When you encounter the French word "demeure," at the B2 level, it's important to recognize its more formal and sometimes literary connotations compared to simpler terms like "maison" or "appartement." While it directly translates to "residence" or "dwelling," it often implies a more substantial, perhaps older, or even grander home.
Think of it as a place of established living, not just a temporary stop. You might find it in legal contexts, official documents, or descriptive literature to evoke a sense of permanence or a particular architectural style. Therefore, choosing "demeure" over other synonyms can add a touch of elegance or formality to your French writing and speaking.
Curiosidade
The word 'demeure' is related to the English word 'demur', which means to object or show reluctance, highlighting the original sense of 'delay' or 'lingering'.
Exemplos por nível
Ma demeure est petite mais confortable.
My dwelling is small but comfortable.
Feminine noun.
C'est une belle demeure ancienne.
It's a beautiful old residence.
Adjective 'ancienne' (old) follows the noun 'demeure'.
Ils ont acheté une nouvelle demeure à la campagne.
They bought a new residence in the countryside.
Preposition 'à la campagne' (in the countryside).
La demeure familiale est pleine de souvenirs.
The family home is full of memories.
Adjective 'familiale' (family) describes the noun 'demeure'.
Nous cherchons une demeure près de la mer.
We are looking for a dwelling near the sea.
Preposition 'près de' (near).
Cette demeure a un grand jardin.
This residence has a large garden.
Demonstrative adjective 'Cette' (This).
Le gardien de la demeure est très gentil.
The caretaker of the dwelling is very kind.
The word 'gardien' (caretaker) is masculine.
Elle vit dans une demeure élégante.
She lives in an elegant residence.
Adjective 'élégante' (elegant) follows the noun 'demeure'.
Origem da palavra
Old French 'demorée'
Significado original: a stay, a delay
Latin 'demorari' (to delay, to linger)Contexto cultural
Demeure often implies a more substantial or permanent residence than simply 'maison' (house) or 'appartement'. It can evoke a sense of heritage or established family home, especially when used in more formal contexts or for larger, older properties. While not exclusively used for grand estates, it carries a slightly more elevated connotation than everyday terms for a dwelling.
Conteúdo relacionado
Frases relacionadas
Mais palavras de family
à charge
B2Dependent (referring to a family member financially supported).
à deux
A2As a pair, two people; together as two.
à domicile
A2at home
à jamais
A2Forever, for all time.
à la charge de
B2Dependent on; at the expense of.
à la mémoire de
B2In memory of; commemorating someone deceased.
à la place de
B2In lieu of; instead of.
à l'amiable
B2Amicably, by mutual agreement.
à l'égard de
A2With regard to; concerning.
à l'image de
B2In the image of, like (e.g., a child resembles a parent).
