Overview
The French word 'postulant' refers to an applicant, typically someone who applies for a job, a position, or even membership in a religious order. It's a masculine noun, and its feminine counterpart is 'postulante'.
Etymology: The word 'postulant' comes from the Latin verb 'postulare', which means 'to demand', 'to request', or 'to ask for'. This origin highlights the active role of the person making the application or request.
**Usage in Professional Contexts:**
In the context of employment, 'un postulant' is a job seeker. You might encounter it in phrases like:
- 'Les postulants pour ce poste sont nombreux.' (The applicants for this position are numerous.)
- 'Nous avons reçu de nombreuses candidatures de postulants qualifiés.' (We have received many applications from qualified applicants.)
- 'Le postulant a été invité à un entretien.' (The applicant was invited for an interview.)
It's a more formal term than 'candidat' (candidate), which is also frequently used for job applicants. While 'candidat' can be used more broadly (e.g., political candidate, exam candidate), 'postulant' tends to be more specifically tied to an act of formally requesting or applying for something.
**Usage in Religious Contexts:**
Historically and currently, 'postulant' also has a significant meaning in religious orders. A 'postulant' is a person undergoing a period of testing and discernment before formally entering a religious order or congregation. This period, known as the 'postulancy', is a time for the individual to experience religious life and for the community to evaluate the individual's suitability. It's usually the first stage of formation before novitiate. In this context, the 'postulant' is 'asking for' or 'requesting' entry into the order.
**Grammatical Notes:**
- Gender: 'Postulant' is masculine singular. 'Postulante' is feminine singular.
- Plural: 'Postulants' (masculine plural), 'Postulantes' (feminine plural).
- Adjective Form: While primarily a noun, it can sometimes be used adjectivally, though less commonly than the noun form. For example, 'une période postulante' (a postulancy period).
**Synonyms:**
- 'Candidat' (candidate, applicant - more common and broader)
- 'Demandeur d'emploi' (job seeker - more specific to employment)
- 'Requérant' (applicant, petitioner - more formal, legal connotation)
**Antonyms (Conceptual):**
There isn't a direct antonym, as it describes a specific role. However, conceptually, one could consider terms like 'employeur' (employer) or 'recruteur' (recruiter) as opposite roles in a hiring process.
예시
Le postulant a soumis sa candidature pour le poste de directeur des ventes.
ProfessionalThe applicant submitted their application for the sales director position.
Les postulants doivent remplir un formulaire en ligne.
ProfessionalApplicants must complete an online form.
Nous avons reçu de nombreux postulants qualifiés pour ce rôle.
ProfessionalWe received many qualified applicants for this role.
Chaque postulant a eu un entretien individuel.
ProfessionalEach applicant had an individual interview.
Le postulant retenu commencera le mois prochain.
ProfessionalThe successful applicant will start next month.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 혼동되는 단어
Postuler is the verb 'to apply', while postulant is the noun for 'applicant'.
Both mean 'candidate' or 'applicant', but 'postulant' specifically refers to someone who has submitted an application, while 'candidat' can be more general.
문법 패턴
사용법
The word 'postulant' is a noun and can be used in both singular and plural forms: 'un postulant' (a male applicant), 'une postulante' (a female applicant), 'des postulants' (applicants, or male applicants), 'des postulantes' (female applicants). It is commonly used in professional contexts, particularly in job advertisements, human resources communications, and discussions about recruitment processes. For example: 'Nous avons reçu de nombreuses candidatures, et les postulants sélectionnés seront contactés pour un entretien.' (We have received many applications, and the selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.) It is less commonly used in very informal conversational settings where one might simply say 'la personne qui a postulé' (the person who applied). The verb associated with 'postulant' is 'postuler', meaning 'to apply' for a job or position. While 'candidat' is another common term for 'applicant', 'postulant' often emphasizes the act of having formally submitted an application.
A common mistake is confusing 'postulant' with 'candidat'. While both refer to applicants, 'postulant' can sometimes imply a more formal or even religious context (e.g., a postulant in a monastic order), although it is commonly used for job applicants. 'Candidat' is generally a more direct and universally applicable term for an applicant or candidate. Another mistake is mispronouncing it, ensuring the 't' at the end is silent when speaking. Ensure proper gender agreement if used as an adjective or with articles (e.g., 'un postulant' for masculine, 'une postulante' for feminine).
팁
Gender and Number
'Postulant' is a masculine noun. Its feminine form is 'postulante'. Both can be pluralized by adding an 's': 'postulants' (m.pl.) and 'postulantes' (f.pl.). Make sure to use the correct gender and number to agree with other words in the sentence.
Formal vs. Informal
'Postulant' is a relatively formal term. In everyday conversation, you might hear 'candidat' (candidate) or even 'demandeur d'emploi' (job seeker) which is more common and neutral. Choose the term that best fits the formality of your context.
Common Usage
While 'postulant' specifically means 'applicant', it's often used interchangeably with 'candidat' in the context of job applications. For example, 'Les postulants doivent soumettre leur CV avant vendredi' (Applicants must submit their CV before Friday) could also be 'Les candidats doivent soumettre leur CV avant vendredi'.
어원
The French word 'postulant' derives from the Latin verb 'postulare', which means 'to demand', 'to request', or 'to ask for'. This Latin root itself comes from 'poscere', meaning 'to ask urgently'. In the context of applying for a position, 'postulare' would have implied making a formal request or application. The term 'postulant' in Latin referred to someone making such a request, often in a legal or religious context. Over time, as languages evolved, this root found its way into French. The suffix '-ant' is a common French suffix used to form nouns denoting an agent or a person who performs the action of the verb. Thus, 'postulant' in French came to denote someone who applies or requests something, particularly a position or an admission. While it can be used in various contexts, its most common modern usage, as indicated in the prompt, is for a person applying for a job. This evolution from a general 'requester' to a specific 'job applicant' reflects a semantic narrowing over centuries, driven by societal needs and the development of specialized vocabulary for different professional and social roles. The term also shares a common etymological thread with English words like 'postulate' (to assume or claim) and 'postulation' (a demand or request), highlighting its deep roots in the concept of asking or demanding.
문화적 맥락
In France, applying for a job, whether in the public or private sector, often involves a formal process. The term 'postulant' (masculine) or 'postulante' (feminine) refers to an applicant who has formally submitted their candidacy for a position. This term carries a slightly more official and formal connotation than a simple 'candidate' or 'applicant' might in other languages. The French job market can be quite competitive, and the application process typically requires a well-structured CV (curriculum vitae) and a personalized cover letter (lettre de motivation). Depending on the industry and seniority of the role, interviews might be conducted in several stages, and assessments or aptitude tests are not uncommon. Understanding the specific expectations for job applications in France is crucial for any 'postulant' aiming to succeed.
암기 팁
Visualize a 'postulant' as someone *post*ing their resume. The 'u' in postulant can remind you of 'univers' (universe), as in, they are applying to a universe of opportunities.
자주 묻는 질문
4 질문In French, 'postulant' refers to an individual who applies for a job, a position, or admission to a school or organization. It emphasizes the act of putting oneself forward as a candidate.
Common synonyms for 'postulant' include 'candidat' (candidate), 'demandeur' (applicant), 'solliciteur' (solicitor, in the context of seeking something), and 'prétendant' (pretender, though this can have other connotations, it can mean someone aspiring to a position).
You might use 'postulant' in a sentence like: 'Le postulant a soumis un CV impressionnant pour le poste de directeur.' (The applicant submitted an impressive resume for the director position.) Or, 'Les postulants doivent remplir un formulaire détaillé.' (Applicants must complete a detailed form.)
The word 'postulant' comes from the Latin 'postulans,' which is the present participle of 'postulare,' meaning 'to demand, to request, to ask for.' This origin highlights the active nature of an applicant in seeking something.
셀프 테스트
The company received many applications for the new position, and the most qualified ______ was selected for an interview.
Pour ce poste, nous recherchons un _______ ayant au moins cinq ans d'expérience.
Elle a été l'unique _______ à remplir toutes les conditions requises pour le poste.
점수: /3
Gender and Number
'Postulant' is a masculine noun. Its feminine form is 'postulante'. Both can be pluralized by adding an 's': 'postulants' (m.pl.) and 'postulantes' (f.pl.). Make sure to use the correct gender and number to agree with other words in the sentence.
Formal vs. Informal
'Postulant' is a relatively formal term. In everyday conversation, you might hear 'candidat' (candidate) or even 'demandeur d'emploi' (job seeker) which is more common and neutral. Choose the term that best fits the formality of your context.
Common Usage
While 'postulant' specifically means 'applicant', it's often used interchangeably with 'candidat' in the context of job applications. For example, 'Les postulants doivent soumettre leur CV avant vendredi' (Applicants must submit their CV before Friday) could also be 'Les candidats doivent soumettre leur CV avant vendredi'.
예시
5 / 5Le postulant a soumis sa candidature pour le poste de directeur des ventes.
The applicant submitted their application for the sales director position.
Les postulants doivent remplir un formulaire en ligne.
Applicants must complete an online form.
Nous avons reçu de nombreux postulants qualifiés pour ce rôle.
We received many qualified applicants for this role.
Chaque postulant a eu un entretien individuel.
Each applicant had an individual interview.
Le postulant retenu commencera le mois prochain.
The successful applicant will start next month.
관련 콘텐츠
work 관련 단어
à distance
A2Remotely, from a distance; not in person or on site.
à durée déterminée
B1For a fixed or definite period; fixed-term.
à durée indéterminée
B1For an indefinite period; permanent (e.g., contract).
à la fin
A2At the end, at the conclusion of something.
à la journée
B1Daily, by the day.
à la semaine
B1Weekly, by the week.
à l'année
B1Annually, by the year.
à l'attention de
B1Directed to; for the attention of.
à l'avance
A2In advance; beforehand.
à l'issue de
A2At the end of, following; upon the conclusion of.