French Conversation · Level 91
60 words
French word
écart
Pronunciation
IPA/ekaʁ/
Meaning
- masculine noundifference
Example
Il y a un écart de dix euros entre les deux prix.
There is a ten-euro difference between the two prices.
More examples
Il faut combler l'écart entre théorie et pratique.
It is necessary to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Core concept
A measurable gap between two reference points, whether the points are places, moments, amounts, or viewpoints.
Common phrases
petit écart
small gap
combler l'écart
bridge the gap
écart entre
gap between ___ and ___
Similar words
différence: A difference revealed by comparing two things.
décalage: A shift or mismatch in timing, schedules, or opinions.
fossé: A deep divide between ways of thinking or positions.
distance: Physical space separating two objects.
Definition in French
Distance, différence ou décalage entre deux éléments, concret (temps, lieu) ou abstrait (opinions, valeurs).
Word origin
Écart comes from Old French escart, a noun related to escarter, 'to set apart', and preserves that separation sense in physical and abstract differences.
Usage tips
- Écart is masculine, so the usual form is un écart, not une écart.