Meaning
To compete with each other, often in a positive sense, to do something.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a staple of 17th-century 'Précieuse' literature, where refined language was used to describe social interactions as a form of art. The concept of 'émulation' is central to the French education system, where students are encouraged to excel by looking at the best examples of their peers. In French culture, nature is often viewed through an aesthetic lens. Describing nature 'à l'envi' suggests a garden that is well-ordered yet full of life. French intellectuals often use 'à l'envi' in TV debates to criticize the 'pensée unique' (homogenized thinking) of the media.
The Spelling Trap
Never add an 'e' at the end of 'envi' in this expression. It is one of the most common spelling errors even for French people.
Use in Essays
Use this phrase in the introduction or conclusion of a French essay to describe a debate between different schools of thought.
Meaning
To compete with each other, often in a positive sense, to do something.
The Spelling Trap
Never add an 'e' at the end of 'envi' in this expression. It is one of the most common spelling errors even for French people.
Use in Essays
Use this phrase in the introduction or conclusion of a French essay to describe a debate between different schools of thought.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte de l'expression.
Les rossignols chantaient _______ dans la forêt profonde.
L'expression correcte ne prend jamais de 'e' final ni de 's'.
Quelle phrase utilise l'expression de manière appropriée ?
Choisissez la meilleure option :
L'expression implique une idée de compétition ou d'émulation entre plusieurs personnes ou entités.
Associez le registre à la phrase correspondante.
Faites correspondre :
'À l'envi' appartient au registre soutenu ou littéraire.
Complétez le dialogue avec l'expression appropriée.
A: Pourquoi les journalistes parlent-ils tous de ce sujet ? B: Ils le relayent _______ pour attirer l'audience.
Dans ce contexte médiatique, 'à l'envi' souligne la répétition compétitive.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLes rossignols chantaient _______ dans la forêt profonde.
L'expression correcte ne prend jamais de 'e' final ni de 's'.
Choisissez la meilleure option :
L'expression implique une idée de compétition ou d'émulation entre plusieurs personnes ou entités.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'À l'envi' appartient au registre soutenu ou littéraire.
A: Pourquoi les journalistes parlent-ils tous de ce sujet ? B: Ils le relayent _______ pour attirer l'audience.
Dans ce contexte médiatique, 'à l'envi' souligne la répétition compétitive.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but mostly in writing, journalism, and formal speeches. You won't hear it often in casual conversation.
It's possible but sounds very poetic. 'Ils courent à l'envi' suggests a beautiful, almost choreographed race rather than a gritty struggle.
They are synonyms, but 'à l'envi' is more formal and literary. 'À qui mieux mieux' is more common in everyday spoken French.
Because it comes from the Old French noun 'envi' (a challenge), not from 'envie' (desire).
Related Phrases
à qui mieux mieux
synonymIn competition with each other.
à foison
similarIn great abundance.
de concert
contrastIn agreement/together.
à tire-larigot
similarIn great quantities (usually drinking).
