French Conversation · Level 100
59 words
French word
éveil
Pronunciation
IPA/evɛj/
Meaning
- masculine nounawakening
Example
Mon éveil a été brutal à cause de l'alarme.
The alarm caused my abrupt awakening.
More examples
Pendant la réunion, il est resté en éveil.
During the meeting, he remained alert.
Core concept
A closed awareness gradually opening, either to the world after sleep or to a new understanding.
Common phrases
être en éveil
be alert
jeu d'éveil
educational toy
Similar words
réveil: The moment of waking from sleep.
conscience: The mental ability to recognize one's inner state or situation.
Definition in French
Passage de l'état de sommeil à l'état de veille ; par extension, apparition d'une prise de conscience ou d'une sensibilité nouvelle.
Word origin
The noun éveil derives from éveiller and ultimately goes back through Old French esveillier to Latin evigilare, 'to awaken'.
Usage tips
- French uses éveil for a process or state of awakening, while réveil more directly names waking up or an alarm clock.