French word

éloignement

Pronunciation

IPA/elwaɲəmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounestrangement

Example

Depuis la dispute, il y a un éloignement entre eux.

Since the argument, there has been an estrangement between them.

Illustration for éloignement (estrangement)

More examples

Le travail à l'étranger a causé un éloignement géographique avec sa famille.

Working abroad caused geographical distance from his family.

Core concept

A widening gap that leaves people or things apart, physically or emotionally.

Common phrases

  • éloignement géographique

    geographical distance

  • éloignement affectif

    emotional distance

  • éloignement familial

    family estrangement

Similar words

distance: The physical gap or measured length between people or things.
séparation: The state of two people or things being separated.
rupture: The severing of a relationship or link.
froideur: An attitude of coldness or indifference toward someone.

Definition in French

État de séparation ou de distance, surtout affective, entre personnes ou choses.

Word origin

The noun comes from the verb éloigner, from Old French esloignier and loin, with the noun-forming suffix -ment.

Usage tips

  • In emotional contexts, éloignement is more formal than everyday phrases such as s'éloigner or devenir distant.

Other meanings

  • distancenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • éloignerdistanceverb
  • éloignédistantadjective

Word lists with this word