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A1 noun #3,105 le plus courant 16 min de lecture

cream

Top 3,105

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces cream en 30 secondes

Explication cream in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'cream' is a very simple and useful word. It mostly means the white or yellowish liquid that comes from milk. You see it in the kitchen. People put it in their coffee or tea to make it taste better and look lighter. You also know 'ice cream,' which is a cold, sweet dessert that everyone loves. At this level, you should know that cream is thick and rich. You can also use it to talk about a color that is not quite white, but a little bit yellow. Think of it as a basic food word like 'milk' or 'butter.' You will hear it in cafes and see it on menus. It is an uncountable noun, so you usually say 'some cream' or 'a little cream.'

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'cream' in more specific ways. You might talk about 'whipped cream' on top of a cake or 'sour cream' on a potato. You also learn that 'cream' is not just for eating. It is also something you put on your skin. If your skin is dry, you use 'hand cream' or 'face cream.' You are learning that 'cream' describes a texture—something thick and smooth. You might also start to see 'cream' as a verb in simple recipes, like 'cream the butter and sugar.' At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'cream' (the thing) and 'creamy' (the feeling or taste).

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At the B1 level, you use 'cream' more confidently in various contexts. You understand that there are different types of cream, like 'heavy cream' for cooking and 'shaving cream' for grooming. You can describe the 'creamy' consistency of a soup or a sauce. You also start to encounter common idioms like 'the cream of the crop,' which means the best part of something. You understand that 'cream' can be used metaphorically to describe high quality. You are also more aware of the grammar, knowing when 'cream' is uncountable (the food) and when it can be countable (a specific tube of skin cream).

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At the B2 level, you can use 'cream' in more nuanced and idiomatic ways. You are familiar with expressions like 'the cat that got the cream,' used to describe someone who looks very proud or happy with themselves. You understand the technical use of 'cream' as a verb in baking to mean aerating a mixture. You can also use 'to cream' as a slang term for defeating someone easily in a game or sport. Your vocabulary includes specific culinary terms like 'clotted cream' or 'crème fraîche.' You are comfortable using 'cream' as a color descriptor in fashion or interior design, and you can explain the difference between a cream and a lotion.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'cream' is sophisticated. You understand the subtle social connotations of 'the cream of society' and can use the word in formal or academic discussions about elitism or quality. You are aware of the word's etymology, linking it to both dairy and ointments. You can use 'cream' in complex sentence structures and understand its role in compound nouns across various industries, from pharmaceuticals to high-end gastronomy. You recognize the use of 'cream' in literature to evoke sensory details of richness, smoothness, or pale color. You can also navigate the different meanings of 'creaming' in technical fields like chemistry.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'cream' and all its subtle shades of meaning. You can use the word with precision in any context, from a highly technical scientific paper on emulsions to a poetic description of a landscape. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its cognates in other languages. You can play with the word's multiple meanings in puns or creative writing. You are familiar with rare or archaic uses of the word and can distinguish between various international varieties of cream and their specific fat contents. Your use of idioms involving 'cream' is natural, effortless, and perfectly timed.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

cream en 30 secondes

Cream is the thick, high-fat layer of milk used for cooking, baking, and adding richness to beverages like coffee and tea.
The word also refers to semi-solid cosmetic or medicinal emulsions applied to the skin for hydration or treatment.
Metaphorically, 'cream' signifies the highest quality or the best individuals within a group, as in 'the cream of the crop.'
Grammatically, it is usually an uncountable noun for food but can be countable when referring to specific cosmetic products.

At its core, the word cream refers to the richest, fattiest portion of milk. In a biological and physical sense, cream is an emulsion—a mixture of milk fat globules suspended in a water-based liquid. Because fat is less dense than water, these globules naturally rise to the surface of fresh milk over time, forming a thick layer that can be skimmed off. In modern industrial processes, this separation is achieved rapidly using centrifugal separators. This primary meaning is the foundation for a wide array of uses across culinary, cosmetic, and metaphorical domains. When you are in a kitchen, cream is a versatile ingredient that adds body, flavor, and a smooth mouthfeel to both sweet and savory dishes. It can be whipped to incorporate air, becoming a light topping, or simmered to create thick sauces. The linguistic journey of the word doesn't stop at the dairy aisle; it extends into the world of skincare and medicine. Because of its thick, semi-solid consistency, any thick liquid or emulsion applied to the skin is called a cream. This includes moisturizers, sunscreens, and medicated ointments. The word carries a connotation of smoothness, richness, and high quality, which leads to its metaphorical use. When we speak of the 'cream of the crop,' we are referring to the very best members of a group, just as the cream is the most valued part of the milk. People use this word daily, whether they are ordering a coffee, shopping for lotion, or discussing the elite tier of a professional field.

Culinary Context: In cooking, cream is categorized by its fat content, such as heavy cream, light cream, or half-and-half, each serving specific roles in recipes from soups to desserts.

The chef added a splash of heavy cream to the tomato soup to give it a velvety texture.

Cosmetic Context: In the beauty industry, a cream is a preparation of oil and water designed to hydrate the skin or deliver active ingredients like vitamins or medicine.

She applied a soothing night cream before going to bed to prevent her skin from drying out.

Beyond the physical substances, 'cream' appears in the color spectrum. It describes a very pale yellow or off-white color, resembling the natural hue of dairy cream. This color is often associated with elegance, warmth, and neutrality in interior design and fashion. Furthermore, in competitive contexts, particularly in American slang, to 'cream' someone means to defeat them overwhelmingly. This usage likely stems from the idea of 'skimming' off the top or completely overpowering an opponent. The versatility of 'cream' is truly remarkable, bridging the gap between a simple breakfast addition and a sophisticated descriptor for excellence. Whether you are whisking it into a peak, rubbing it onto a burn, or admiring a cream-colored dress, the word consistently evokes a sense of thickness, quality, and smoothness that is unmistakable in the English language.

The walls were painted a soft cream to make the small room feel more open and inviting.

Metaphorical Context: When we refer to the 'cream' of a group, we are highlighting the elite or most talented individuals within that specific population.

These students represent the cream of the university's engineering department.

The recipe calls for clotted cream, which is a staple of traditional British afternoon tea.

Using the word cream correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as both a mass noun and a countable noun, depending on the context. When referring to the dairy product or the general substance, it is typically uncountable. You would say 'I want some cream' or 'There is too much cream in this sauce.' However, when referring to specific types of cosmetic or medicinal products, it can become countable. For instance, 'The doctor prescribed two different creams for my rash.' This distinction is crucial for learners to master. In culinary sentences, 'cream' often pairs with verbs like 'whisk,' 'pour,' 'whip,' or 'fold.' For example, 'Whisk the cream until stiff peaks form.' In a cosmetic sense, it pairs with 'apply,' 'rub,' 'spread,' or 'absorb.' For example, 'The skin quickly absorbed the moisturizing cream.' Understanding these collocations helps in constructing natural-sounding sentences. Furthermore, 'cream' can function as an adjective to describe color or texture. You might describe a piece of furniture as 'a cream sofa' or a soup as having a 'cream texture,' though 'creamy' is more common for the latter. In idiomatic expressions, the word is usually fixed. You cannot say 'the milk of the crop'; it must be 'the cream of the crop.' Similarly, 'to cream' as a verb meaning to defeat someone is informal and usually found in sports or gaming contexts: 'Our team creamed the opposition 10-0.' By paying attention to the specific domain—be it food, beauty, or competition—you can choose the correct grammatical structure and accompanying words to express yourself clearly.

Uncountable Usage: When talking about the food substance in general, do not use 'a' or pluralize it.

Would you like some cream in your coffee, or do you prefer it black?

Countable Usage: Use 'a' or plural forms when referring to specific containers or types of topical treatments.

I bought a new face cream that contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

In more advanced usage, 'cream' can appear in compound nouns that specify its purpose or origin. Examples include 'shaving cream,' 'sour cream,' 'ice cream,' and 'clotted cream.' Each of these has a distinct meaning and cannot be substituted for just 'cream' without losing specificity. In academic or formal writing, you might encounter 'cream' in discussions of socio-economics or history, particularly when discussing the 'cream of society'—the elite class. Here, the word takes on a more abstract, metaphorical weight. Regardless of the complexity of the sentence, the core idea of 'cream' as the best or thickest part remains a helpful guide. When writing, ensure that the subject-verb agreement matches the noun's countability. For example, 'The cream is fresh' (singular/uncountable) versus 'These creams are expensive' (plural/countable). Mastering these nuances will allow you to use 'cream' with the precision of a native speaker across various contexts.

The athlete was considered the cream of the crop in this year's Olympic trials.

Verb Usage (Baking): Used to describe the process of aerating fat and sugar.

First, cream the butter and sugar together for five minutes until light and airy.

The strawberry cake was served with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

The word cream is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in diverse settings from the mundane to the professional. One of the most common places you will hear it is in a café or restaurant. Baristas frequently ask, 'Do you take cream or sugar?' or customers might request 'extra cream' in their tea. In this context, it is almost always referring to the dairy product or a non-dairy creamer. Move to the grocery store, and you'll hear it in the dairy aisle or the beauty section. A pharmacist might recommend a 'hydrocortisone cream' for an itch, or a beauty consultant might praise a 'hydrating eye cream.' In these scenarios, the word is functional and descriptive. Television also plays a significant role in how we hear this word. Cooking shows are a prime example; chefs constantly discuss the 'creaminess' of a sauce or the importance of using 'heavy cream' for a stable ganache. The word is spoken with a sense of indulgence and culinary expertise. Beyond the literal, you'll hear 'cream' in sports commentary and competitive gaming. A commentator might shout, 'They are absolutely creaming them!' when one team is winning by a massive margin. This slang usage is high-energy and informal. In business or academic circles, you might hear the idiom 'the cream of the crop' during recruitment or awards ceremonies to signify top-tier talent. This highlights the word's association with excellence and prestige. Finally, in fashion and design, 'cream' is a standard color name used by interior designers and stylists to describe a particular aesthetic—soft, warm, and sophisticated. Whether it's a functional request, a culinary instruction, a competitive boast, or a mark of excellence, 'cream' is a word that resonates across all levels of spoken English.

Café Culture: Commonly heard when ordering beverages or describing the texture of a latte's foam.

I'll have a large iced coffee with two sugars and a splash of cream, please.

Medical/Skincare Advice: Heard in pharmacies or clinics when discussing topical treatments.

You should apply the antiseptic cream twice a day until the redness subsides.

Furthermore, you might hear the word in the context of 'ice cream,' perhaps the most popular global association with the word. Children and adults alike use it when visiting parlors or looking for a treat. In more specialized fields, like chemistry or industrial manufacturing, 'cream' refers to the process of 'creaming,' where components of a mixture separate based on density. Even in music, the legendary band 'Cream' utilized the word to signify that they were the best musicians of their time. The word's presence in pop culture, from song lyrics to movie titles (like 'Ice Cream Man'), ensures it remains at the forefront of the English lexicon. Whether you're listening to a podcast about high-end skincare or a broadcast of a football game, the word 'cream' will likely make an appearance, carrying its connotations of richness, superiority, or physical consistency. Its phonetic simplicity—a single syllable with a smooth 'ee' sound—makes it easy to hear and identify even in noisy environments.

The announcer noted that the winning goal was like cream rising to the top in a high-stakes match.

Baking Shows: Heard frequently during technical challenges on shows like 'The Great British Bake Off'.

Make sure you don't over-whip the cream, or it will turn into butter.

The furniture store specialized in high-end cream leather upholstery.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with the word cream involves its countability. As established, when referring to the dairy product, 'cream' is an uncountable noun. Mistakes like saying 'I want a cream' or 'There are three creams in the fridge' are common. Instead, one should say 'some cream' or use a container as a measure, such as 'a carton of cream' or 'three jugs of cream.' However, this becomes confusing because in a café, it is common to hear 'two creams,' which is a shorthand for 'two small containers of cream' or 'two servings of cream.' This colloquial usage can mislead learners into thinking the noun is always countable. Another mistake is confusing 'cream' with 'lotion' or 'ointment.' While all are topical applications, 'cream' usually has a specific oil-to-water ratio that makes it thicker than lotion but less greasy than ointment. Using 'cream' when referring to a very watery lotion might sound slightly off to a native speaker. In the realm of adjectives, learners often struggle between 'cream' and 'creamy.' 'Cream' is the noun and the specific color name, while 'creamy' is the adjective describing texture or flavor. Saying 'This soup is very cream' is incorrect; it should be 'This soup is very creamy.' Conversely, describing a color as 'creamy white' is correct, but 'the walls are creamy' might imply they are literally covered in cream rather than just being that color. Metaphorical mistakes also occur, particularly with the idiom 'the cream of the crop.' Some might say 'the cream of the group' or 'the top cream.' While understandable, these are not the standard idiomatic forms. Finally, the verb 'to cream' in baking is often misunderstood. It doesn't just mean to mix; it specifically refers to the process of beating fat and sugar until air is incorporated. Using 'cream' to mean 'stir' or 'blend' in other contexts is a technical inaccuracy. By being mindful of countability, the distinction between noun and adjective, and the specific requirements of idioms and technical terms, learners can avoid these common pitfalls.

Countability Confusion: Avoid using 'a' with the dairy product unless you mean a specific type or serving.

Incorrect: I put a cream in my coffee. Correct: I put some cream in my coffee.

Adjective vs. Noun: Use 'creamy' for texture and 'cream' for the substance or color.

The sauce was so creamy that I asked for the recipe.

Another subtle mistake is the pronunciation of the 'ea' vowel sound. It should be a long /iː/, as in 'see' or 'meet.' Some learners might pronounce it too short, making it sound like 'crim,' which is not a word. Additionally, the 'm' at the end should be clearly voiced. In written English, 'cream' is sometimes confused with 'creme' (the French spelling). While 'crème' is used in specific culinary terms like 'crème brûlée' or 'crème de la crème,' using it for regular dairy cream in an English sentence can look pretentious or incorrect. It is best to stick to 'cream' for general use and 'crème' only for specific French-inspired dishes or phrases. Lastly, be careful with the slang verb 'to cream.' In some contexts, it can have sexual connotations. While its primary slang meaning is 'to defeat easily,' it is safer to use 'beat' or 'defeat' in formal or professional settings to avoid any potential misunderstanding. Understanding these nuances ensures that your use of 'cream' is always appropriate and accurate.

The dessert was topped with crème fraîche, adding a tangy contrast to the sweetness.

Spelling Slip-ups: Stick to the English spelling 'cream' unless using a specific French loanword.

I need to buy some whipped cream for the pie.

The team hoped to cream their rivals in the championship game.

Exploring synonyms and alternatives for cream helps in expanding your vocabulary and choosing the most precise word for a given context. In the culinary world, if you are looking for a substitute for dairy cream, you might use 'milk,' 'half-and-half,' or non-dairy options like 'coconut milk' or 'oat creamer.' Each of these provides a different level of fat and thickness. When describing texture, words like 'velvety,' 'silky,' 'smooth,' or 'rich' often serve as excellent adjectives that capture the essence of something 'creamy' without using the word itself. For instance, a 'velvety soup' sounds more sophisticated than a 'creamy soup.' In the context of skincare, 'lotion,' 'ointment,' 'balm,' 'salve,' and 'gel' are all related but distinct. A 'lotion' is typically thinner and more easily absorbed, while an 'ointment' is thicker and often greasier, used for protection or medication. A 'balm' is usually solid but melts on the skin. Choosing the right term shows a deeper understanding of the product's function. Metaphorically, when 'cream' is used to mean the best, alternatives include 'the elite,' 'the best of the best,' 'the pick of the litter,' 'the top tier,' or 'the pinnacle.' These phrases can replace 'the cream of the crop' depending on the level of formality required. In terms of color, alternatives to 'cream' include 'ivory,' 'eggshell,' 'off-white,' 'beige,' and 'vanilla.' Each of these suggests a slightly different undertone—ivory is more yellow, while eggshell is more neutral. By understanding these subtle differences, you can describe colors with much greater accuracy. Finally, when using 'cream' as a verb to mean defeat, synonyms include 'trounce,' 'clobber,' 'annihilate,' 'rout,' or simply 'beat.' 'Trounce' is a great middle-ground word that is less informal than 'cream' but more descriptive than 'beat.' Mastering this range of alternatives allows for more varied and expressive communication.

Culinary Substitutes: Different liquids that can provide similar richness or volume in recipes.

You can use coconut milk as a vegan alternative to heavy cream in this curry.

Skincare Distinctions: Choosing between cream, lotion, and ointment based on thickness and absorption.

The doctor recommended an ointment rather than a cream for the severe burn.

Comparing 'cream' to its alternatives also highlights its unique position. Unlike 'milk,' 'cream' implies a concentrated richness. Unlike 'lotion,' 'cream' implies a protective, thicker barrier. Unlike 'the best,' 'the cream of the crop' carries a visual metaphor of something rising naturally to the top through its own quality. This nuance is what makes English such a rich language. When you choose 'ivory' over 'cream' for a wedding dress, you are communicating a specific shade that 'cream' might not fully capture. When you say a team was 'trounced' instead of 'creamed,' you are using a word that is slightly more formal and emphatic. Even in baking, 'creaming' butter and sugar is a specific technique that 'mixing' or 'beating' doesn't fully describe, as it emphasizes the aeration. By studying these similar words, you not only find alternatives but also deepen your understanding of why 'cream' is the perfect word in its original contexts. This comparative approach is one of the most effective ways to move from an intermediate to an advanced level of English proficiency.

The graduation ceremony celebrated the elite scholars of the year.

Color Variations: Words that describe shades similar to cream but with different undertones.

The walls were painted in an eggshell finish that looked very similar to cream.

The moisturizer has a silky texture that feels amazing on the skin.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'cream' and 'Christ' share the same root, 'chrisma', referring to the holy oil used for anointing.

Guide de prononciation

UK /kriːm/

US /krim/

Single-syllable word; stress is on the entire word.

Rime avec

dream team beam steam scheme gleam stream seem

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'ea' as a short 'e' (/krem/).
Dropping the 'r' sound.
Making the 'm' sound too faint.
Confusing it with the two-syllable 'creamy'.
Over-emphasizing the 'k' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Easy to recognize in most texts.

Écriture 2/5

Requires knowledge of countability rules.

Expression orale 1/5

Simple pronunciation.

Écoute 1/5

Clear, distinct sound.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

milk white food thick good

Apprends ensuite

creamy emulsion lotion ointment elite

Avancé

homogenization pasteurization viscosity meritocracy superlative

Grammaire à connaître

Mass Nouns

You cannot say 'one cream' when referring to the liquid dairy product.

Compound Nouns

'Ice cream' functions as a single noun unit.

Adjective Formation

Adding '-y' to 'cream' creates the adjective 'creamy'.

Zero Article

We often use cream without 'the' in general statements: 'Cream is fatty.'

Verb Conversion

The noun 'cream' can be used as a verb in specific technical contexts.

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Exemples par niveau

I like cream in my coffee.

J'aime la crème dans mon café.

Uncountable noun.

Do you want some ice cream?

Veux-tu de la glace ?

Compound noun.

The cat is drinking the cream.

Le chat boit la crème.

Specific reference with 'the'.

This cake has white cream on top.

Ce gâteau a de la crème blanche sur le dessus.

Used as a substance.

My shirt is cream, not white.

Ma chemise est crème, pas blanche.

Used as a color adjective.

Put some cream on your dry hands.

Mets de la crème sur tes mains sèches.

Imperative sentence.

The cream is in the fridge.

La crème est dans le frigo.

Location with 'is'.

I bought a small bottle of cream.

J'ai acheté une petite bouteille de crème.

Partitive phrase 'bottle of'.

She whipped the cream for the pie.

Elle a fouetté la crème pour la tarte.

Past tense verb.

I need a tube of sun cream.

J'ai besoin d'un tube de crème solaire.

Countable container.

Add a dollop of sour cream to the potato.

Ajoutez une noisette de crème aigre à la pomme de terre.

Noun phrase 'dollop of'.

This face cream makes my skin soft.

Cette crème pour le visage rend ma peau douce.

Subject-verb-object-complement.

The soup is very creamy and delicious.

La soupe est très crémeuse et délicieuse.

Adjective form 'creamy'.

Can I have an ice cream, please?

Puis-je avoir une glace, s'il vous plaît ?

Countable use for a single item.

We need to cream the butter and sugar.

Nous devons travailler le beurre et le sucre en crème.

Verb usage in baking.

The walls are a lovely cream color.

Les murs sont d'une jolie couleur crème.

Compound noun 'cream color'.

The heavy cream thickened the sauce perfectly.

La crème liquide a parfaitement épaissi la sauce.

Specific type 'heavy cream'.

He applied the medicated cream to the burn.

Il a appliqué la crème médicamenteuse sur la brûlure.

Adjective-noun pair.

They are the cream of the crop in this industry.

Ils sont la crème de la crème dans cette industrie.

Idiomatic expression.

I prefer shaving cream over shaving gel.

Je préfère la crème à raser au gel à raser.

Comparative structure.

The dessert was served with clotted cream.

Le dessert était servi avec de la crème caillée.

Passive voice.

She used a rich night cream to hydrate her face.

Elle a utilisé une crème de nuit riche pour hydrater son visage.

Infinitive of purpose.

The cream rose to the top of the raw milk.

La crème est montée à la surface du lait cru.

Phrasal verb 'rose to'.

The artist used a palette of cream and beige.

L'artiste a utilisé une palette de crème et de beige.

Prepositional phrase.

The local team creamed their rivals last night.

L'équipe locale a écrasé ses rivaux hier soir.

Slang verb meaning to defeat.

He looked like the cat that got the cream.

Il avait l'air d'un chat qui a trouvé le pot de crème.

Simile/Idiom.

The recipe calls for double cream, which is very high in fat.

La recette demande de la crème double, qui est très grasse.

Relative clause.

The creaminess of the risotto depends on the starch.

L'onctuosité du risotto dépend de l'amidon.

Abstract noun 'creaminess'.

Apply the antiseptic cream liberally to the affected area.

Appliquez la crème antiseptique généreusement sur la zone affectée.

Adverb usage 'liberally'.

The company only recruits the cream of the graduating class.

L'entreprise ne recrute que l'élite de la promotion.

Metaphorical use.

The cream-colored curtains filtered the sunlight beautifully.

Les rideaux de couleur crème filtraient joliment la lumière du soleil.

Hyphenated adjective.

She managed to cream off the best profits for herself.

Elle a réussi à s'approprier la meilleure part des bénéfices.

Phrasal verb 'cream off'.

The socialites considered themselves the cream of society.

Les mondains se considéraient comme le gratin de la société.

Reflexive pronoun 'themselves'.

The emulsion began to cream, indicating a stability issue.

L'émulsion a commencé à crémer, indiquant un problème de stabilité.

Technical scientific verb.

The prose was thick with metaphors, like clotted cream.

La prose était truffée de métaphores, comme de la crème caillée.

Literary simile.

The developer applied a thin cream to the photographic paper.

Le développeur a appliqué une fine crème sur le papier photographique.

Niche professional context.

Their victory was so absolute that 'creamed' was an understatement.

Leur victoire était si absolue que dire qu'ils les avaient 'écrasés' était un euphémisme.

Subjunctive/Conditional context.

The artisanal dairy specializes in organic, unpasteurized cream.

La laiterie artisanale est spécialisée dans la crème biologique non pasteurisée.

Complex adjectives.

She wore a stunning cream-and-gold ensemble to the gala.

Elle portait un superbe ensemble crème et or au gala.

Compound color description.

The policy was designed to prevent the cream of the workforce from leaving.

La politique a été conçue pour empêcher l'élite de la main-d'œuvre de partir.

Infinitive phrase as object.

The juxtaposition of the stark white and the mellow cream created a subtle tension.

La juxtaposition du blanc éclatant et du crème moelleux créait une tension subtile.

Complex subject noun phrase.

To cream the opposition in such a fashion requires unparalleled strategic depth.

Écraser l'opposition de cette manière exige une profondeur stratégique inégalée.

Gerund phrase as subject.

The linguistic shift from 'chrisma' to 'cream' reflects a fascinating cultural synthesis.

Le glissement linguistique de 'chrisma' à 'cream' reflète une synthèse culturelle fascinante.

Etymological discussion.

The chef's mastery was evident in the way he emulsified the cream into the reduction.

La maîtrise du chef était évidente dans la façon dont il émulsionnait la crème dans la réduction.

Technical culinary precision.

The crème de la crème of the intellectual elite gathered for the symposium.

La crème de la crème de l'élite intellectuelle s'est réunie pour le symposium.

French loanword usage.

The ointment's efficacy was compromised by the addition of a secondary cream base.

L'efficacité de la pommade a été compromise par l'ajout d'une base de crème secondaire.

Passive voice in formal register.

He spoke with a voice like peaches and cream, smooth and deceptively sweet.

Il parlait d'une voix comme des pêches à la crème, suave et d'une douceur trompeuse.

Idiomatic simile.

The historical account was creamed of its most controversial details by the censors.

Le récit historique a été expurgé de ses détails les plus controversés par les censeurs.

Metaphorical phrasal verb.

Synonymes

fat foam lotion ointment essence best

Antonymes

skim milk water dregs

Collocations courantes

heavy cream

sour cream

whipped cream

face cream

shaving cream

ice cream

cream cheese

hand cream

clotted cream

cream of the crop

Phrases Courantes

cream and sugar

— Standard additions to coffee or tea.

Would you like cream and sugar?

cream of tomato

— A type of soup made with cream.

I ordered a bowl of cream of tomato soup.

ice cream cone

— A wafer container for ice cream.

The child dropped his ice cream cone.

shaving cream

— Foam used for shaving hair.

Apply the shaving cream before using the razor.

sun cream

— Lotion to protect from the sun (UK).

Don't forget your sun cream!

cream soda

— A vanilla-flavored carbonated drink.

I love the taste of cream soda.

skin cream

— Any cream used for skin care.

This skin cream is for eczema.

cream puff

— A light pastry filled with cream.

The bakery sells delicious cream puffs.

cream sauce

— A white sauce made with cream.

The pasta was served in a rich cream sauce.

eye cream

— Cream specifically for the area around the eyes.

She uses eye cream to reduce wrinkles.

Souvent confondu avec

cream vs lotion

Lotion is thinner and more liquid than cream.

cream vs milk

Milk is the whole liquid; cream is just the fatty part.

cream vs ointment

Ointment is greasier and used for medical healing.

Expressions idiomatiques

"cream of the crop"

— The very best of a group.

These graduates are the cream of the crop.

neutral

"the cat that got the cream"

— Looking very pleased with oneself.

He looked like the cat that got the cream after winning.

informal

"cream someone"

— To defeat someone overwhelmingly.

We creamed them in the final game.

slang

"cream off"

— To take the best part of something for oneself.

The manager creamed off the best leads.

neutral

"peaches and cream"

— A situation that is perfect or a smooth complexion.

Life isn't always peaches and cream.

informal

"cream-crackered"

— Very tired (Cockney rhyming slang for 'knackered').

I'm absolutely cream-crackered after that run.

slang (UK)

"cream in one's coffee"

— Something that makes a situation better.

His help was the cream in my coffee.

rare/metaphorical

"like cream rising to the top"

— Good things or people eventually being recognized.

His talent was like cream rising to the top.

neutral

"crème de la crème"

— The very best (French for 'cream of the cream').

This hotel is the crème de la crème of the city.

formal

"cream of society"

— The upper class or elite.

The gala was attended by the cream of society.

formal

Facile à confondre

cream vs creme

It looks similar and is the French spelling.

In English, 'cream' is for general use, 'crème' is for specific French dishes.

I want whipped cream, not crème brûlée.

cream vs creamy

It is the adjective form.

Cream is the thing; creamy is how it feels or tastes.

This cream is very creamy.

cream vs creamer

Both relate to coffee.

Cream is dairy; creamer is often a non-dairy substitute.

I use hazelnut creamer instead of cream.

cream vs butter

Both are fatty dairy products.

Butter is solid fat; cream is a thick liquid emulsion.

If you whip cream too much, it becomes butter.

cream vs foam

Both can be light and airy.

Foam is made of bubbles; cream is a liquid or emulsion.

The latte has milk foam on top, not cream.

Structures de phrases

I like [noun] in my [noun].

I like cream in my tea.

Can I have [count noun]?

Can I have an ice cream?

Add [quantity] of [type] cream.

Add a dollop of sour cream.

They [verb] the [noun].

They creamed the competition.

The [noun] of [noun] is [adjective].

The cream of the crop is talented.

The [abstract noun] was [verb] of [noun].

The report was creamed of its data.

All

Put [noun] on [noun].

Put cream on your skin.

All

The [noun] is [color].

The dress is cream.

Famille de mots

Noms

cream

creaminess

creamer

creamery

Verbes

cream

Adjectifs

creamy

creamed

Apparenté

milk

dairy

butter

emulsion

lotion

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in daily life, especially in culinary and cosmetic contexts.

Erreurs courantes

I want a cream in my coffee. → I want some cream in my coffee.
Dairy cream is uncountable.
The soup is very cream. → The soup is very creamy.
Use the adjective 'creamy' for texture.
I applied a lotion to my face. → I applied a face cream to my face.
While similar, 'cream' is the more common term for thicker face products.
He is the milk of the crop. → He is the cream of the crop.
The idiom specifically uses the word 'cream'.
I creamed the butter and sugar for one second. → I creamed the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Creaming is a specific process that takes time to aerate the mixture.

Astuces

Countability

Remember: 'Some cream' for the dairy, 'a cream' for the lotion.

Whipping

Only heavy cream with high fat content will whip into stiff peaks.

Adjective Use

Use 'creamy' to describe a texture that feels like cream.

Excellence

'Cream of the crop' is a great way to describe top quality.

Design

Cream is a warmer, softer alternative to pure white in design.

Topical

Creams are absorbed better by the skin than thicker ointments.

Gaming

If you 'cream' your opponent, you beat them very easily.

Mixing

When a recipe says 'cream together', use a mixer until it's fluffy.

Vowel Sound

Don't say 'crim'; make sure the 'ee' is long like in 'see'.

English vs French

Use 'cream' for 99% of situations; 'crème' is only for French terms.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

CREAM: Cold Rich Emulsion Always Milky.

Association visuelle

Imagine a thick, white cloud floating on top of a dark lake of coffee.

Word Web

dairy coffee skin best thick white smooth rich

Défi

Try to use the word 'cream' in three different ways today: once for food, once for skincare, and once as a metaphor.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old French 'cresme', which evolved from Late Latin 'chrisma' (anointing oil) and was influenced by Latin 'cremor' (thick broth).

Sens originel : The oily or thick part of a liquid, used for both food and ritual anointing.

Indo-European (via Latin and French).

Contexte culturel

Be aware of the cultural and social implications of 'skin-bleaching creams' in various global contexts.

Cream is a staple in British and American diets, though health trends have led to many low-fat alternatives.

The 1960s rock band 'Cream'. The song 'C.R.E.A.M.' (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) by Wu-Tang Clan. The movie 'Ice Cream Man'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

In a Kitchen

whisk the cream
heavy cream
sour cream
cream the butter

At a Café

with cream and sugar
extra cream
non-dairy creamer
splash of cream

In a Bathroom

shaving cream
face cream
apply the cream
moisturizing cream

At a Sports Event

we creamed them
the cream of the crop
rising to the top
best of the best

In an Art Gallery

cream walls
ivory and cream
off-white
neutral tones

Amorces de conversation

"Do you prefer your coffee with cream or do you drink it black?"

"What is your favorite flavor of ice cream to have on a hot day?"

"Have you ever tried making whipped cream from scratch at home?"

"What kind of face cream do you use for your daily skincare routine?"

"In your opinion, which team is the cream of the crop in the league this year?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe the richest, most delicious dessert you have ever eaten. Was there cream involved?

Write about a time you felt like 'the cat that got the cream' because of a success.

Discuss the importance of skincare. Do you think expensive creams are worth the money?

Think about your favorite sport. Which player would you call the cream of the crop and why?

Describe a room you would like to design using the color cream. What other colors would you add?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Usually, no. It is a mass noun when referring to the dairy product. However, it can be countable when referring to specific types or containers of cosmetic cream.

Heavy cream has a higher fat content (about 36-40%), which makes it thicker and easier to whip than light cream (about 18-30%).

Yes, in baking it means to mix fat and sugar. In slang, it means to defeat someone decisively.

It is written as two words in English.

It refers to the very best people or things in a specific group.

Yes, it is a pale, yellowish-white color similar to the color of natural dairy cream.

It is cream that has been fermented with certain kinds of lactic acid bacteria to make it thick and tangy.

It is pronounced with a long 'ee' sound: /kriːm/.

It is used to soften facial hair and provide lubrication for a razor during shaving.

Yes, especially when using the idiom 'the cream of society' or discussing culinary/medical topics.

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