn't get lost in the details but sees the 'big picture' (la vue d'ensemble).
L'odeur de ce parfum est un peu trop synthétique à mon goût.
In more technical or scientific writing, 'synthétique' is used to define categories. For instance, in linguistics, a 'langue synthétique' is a language that uses inflection or agglutination to express syntactic relationships, as opposed to an 'analytic' language. When writing about chemistry, you might discuss 'la chimie synthétique' (synthetic chemistry). In all these instances, the word serves to categorize the subject based on its structural or manufacturing origin. Mastery of this word allows you to pivot between discussing a sweater, a chemical compound, and a philosophical argument with linguistic precision.
The word 'synthétique' is part of the daily soundscape in France, appearing in diverse environments ranging from high-end fashion houses to the hallowed halls of the Sorbonne. If you are walking through a shopping mall like Les Halles in Paris, you will hear it in the context of materials. Sales associates might explain the benefits of 'cuir synthétique' (synthetic leather) for its durability or vegan properties. In this consumerist setting, the word is often used to describe the composition of goods, and it is essential for making informed purchasing decisions.
- In the Media
- On news channels like BFM TV or France 24, journalists frequently use 'synthétique' when summarizing complex political situations. You might hear a news anchor say, 'Pourriez-vous nous faire un point synthétique sur la situation ?' (Could you give us a concise update on the situation?). Here, the word is a request for brevity and clarity, reflecting the fast-paced nature of modern broadcasting where information must be delivered in 'bitesize' portions.
Le présentateur a donné un résumé synthétique des nouvelles du jour.
In educational environments, from primary school to university, 'synthétique' is a buzzword. Teachers encourage students to develop a 'pensée synthétique.' During the 'Grand Oral' (the final oral exam of the French Baccalauréat), students are evaluated on their ability to be 'synthétique'—to present a complex argument without rambling. Hearing this word in a classroom usually signals a transition from brainstorming and analysis to the final stage of concluding and summarizing. It is the 'finish line' of an intellectual exercise.
Les scientifiques ont créé une nouvelle molécule synthétique en laboratoire.
Finally, in the corporate world, 'synthétique' is the gold standard for reporting. Managers want 'des tableaux de bord synthétiques' (concise dashboards) that show the most important KPIs at a glance. If you work in a French-speaking office, you will hear this word in almost every project planning meeting. It represents the value placed on efficiency and the distillation of data into actionable insights. In short, 'synthétique' is the sound of professional competence and material modernity in France.
One of the most common mistakes English speakers make with 'synthétique' is a phonetic one: confusing it with the word 'sympathique' (nice/friendly). Because they share the first few letters and a similar rhythm, beginners often tell their French host, 'Vous êtes très synthétique !' (You are very summary/synthetic!) when they mean to say they are very nice. While being called 'synthétique' is a compliment in a professional setting, it is a very strange thing to say to someone at a dinner party. Always remember: 'sympa' is for people you like, 'synthétique' is for the way they speak or the clothes they wear.
- The 'Artificial' Trap
- Another nuance is the difference between 'synthétique' and 'artificiel.' While they are often synonyms, 'artificiel' can have a negative, judgmental tone (like 'fake' or 'insincere' in English). 'Synthétique' is usually more technical or neutral. For example, 'un sourire artificiel' (a fake smile) is correct, but 'un sourire synthétique' sounds like the person has a plastic face. Use 'synthétique' for materials and intellectual summaries, and 'artificiel' for things that feel 'fake' in a human or social sense.
❌ C'est un homme très synthétique (meaning he is fake).
✅ C'est un homme très artificiel.
Learners also struggle with the agreement of the word. Since it ends in 'e', many assume it is always feminine. Remember that 'synthétique' is the form for both masculine and feminine singular. Do not try to add an extra 'e' for feminine or remove the 'e' for masculine. The only change you should ever make is adding an 's' for plural. This simplicity is a trap for those who are used to more complex adjective changes in French.
❌ Des tissus synthétique.
✅ Des tissus synthétiques.
Lastly, avoid overusing 'synthétique' when you simply mean 'short.' If a text is just short in length, use 'court.' If it is short because it has been intelligently condensed, use 'synthétique.' Using the word 'synthétique' implies a process of synthesis—taking many parts and making one. If there was no 'many parts' to begin with, the word doesn't quite fit. Understanding this distinction will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a dictionary translation.
To truly master 'synthétique,' you must understand its neighbors in the French vocabulary landscape. Depending on whether you are talking about chemistry, fashion, or intellectual work, different alternatives may be more appropriate. In the realm of brevity and summarization, synonyms like 'concis,' 'bref,' and 'sommaire' are frequently used, each carrying a slightly different weight.
- Concis vs. Synthétique
- 'Concis' (concise) focuses purely on using few words. It is about economy of language. 'Synthétique' is more about the cognitive process of merging ideas. A list can be 'concis,' but an argument is 'synthétique' because it brings various threads together into a single conclusion.
- Artificiel vs. Synthétique
- In manufacturing, 'artificiel' usually refers to things made from natural raw materials that are then processed (like rayon from wood pulp), whereas 'synthétique' often refers to things created entirely from chemical synthesis (like polyester from petroleum). While often used interchangeably in casual speech, scientists maintain this distinction.
Son explication était concise et efficace, mais pas vraiment synthétique.
Other useful alternatives include 'factice' and 'industriel.' 'Factice' is used for things that are imitation or dummy objects (like 'un faux diamant' or 'un décor factice'). 'Industriel' is a broader term for anything made in a factory. If you want to describe a summary that is perhaps too brief and lacks detail, you might use 'sommaire' (summary/sketchy). For example, 'un rapport sommaire' might imply it was rushed, whereas 'un rapport synthétique' implies it was skillfully condensed.
Nous préférons les matières naturelles aux fibres industrielles.
In summary, choose 'synthétique' when you want to emphasize the process of creation (man-made) or the intellectual skill of merging ideas. Use 'concis' for brevity, 'artificiel' for things that mimic nature, and 'sommaire' for things that are brief but perhaps incomplete. This level of precision is exactly what a French speaker would call having an 'esprit synthétique' about your own vocabulary!
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The word entered the French language in the late 15th century, but it wasn't until the industrial chemistry boom of the 19th century that it became associated with man-made materials like plastics.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the 'th' as in English 'thin' (it should be a simple 't' sound).
- Not making the first syllable nasal (pronouncing it like 'sin').
- Confusing it with 'sympathique'.
Nivel de dificultad
Easy to recognize as it looks like 'synthetic.'
Requires remembering the spelling and plural 's'.
Nasal vowel 'ɛ̃' and the distinction from 'sympathique' can be tricky.
Recognizable, but can be confused with similar sounding words in fast speech.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Adjective agreement with 'e' ending nouns.
Un sac synthétique / Une veste synthétique (no change).
Placement of adjectives of color and composition.
Un tapis synthétique bleu (composition then color).
Pluralization of adjectives ending in 'e'.
Des matières synthétiques (add 's').
Nasal vowels in French (in, im, syn, sym).
The 'syn' in synthétique is the same nasal as 'vin'.
Using 'être' to describe characteristics.
Ce produit est synthétique.
Ejemplos por nivel
J'ai acheté un pull synthétique.
I bought a synthetic sweater.
The adjective 'synthétique' follows the noun 'pull'.
Est-ce que c'est du cuir synthétique ?
Is it synthetic leather?
'Cuir' is masculine, but 'synthétique' ends in 'e', so it doesn't change.
Cette nappe est en matière synthétique.
This tablecloth is made of synthetic material.
'Matière' is feminine; 'synthétique' remains the same.
Les fibres synthétiques sont solides.
Synthetic fibers are strong.
Plural: add an 's' to 'synthétiques'.
Je n'aime pas le tissu synthétique.
I don't like synthetic fabric.
Direct object with a definite article.
C'est un tapis synthétique bleu.
It's a blue synthetic rug.
Two adjectives follow the noun: 'synthétique' and 'bleu'.
Ma veste est synthétique, pas en laine.
My jacket is synthetic, not wool.
Use of 'est' to describe the subject.
Elle porte des chaussures synthétiques.
She is wearing synthetic shoes.
Plural agreement with 'chaussures'.
Pouvez-vous être plus synthétique, s'il vous plaît ?
Can you be more concise, please?
'Synthétique' here refers to the way of speaking.
Son résumé est très synthétique.
His summary is very concise.
Adverb 'très' modifies the adjective.
Nous utilisons des parfums synthétiques.
We use synthetic perfumes.
Plural masculine agreement.
Elle a un esprit très synthétique.
She has a very summary/concise mind.
Common idiomatic expression for mental clarity.
Ce livre propose une vision synthétique de l'histoire.
This book offers a concise vision of history.
'Vision' is feminine; adjective remains 'synthétique'.
Le produit est d'origine synthétique.
The product is of synthetic origin.
'Origine' is feminine.
J'ai besoin d'un tableau synthétique des ventes.
I need a summary table of the sales.
'Tableau' means table or chart in this context.
C'est une présentation synthétique du projet.
It's a concise presentation of the project.
Describes the nature of the presentation.
L'industrie utilise beaucoup de caoutchouc synthétique.
The industry uses a lot of synthetic rubber.
Technical use in manufacturing.
Il faut rédiger une note synthétique pour le directeur.
A summary note must be written for the director.
'Note synthétique' is a standard business term.
Les colorants synthétiques sont souvent critiqués.
Synthetic dyes are often criticized.
Passive voice structure.
Le rapport offre une analyse synthétique des risques.
The report offers a summary analysis of the risks.
Focus on professional reporting.
Elle préfère les fibres naturelles aux fibres synthétiques.
She prefers natural fibers over synthetic fibers.
Comparison using 'préférer... à...'.
Ce médicament contient des hormones synthétiques.
This medicine contains synthetic hormones.
Medical context.
Le document est trop long, sois plus synthétique.
The document is too long, be more concise.
Imperative form 'sois'.
C'est un aperçu synthétique de la situation actuelle.
It's a concise overview of the current situation.
'Aperçu' is masculine.
La méthode synthétique consiste à assembler des éléments simples.
The synthetic method consists of assembling simple elements.
Scientific/methodological definition.
Les plastiques synthétiques polluent les océans.
Synthetic plastics pollute the oceans.
Environmental context.
Il a fait un effort synthétique remarquable dans sa conclusion.
He made a remarkable effort to be concise in his conclusion.
'Effort synthétique' as an intellectual task.
L'intelligence artificielle utilise des réseaux de neurones synthétiques.
Artificial intelligence uses synthetic neural networks.
Technological context.
Cette théorie propose un cadre synthétique pour la biologie.
This theory proposes a synthetic framework for biology.
Abstract academic use.
Le parfum dégage une note synthétique très marquée.
The perfume gives off a very pronounced synthetic note.
Describing sensory experience.
Nous devons adopter une approche synthétique du problème global.
We must adopt a comprehensive/concise approach to the global problem.
'Adopter une approche' + adjective.
Les diamants synthétiques sont désormais très courants.
Synthetic diamonds are now very common.
Specific industrial product.
La pensée synthétique est essentielle pour la recherche interdisciplinaire.
Synthetic thinking is essential for interdisciplinary research.
High-level academic discourse.
Le style de l'auteur est à la fois analytique et synthétique.
The author's style is both analytical and synthetic.
Literary criticism context.
Kant distingue les jugements analytiques des jugements synthétiques.
Kant distinguishes analytic judgments from synthetic judgments.
Philosophical terminology.
L'œuvre d'art offre une vision synthétique de la condition humaine.
The work of art offers a comprehensive vision of the human condition.
Artistic interpretation.
La biologie synthétique ouvre de nouvelles perspectives médicales.
Synthetic biology opens new medical perspectives.
Cutting-edge science field.
Il a réussi à faire une synthèse synthétique de dix rapports complexes.
He managed to make a concise synthesis of ten complex reports.
Note the use of both noun and adjective for emphasis.
Les langues synthétiques utilisent des flexions pour marquer les cas.
Synthetic languages use inflections to mark cases.
Linguistic terminology.
Sa capacité synthétique lui permet de diriger des équipes variées.
His synthetic capacity allows him to lead diverse teams.
Professional leadership skill.
L'hégémonie des matériaux synthétiques redéfinit notre rapport à la nature.
The hegemony of synthetic materials redefines our relationship with nature.
Sociological/Philosophical critique.
L'ontologie de l'objet synthétique soulève des questions éthiques majeures.
The ontology of the synthetic object raises major ethical questions.
Deep philosophical inquiry.
Le traité propose une relecture synthétique de l'histoire de la métaphysique.
The treaty proposes a comprehensive rereading of the history of metaphysics.
High-level academic writing.
La musique électronique explore les textures sonores synthétiques pures.
Electronic music explores pure synthetic sound textures.
Aesthetic analysis.
L'architecture contemporaine privilégie souvent les composants synthétiques hybrides.
Contemporary architecture often favors hybrid synthetic components.
Technical architectural description.
La dimension synthétique de son œuvre échappe aux classifications traditionnelles.
The synthetic dimension of his work escapes traditional classifications.
Advanced art criticism.
L'émergence de la conscience synthétique est un thème récurrent en science-fiction.
The emergence of synthetic consciousness is a recurring theme in science fiction.
Speculative discourse.
Il convient d'opérer une distinction synthétique entre le réel et le simulacre.
It is appropriate to make a synthetic distinction between reality and the simulacrum.
Post-modern philosophical analysis.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— To be concise or to the point.
Sois synthétique, nous n'avons pas beaucoup de temps.
— A holistic or summary-based approach.
Une approche synthétique est nécessaire pour ce projet.
— Concise and clear (a common pairing).
Votre exposé était synthétique et clair.
— A document that summarizes key points.
Veuillez préparer un document synthétique des résultats.
Se confunde a menudo con
Means 'nice' or 'friendly'. Do not use it to mean 'concise'.
Often used for 'fake' in a negative or social sense (e.g., a fake smile).
This is the noun 'summary'. 'Synthétique' is the adjective describing the summary.
Modismos y expresiones
— To be naturally good at summarizing and seeing the big picture.
Elle a l'esprit synthétique, elle comprend tout de suite l'essentiel.
neutral— To keep it very brief and to the point.
Je vais faire court et synthétique pour ne pas vous ennuyer.
informal— To focus only on the most important parts in a summary.
Dans votre présentation, allez à l'essentiel de façon synthétique.
formal— A bird's eye view or a broad overview.
Ce graphique donne une vue synthétique des dépenses.
neutral— A high level of skill in combining complex ideas (often used for great thinkers).
Le génie synthétique de Napoléon était reconnu par tous.
literary— A concise summary (technically redundant but used for emphasis).
Pouvez-vous me donner un résumé synthétique de l'entretien ?
neutral— To be too detailed or disorganized in one's thinking.
Il est intelligent mais il manque d'esprit synthétique.
neutral— The perfect example of something concise.
C'est l'ouvrage synthétique par excellence sur le sujet.
formal— To maintain brevity throughout a task.
Il est difficile de rester synthétique quand le sujet est si vaste.
neutral— A natural ability to condense information.
Son talent synthétique l'aide beaucoup dans son métier de journaliste.
neutralFácil de confundir
It is the direct opposite process.
Analytic breaks down; synthetic builds up or condenses.
Une étude analytique vs une vision synthétique.
Both mean man-made.
'Artificiel' is broader; 'synthétique' is more technical/chemical.
Un lac artificiel vs une fibre synthétique.
Both mean not real.
'Factice' implies a imitation or a placeholder; 'synthétique' implies a lab creation.
Un pistolet factice vs un diamant synthétique.
Both mean short.
'Bref' is about time; 'synthétique' is about the merging of ideas.
Un moment bref vs un rapport synthétique.
Very close synonyms.
'Concis' is about language economy; 'synthétique' is about cognitive synthesis.
Un style concis vs une pensée synthétique.
Patrones de oraciones
C'est un/une [noun] synthétique.
C'est une chemise synthétique.
Il est très [adjective].
Il est très synthétique.
Je préfère [noun] aux [noun] synthétiques.
Je préfère le cuir aux matières synthétiques.
Faire un point [adjective] sur [subject].
Faire un point synthétique sur le projet.
Une approche [adjective] de [subject].
Une approche synthétique de la situation.
Distinguer [concept] de [concept] synthétique.
Distinguer le naturel du synthétique.
Avoir un esprit [adjective].
Elle a un esprit synthétique.
L'émergence de [noun] synthétique.
L'émergence de la conscience synthétique.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
High, especially in professional, scientific, and fashion contexts.
-
C'est un homme synthétique. (meaning he's nice)
→
C'est un homme sympathique.
'Synthétique' is for brevity; 'sympathique' is for personality.
-
Des tissus synthétique.
→
Des tissus synthétiques.
Adjectives must agree in number with the noun.
-
Une matière synthétiqure.
→
Une matière synthétique.
Spelling error; ensure the '-tique' ending is correct.
-
Je suis synthétique. (meaning 'I am fake')
→
Je suis artificiel / Je ne suis pas sincère.
Using 'synthétique' for personal insincerity is not natural in French.
-
Un synthétique produit.
→
Un produit synthétique.
In French, adjectives of composition usually follow the noun.
Consejos
Learn the pair
Always learn 'synthétique' alongside its opposite 'analytique'. This helps you understand the cognitive context better.
The 'T' sound
Remember that the 'th' in French is always a hard 'T'. Never use the English 'th' sound.
The plural 's'
While you don't hear the 's' in 'synthétiques', you must write it for plural nouns. It's a common written error.
The compliment
If your French teacher calls your work 'synthétique', be happy! It means you have mastered the art of the summary.
Email tip
When sending a long report, add a 'résumé synthétique' at the top. Your French colleagues will appreciate the efficiency.
Check the label
Look for 'fibres synthétiques' on your clothes. It's a great way to see the word in the real world.
Chemistry link
If you know chemistry, remember 'synthesis'. The adjective 'synthétique' is just the descriptive form of that process.
Exam prep
For the DELF/DALF exams, practicing being 'synthétique' in your oral presentation is key to a high score.
Syn-Summary
Link 'Syn' to 'Summary' in your head to remember the intellectual meaning of the word.
Avoid 'sympa' confusion
Say 'Vous êtes très sympathique' for people and 'C'est très synthétique' for their work.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of a 'Synthetic' sweater and a 'Summary'—both start with 'S' and both are 'Synthétique' in French.
Asociación visual
Imagine a scientist in a lab (synthetic material) holding a very small, powerful summary of a huge book (synthetic mind).
Word Web
Desafío
Try to describe your favorite movie in exactly three 'synthétique' sentences to a friend.
Origen de la palabra
From the Ancient Greek 'sunthetikos' (συνθετικός), meaning 'skilled in putting together,' derived from 'sunthesis' (σύνθεσις), which means 'composition' or 'putting together'.
Significado original: Relating to the act of putting things together or combining parts into a whole.
Indo-European (via Greek and Latin).Contexto cultural
Generally neutral. Avoid using it to describe people's personalities (use 'artificiel' for fake people) to avoid sounding strange.
In English, 'synthetic' often has a negative connotation of being 'fake' or 'plastic.' In French, while it can mean man-made, its use to describe intellectual brevity is much more common and positive.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Shopping for clothes
- C'est synthétique ?
- Je ne veux pas de matières synthétiques.
- C'est un mélange synthétique.
- Lavage pour tissus synthétiques.
In a meeting
- Soyez synthétique.
- Un point synthétique.
- Une présentation synthétique.
- Résumé synthétique des ventes.
In a science lab
- Produit de synthèse.
- Molécule synthétique.
- Réaction synthétique.
- Matériau synthétique.
At school
- Esprit synthétique.
- Note de synthèse.
- Rédaction synthétique.
- Vision synthétique du cours.
Describing art/music
- Son synthétique.
- Couleurs synthétiques.
- Texture synthétique.
- Style synthétique.
Inicios de conversación
"Préférez-vous les vêtements en coton ou les matières synthétiques ?"
"Pensez-vous qu'il soit important d'être synthétique dans le travail ?"
"Connaissez-vous la différence entre un diamant naturel et un diamant synthétique ?"
"Comment peut-on développer un esprit plus synthétique selon vous ?"
"Que pensez-vous de l'impact des fibres synthétiques sur l'environnement ?"
Temas para diario
Décrivez une situation où vous avez dû être très synthétique pour expliquer quelque chose de complexe.
Faites une liste synthétique de vos objectifs pour l'année prochaine.
Comparez les avantages et les inconvénients des produits synthétiques dans notre vie quotidienne.
Réfléchissez à un livre que vous avez lu et écrivez un résumé synthétique de l'intrigue.
Pourquoi la clarté et l'esprit synthétique sont-ils importants dans la culture française ?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot necessarily. In materials, it means man-made. In intelligence, it means concise and efficient. It is not always a negative word; in business, it is a compliment.
It is exactly the same: 'synthétique'. Adjectives ending in 'e' do not change for gender in the singular.
Only if you are describing their mind or way of speaking ('Il est synthétique'). If you mean they are an insincere person, use 'artificiel' or 'faux'.
'Cuir synthétique' or 'similicuir'.
Yes, it is very common in professional, academic, and commercial contexts in France.
It is a specific type of academic or professional exercise where you summarize several documents into one clear report.
Yes, both end in the '-tique' sound.
Yes, to describe additives or lab-grown items, e.g., 'arômes synthétiques' (synthetic flavors).
'Esprit analytique' or someone who is 'trop détaillé' or 'brouillon' (disorganized).
It is a nasal vowel, like 'vin' (wine) or 'fin' (end).
Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas
Write a sentence about a synthetic sweater.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Tell someone to be concise in French.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a report that is summary-style.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Compare natural and synthetic fibers.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'esprit synthétique'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Mention synthetic leather in a sentence about shopping.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'synthétique' to describe a perfume.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a plural sentence about synthetic products.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain why a summary is good using 'synthétique'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'synthétique' in a sentence about science.
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Describe a concise presentation.
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Write a sentence about a synthetic rug.
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Ask a question about the material of a shirt.
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Use 'synthétique' to describe a vision or outlook.
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Write a formal sentence about a summary note.
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Describe a synthetic diamond.
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Use the adverb 'synthétiquement'.
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Write about synthetic hormones.
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Describe a 'synthetic language'.
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Use 'synthétique' in a sentence about environmental pollution.
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Pronounce: synthétique
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Dijiste:
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Say 'synthetic fibers' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'Be concise' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'synthetic leather' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'a concise mind' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'synthetic products' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'a summary note' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Pronounce: des matières synthétiques
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Dijiste:
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Say 'This sweater is synthetic' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'I don't like synthetic smells' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'a concise vision' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'synthetic diamonds' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'synthetic biology' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'a synthetic language' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'synthetic rubber' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'a summary report' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'in a concise way' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'synthetic hormones' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'synthetic colors' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'He is very concise' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Listen and write the adjective: 'Ce vêtement est synthétique.'
Listen and write the noun: 'Les fibres synthétiques.'
Listen and write the phrase: 'Un esprit synthétique.'
Listen: 'Le rapport est synthétique.' Is the report long or short?
Listen: 'C'est du cuir synthétique.' Is it real leather?
Listen and write: 'produits synthétiques'
Listen: 'Il faut être synthétique.' What is the requirement?
Listen and write: 'une note synthétique'
Listen: 'Le parfum est trop synthétique.' What is the problem?
Listen and write: 'vision synthétique'
Listen: 'Les diamants sont synthétiques.' Where were they made?
Listen and write: 'matières synthétiques'
Listen: 'Sois synthétique.' Who is being spoken to?
Listen and write: 'caoutchouc synthétique'
Listen: 'L'approche est synthétique.' What describes the approach?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
'Synthétique' is a dual-purpose word: it identifies man-made materials (like 'une fibre synthétique') and praises intellectual brevity (like 'un esprit synthétique'). Example: 'Votre rapport est excellent car il est très synthétique.'
- Refers to man-made materials like polyester, nylon, or plastic produced through chemical processes in a laboratory or factory setting.
- Describes an intellectual ability to summarize complex information concisely and clearly, a highly valued skill in French professional environments.
- Functions as an adjective that follows the noun and remains identical in spelling for both masculine and feminine singular forms.
- Commonly used in science, fashion, education, and business to denote either artificial composition or the distillation of ideas.
Learn the pair
Always learn 'synthétique' alongside its opposite 'analytique'. This helps you understand the cognitive context better.
The 'T' sound
Remember that the 'th' in French is always a hard 'T'. Never use the English 'th' sound.
The plural 's'
While you don't hear the 's' in 'synthétiques', you must write it for plural nouns. It's a common written error.
The compliment
If your French teacher calls your work 'synthétique', be happy! It means you have mastered the art of the summary.
Contenido relacionado
Más palabras de academic
à cet égard
A2A este respecto; en este sentido.
à condition que
A2A condición de que; siempre que.
à propos de
A2Acerca de, con respecto a, sobre.
à travers
A2Expresa el paso de un lado a otro de un espacio o un obstáculo. También se usa en sentido figurado para indicar el medio o la duración.
aborder
B1Acercarse a alguien para hablarle o empezar a tratar un tema en una conversación.
abstrait
A2Que no tiene una realidad propia, sino que es el resultado de una abstracción.
abstraitement
B2De manera abstracta; conceptualmente.
académique
A2Académico; relacionado con la universidad, la enseñanza superior o la investigación.
académiquement
B2De manera académica; en relación con asuntos académicos.
accent
A2Un acento es un modo distintivo de pronunciación de una lengua.
