Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #13 le plus courant 5 min de lecture

slavery

Top 13

Slavery is a very bad thing from history. It is when one person owns another person like a thing. The person who is owned is called a slave. Slaves have no freedom. They must work very hard, but they do not get any money. They cannot go home or see their families. Today, slavery is against the law in every country. We learn about it to make sure it never happens again. It is a sad part of the world's story.

Slavery is a system where people are forced to work and are treated as property. In the past, many countries had laws that allowed slavery. People were bought and sold in markets. They had to do whatever their owners told them to do. They did not have rights and could not leave. Today, we use the word to talk about history and also about bad people who still try to force others to work for no pay. This is called 'modern slavery.'

Slavery is a noun that describes a condition of total subjection to a master or owner. In this system, individuals are deprived of their personal liberty and are compelled to perform labor or services. Historically, slavery was a legal institution that formed the economic basis of many societies, such as ancient Rome or the American South before the Civil War. It involves the exploitation of humans for profit. Nowadays, the term also encompasses human trafficking and debt bondage, where people are trapped in work they cannot leave.

Slavery refers to the institutionalized practice of owning human beings as legal property. This system is characterized by the use of coercion, violence, and the stripping of an individual's autonomy. Throughout history, various forms of slavery have existed, ranging from chattel slavery—where the person is completely owned—to debt slavery. The abolitionist movements of the 18th and 19th centuries sought to end these practices. In a contemporary context, the term 'modern slavery' is frequently used by NGOs to describe the illegal exploitation of vulnerable people in global industries.

Slavery is a complex socio-economic and legal construct wherein the principles of property law are applied to human beings. It entails the systematic de-humanization of individuals to facilitate their exploitation as a labor force. Beyond the historical 'chattel' model, scholars often discuss 'wage slavery,' a metaphorical term describing a situation where a person's livelihood depends entirely on wages, leaving them with little real choice. The legacy of slavery continues to influence modern social structures, contributing to systemic inequality and ongoing debates about historical reparations and social justice.

Slavery represents the ultimate negation of human agency and the total commodification of the individual. As an analytical category, it encompasses a wide array of exploitative relationships defined by the threat of violence and the absence of consent. The transition from legal institutionalized slavery to contemporary forms of human trafficking reflects the evolving nature of global exploitation. Critical discourse often examines the intersectionality of race, class, and power within the framework of slavery, analyzing how historical precedents of enslavement continue to manifest in modern economic disparities and institutionalized racism.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

slavery en 30 secondes

Slavery is a system of human ownership where individuals are treated as property and forced to labor without consent or compensation.
Historically, it was a legal institution in many civilizations, but today it is universally condemned and illegal, though it persists in modern forms.
The word is an uncountable noun used to describe the condition of being enslaved or the broader social and economic system itself.
Key themes associated with slavery include the lack of freedom, institutionalized violence, human rights violations, and the struggle for abolition and justice.

The term slavery represents one of the most significant and harrowing concepts in human history and sociology. At its core, slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought, sold, and forced to work. This condition of being a 'slave' involves the total control of one person's life and physical labor by another. Historically, this was often a legal status, where the law recognized the ownership of human beings as 'chattel.' In modern contexts, the word is used to describe human trafficking, forced labor, and debt bondage, even where legal ownership is no longer recognized by the state.

Historical Context: Refers to the institutionalized systems like the Transatlantic Slave Trade or Roman servitude where people were legally property.
Modern Context: Refers to illegal exploitation, such as human trafficking or domestic servitude, where victims are coerced through violence or debt.

People use this word when discussing human rights, history, social justice, and ethics. It is a heavy word, often used to emphasize the ultimate lack of agency and the ultimate form of exploitation.

The abolition of slavery was a pivotal moment in the history of human rights.

The word also appears in academic discussions regarding economic systems, as many early civilizations were built upon slave labor. It is crucial to distinguish between the historical legal institution and the ongoing fight against modern-day forms of enslavement.

Modern slavery often hides in the shadows of global supply chains.

Abolitionism: The movement to end the practice of slavery globally.

Many activists are working to eradicate slavery in the 21st century.

Using the word slavery correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as an uncountable noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence describing the system or condition.

As a Subject: Slavery was once a legal institution in many parts of the world.
As an Object: The government passed laws to abolish slavery once and for all.

You will often see it paired with adjectives like 'modern,' 'chattel,' 'historical,' or 'institutional.'

The documentary sheds light on the horrors of slavery in the ancient world.

It is also common in prepositional phrases like 'into slavery' or 'from slavery.'

Thousands were forced into slavery after the city was conquered.

Metaphorical Use: He felt his high-stress job was a form of corporate slavery.

The fight against slavery continues in the form of anti-trafficking laws.

You will encounter the word slavery in several distinct environments. Primarily, it is a staple of history classrooms and textbooks, particularly when discussing the development of the Americas, the Roman Empire, or colonial Africa. News reports frequently use the term 'modern slavery' to describe human trafficking rings or exploitative labor practices in agriculture and manufacturing.

Educational Settings: Lectures on the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Underground Railroad.
Legal and Political Discourse: Discussions about international law, human rights violations, and the 13th Amendment of the US Constitution.

In documentaries and films, the word is used to frame the narrative of oppression and liberation.

The museum exhibit detailed the daily life of those held in slavery.

You may also hear it in social justice protests or debates regarding reparations and the long-term effects of historical injustices.

The speaker addressed the systemic legacy of slavery in modern society.

International Organizations: The United Nations often releases reports on the prevalence of modern slavery globally.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing the noun slavery with the noun slave. Remember: 'slavery' is the system, while 'slave' is the person.

Mistake: Person vs. System: Incorrect: 'He was a slavery.' Correct: 'He was a slave' or 'He was in slavery.'

Another mistake is using 'slavery' as a countable noun in general contexts.

Many slaveries existed. (Incorrect in standard English; use 'forms of slavery').

People also often confuse 'slavery' with 'servitude' or 'serfdom.' While related, they have distinct legal and historical meanings.

Slavery vs. Serfdom: Slavery involves ownership of the person; serfdom involves being bound to the land.

It is an error to describe all difficult work as slavery.

While slavery is the most direct term, several synonyms and related terms can provide more nuance depending on the context.

Bondage: Often used in a more literary or historical sense to describe the state of being bound.
Servitude: A broader term for being a servant or in a state of subjection.
Enslavement: The act of making someone a slave; often preferred in modern academic writing to emphasize the action taken against people.

The enslavement of indigenous populations was a widespread practice.

Many people prefer the term 'forced labor' when discussing economic slavery.

Thralldom: An archaic term for slavery, often used in fantasy literature or historical novels.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The connection between the word 'slave' and 'Slav' is a reminder of the historical prevalence of slavery in Europe during the early Middle Ages. It shows how language can preserve the history of human conflict and exploitation.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈsleɪ.vər.i/

US /ˈsleɪ.vɚ.i/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: SLAY-vuh-ree.

Rime avec

bravery knavery savory wavery savery flavorous (near rhyme) averaging (near rhyme) behavior (near rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as two syllables (slay-vree).
Mispronouncing the 'a' as a short 'ah' sound.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'savory'.
Failing to pronounce the 'v' clearly.
Over-emphasizing the middle 'er' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The word is common in history and news, making it recognizable but conceptually deep.

Écriture 4/5

Requires careful use of countability and sensitivity to context.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but the topic is heavy for casual conversation.

Écoute 3/5

Easily identified in historical and political discussions.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

freedom work owner law rights

Apprends ensuite

abolition emancipation trafficking servitude justice

Avancé

hegemony commodification manumission chattel indentured

Grammaire à connaître

Uncountable Nouns

Slavery is (not 'are') a terrible thing.

Passive Voice for Historical Events

Slavery was abolished in 1865.

Prepositional Phrases of Movement

People were sold into slavery.

Abstract Nouns with 'The'

The slavery of the ancient world was different from modern forms.

Compound Adjectives

He was an anti-slavery activist.

Exemples par niveau

Slavery is a very sad part of history.

L'esclavage est une partie très triste de l'histoire.

Uncountable noun.

In the past, slavery was common.

Dans le passé, l'esclavage était courant.

Used with 'was' (singular verb).

No one should live in slavery.

Personne ne devrait vivre dans l'esclavage.

Prepositional phrase 'in slavery'.

They fought to end slavery.

Ils se sont battus pour mettre fin à l'esclavage.

Infinitive 'to end' followed by the noun.

Slavery means no freedom.

L'esclavage signifie l'absence de liberté.

Simple present tense.

Is slavery still a problem?

L'esclavage est-il toujours un problème ?

Interrogative sentence.

We learn about slavery in school.

Nous apprenons l'esclavage à l'école.

Preposition 'about'.

Slavery is against the law.

L'esclavage est contre la loi.

Predicate adjective phrase.

Many people were sold into slavery.

Beaucoup de gens ont été vendus comme esclaves.

Passive voice 'were sold'.

The abolition of slavery took a long time.

L'abolition de l'esclavage a pris beaucoup de temps.

Noun phrase 'abolition of slavery'.

He escaped from slavery and became free.

Il s'est échappé de l'esclavage et est devenu libre.

Verb 'escaped' with 'from'.

Modern slavery is a crime today.

L'esclavage moderne est un crime aujourd'hui.

Adjective 'modern' modifying the noun.

The story tells us about the horrors of slavery.

L'histoire nous raconte les horreurs de l'esclavage.

Plural noun 'horrors' followed by 'of'.

Slavery was used to build great empires.

L'esclavage a été utilisé pour construire de grands empires.

Passive voice 'was used'.

They wanted to abolish slavery forever.

Ils voulaient abolir l'esclavage pour toujours.

Verb 'abolish' takes 'slavery' as an object.

Slavery is a violation of human rights.

L'esclavage est une violation des droits de l'homme.

Linking verb 'is'.

The economy of the region relied heavily on slavery.

L'économie de la région reposait lourdement sur l'esclavage.

Adverb 'heavily' modifying 'relied'.

Abraham Lincoln signed a document to end slavery.

Abraham Lincoln a signé un document pour mettre fin à l'esclavage.

Proper noun subject.

Many activists work to free people from modern slavery.

De nombreux militants travaillent pour libérer les gens de l'esclavage moderne.

Verb 'free' with 'from'.

The museum has an exhibit on the history of slavery.

Le musée propose une exposition sur l'histoire de l'esclavage.

Preposition 'on' indicating the topic.

Slavery was a global issue for centuries.

L'esclavage a été un problème mondial pendant des siècles.

Adjective 'global' modifying 'issue'.

The transition from slavery to freedom was difficult.

La transition de l'esclavage à la liberté a été difficile.

Parallel structure 'from... to...'.

They were held in slavery against their will.

Ils étaient maintenus en esclavage contre leur volonté.

Phrase 'against their will'.

Slavery is often linked to human trafficking.

L'esclavage est souvent lié à la traite des êtres humains.

Passive construction 'is linked to'.

The legacy of slavery still affects society today.

L'héritage de l'esclavage affecte encore la société aujourd'hui.

Noun 'legacy' as the subject.

International law strictly prohibits all forms of slavery.

Le droit international interdit strictement toutes les formes d'esclavage.

Adverb 'strictly' modifying 'prohibits'.

The documentary explores the psychological impact of slavery.

Le documentaire explore l'impact psychologique de l'esclavage.

Adjective 'psychological' modifying 'impact'.

Many corporations are under pressure to eliminate slavery from their supply chains.

De nombreuses entreprises sont sous pression pour éliminer l'esclavage de leurs chaînes d'approvisionnement.

Infinitive 'to eliminate'.

Slavery was justified by racist ideologies in the 19th century.

L'esclavage était justifié par des idéologies racistes au XIXe siècle.

Passive voice with 'by' agent.

The fight against slavery required immense political courage.

La lutte contre l'esclavage a nécessité un immense courage politique.

Adjective 'immense' modifying 'courage'.

Some argue that debt bondage is a form of contemporary slavery.

Certains soutiennent que la servitude pour dettes est une forme d'esclavage contemporain.

Noun clause starting with 'that'.

The museum provides a comprehensive look at institutionalized slavery.

Le musée offre un regard complet sur l'esclavage institutionnalisé.

Participle 'institutionalized' as an adjective.

The pervasive nature of slavery in ancient Rome is well-documented.

La nature omniprésente de l'esclavage dans la Rome antique est bien documentée.

Adjective 'pervasive' modifying 'nature'.

Philosophers have long debated the morality of slavery.

Les philosophes débattent depuis longtemps de la moralité de l'esclavage.

Present perfect tense 'have debated'.

The abolitionist movement was instrumental in dismantling the system of slavery.

Le mouvement abolitionniste a joué un rôle déterminant dans le démantèlement du système de l'esclavage.

Gerund 'dismantling' as the object of a preposition.

Slavery is often described as a 'peculiar institution' in American history.

L'esclavage est souvent décrit comme une 'institution particulière' dans l'histoire américaine.

Idiomatic historical term in quotes.

The economic prosperity of the empire was built on the backs of those in slavery.

La prospérité économique de l'empire a été bâtie sur le dos de ceux qui étaient en esclavage.

Metaphorical phrase 'on the backs of'.

Modern slavery often manifests as forced domestic labor in urban centers.

L'esclavage moderne se manifeste souvent sous forme de travail domestique forcé dans les centres urbains.

Verb 'manifests' with 'as'.

The psychological trauma of slavery can be passed down through generations.

Le traumatisme psychologique de l'esclavage peut se transmettre de génération en génération.

Modal 'can be' in passive voice.

The state's complicity in the system of slavery is a subject of intense scrutiny.

La complicité de l'État dans le système de l'esclavage est un sujet d'examen intense.

Noun 'complicity' as the subject.

The structural vestiges of slavery continue to permeate contemporary socioeconomic hierarchies.

Les vestiges structurels de l'esclavage continuent d'imprégner les hiérarchies socio-économiques contemporaines.

Advanced vocabulary like 'vestiges' and 'permeate'.

Scholars analyze how the commodification of human life under slavery laid the groundwork for modern capitalism.

Les chercheurs analysent comment la marchandisation de la vie humaine sous l'esclavage a jeté les bases du capitalisme moderne.

Noun 'commodification' and complex clause structure.

The eradication of slavery requires a multifaceted approach addressing both legal and economic factors.

L'éradication de l'esclavage nécessite une approche multidimensionnelle abordant à la fois les facteurs juridiques et économiques.

Adjective 'multifaceted' and present participle 'addressing'.

The discourse surrounding reparations for slavery is fraught with political and ethical complexities.

Le discours entourant les réparations pour l'esclavage est empreint de complexités politiques et éthiques.

Adjective 'fraught' with 'with'.

Historical narratives often obscure the agency of those who resisted slavery.

Les récits historiques occultent souvent l'agentivité de ceux qui ont résisté à l'esclavage.

Verb 'obscure' and noun 'agency'.

The ontological status of the enslaved person was legally reduced to that of an object.

Le statut ontologique de la personne asservie était légalement réduit à celui d'un objet.

Philosophical term 'ontological'.

Transnational efforts are essential to combat the clandestine networks of modern slavery.

Des efforts transnationaux sont essentiels pour combattre les réseaux clandestins de l'esclavage moderne.

Adjective 'clandestine' and 'transnational'.

The intersectionality of race and class is nowhere more evident than in the history of slavery.

L'intersectionnalité de la race et de la classe n'est nulle part plus évidente que dans l'histoire de l'esclavage.

Negative adverbial 'nowhere' used for emphasis.

Collocations courantes

modern slavery

abolish slavery

chattel slavery

abolition of slavery

into slavery

end slavery

history of slavery

victims of slavery

escape from slavery

legacy of slavery

Phrases Courantes

sold into slavery

born into slavery

abolition of slavery

modern-day slavery

escape from slavery

fight against slavery

forms of slavery

held in slavery

legacy of slavery

slavery to something

Souvent confondu avec

slavery vs servitude

Servitude is a broader term for being a servant; slavery specifically implies ownership.

slavery vs serfdom

Serfs were bound to land, while slaves were owned as personal property.

slavery vs forced labor

Forced labor is a component of slavery, but slavery implies a more total control of the person.

Expressions idiomatiques

"break the chains of slavery"

To gain freedom from a restrictive or oppressive situation.

The nation finally broke the chains of slavery.

literary

"a slave to fashion"

Someone who is overly influenced by current trends.

She is a total slave to fashion, buying every new style.

informal

"a slave to the clock"

Being constantly worried about time or strictly following a schedule.

In this job, you are a slave to the clock.

informal

"wage slavery"

A situation where a person's livelihood depends on wages with no other choice.

Many critics of capitalism describe low-wage work as wage slavery.

academic/political

"throw off the yoke"

To free oneself from a burden or oppressive rule.

The colonies threw off the yoke of slavery.

literary

"slave away"

To work very hard for a long time.

I've been slaving away in the kitchen all morning.

informal

"a slave to one's passions"

Being unable to control one's strong emotions or desires.

He was a slave to his passions and often made poor choices.

literary

"in thrall to"

Being completely controlled or fascinated by someone or something.

The public was in thrall to the charismatic leader.

formal

"work like a slave"

To work extremely hard (use with caution).

He worked like a slave to finish the project on time.

informal

"shackled by"

Prevented from acting freely by something.

The company was shackled by debt.

metaphorical

Facile à confondre

slavery vs slave

Both refer to the same system.

Slave is the person; slavery is the system.

The slave escaped from slavery.

slavery vs savory

Similar spelling and sound.

Savory refers to food that is salty or spicy, not sweet.

This soup has a very savory taste.

slavery vs salvery

Common misspelling.

This is not a word in English.

N/A

slavery vs enslavement

Very similar meaning.

Enslavement is the act; slavery is the state or system.

The enslavement of the population led to widespread slavery.

slavery vs bondage

Synonyms.

Bondage is more literary; slavery is the standard term.

They were held in bondage.

Structures de phrases

Slavery is [adjective].

Slavery is bad.

They wanted to end [noun].

They wanted to end slavery.

[Noun] was a part of [history].

Slavery was a part of Roman history.

The [noun] of [group] lasted for [time].

The slavery of African people lasted for centuries.

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

The institutional nature of slavery is disturbing.

[Noun] serves as a [metaphor] for [concept].

Slavery serves as a stark metaphor for total loss of agency.

People were sold into [noun].

People were sold into slavery.

The fight against [noun] required [quality].

The fight against slavery required great sacrifice.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in educational and news contexts.

Erreurs courantes

He was a slavery. → He was a slave.
Slavery is the system; slave is the person.
The slaveries of the past. → The forms of slavery in the past.
Slavery is usually uncountable.
They were sold to slavery. → They were sold into slavery.
The correct preposition is 'into'.
Slavery was a very savory thing. → Slavery was a very serious thing.
Confusing 'slavery' with 'savory' (tasty).
He slaveried the people. → He enslaved the people.
The verb form is 'enslave'.

Astuces

Be Precise

Use 'slavery' for the system and 'slave' for the individual to avoid grammatical errors.

Historical Context

When discussing history, specify which form of slavery you are referring to (e.g., Roman, Transatlantic).

Handle with Care

Recognize the emotional weight of the word and use it with appropriate gravity.

Uncountable

Treat 'slavery' as an uncountable noun in almost all your writing.

Learn Related Terms

Words like 'abolition' and 'emancipation' are essential when discussing slavery.

Modern Forms

Be aware that 'modern slavery' is a current global issue, not just a historical one.

Metaphorical Use

Use metaphors like 'slave to fashion' sparingly, as they can trivialize the real suffering of slavery.

Check Spelling

Ensure you don't confuse it with 'savory' or 'salvery'.

Three Syllables

Remember to pronounce all three syllables: slay-ver-y.

Read Narratives

Reading slave narratives can help you understand the human experience behind the word.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Slay-Very'. Slavery is a system that 'slays' freedom 'very' much. It kills the rights of a person.

Association visuelle

Imagine a heavy iron chain broken in half. The chain represents slavery, and the break represents the end of that system.

Word Web

freedom chains work owner history rights abolition trafficking

Défi

Try to write a paragraph about the history of your country using the word 'slavery' at least three times correctly.

Origine du mot

The word 'slavery' comes from the Middle English 'slaverye,' which is derived from the word 'slave.' The word 'slave' itself comes from the Old French 'esclave,' which originated from the Medieval Latin 'Sclavus,' meaning 'Slavic person.'

Sens originel : In the Middle Ages, many Slavic people from Eastern Europe were captured and enslaved, leading their ethnic name to become the general term for a person in bondage.

Indo-European (via Latin and French).

Contexte culturel

This is a highly sensitive word. It should be used with respect for the victims and the gravity of the historical and modern situations it describes.

In English-speaking countries, 'slavery' is often discussed in the context of the 13th Amendment (US) and the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 (UK).

Twelve Years a Slave (Book and Movie) The Underground Railroad (Historical Network and Novel) The Emancipation Proclamation (Historical Document)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

History Class

Transatlantic slave trade
abolitionist movement
emancipation proclamation
plantation economy

Human Rights News

modern slavery
human trafficking
forced labor
supply chain transparency

Legal Discussions

involuntary servitude
constitutional amendment
international law
crimes against humanity

Social Justice Debates

legacy of slavery
reparations
systemic inequality
historical injustice

Literature/Film

slave narrative
escape to freedom
struggle for liberty
oppressive system

Amorces de conversation

"How is the history of slavery taught in your country's schools?"

"What do you think are the most effective ways to combat modern slavery today?"

"Why is it important for museums to have exhibits on the history of slavery?"

"How has the legacy of slavery influenced modern society in your opinion?"

"Do you think the term 'wage slavery' is a fair comparison to historical slavery?"

Sujets d'écriture

Reflect on a book or movie you have seen about slavery. How did it change your perspective?

Write about why the abolition of slavery is considered one of the most important events in human history.

Research a modern-day anti-slavery organization and describe the work they do.

How can we ensure that the products we buy are not made using modern slavery?

Imagine a world where the concept of slavery never existed. How would history be different?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, slavery is legally abolished in every country in the world. However, it still exists illegally in forms like human trafficking.

Human trafficking is the process of recruiting and transporting people for the purpose of exploitation, which often results in modern slavery.

Slavery was officially abolished in the United States with the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865.

It refers to contemporary forms of exploitation such as forced labor, debt bondage, and domestic servitude.

In most cases, no. It is uncountable. You say 'slavery,' not 'slaveries,' unless you are comparing different historical systems.

It is a metaphorical term used to describe a situation where a person's only way to survive is to work for very low wages.

Abolitionists were people who campaigned to end the practice of slavery.

No, the verb form is 'enslave.' You cannot 'slavery' someone.

It is a specific form of slavery where the enslaved person is legally considered the personal property of the owner.

Because it represents centuries of extreme human suffering, violence, and the denial of basic human rights.