French word

aspect

Pronunciation

IPA/aspɛ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounside

Example

L'aspect le plus important est la sécurité.

The most important side is safety.

Illustration for aspect (side)

More examples

Son aspect extérieur ne reflète pas sa personnalité.

His outward appearance does not reflect his personality.

Core concept

A distinct feature that can be examined separately while still belonging to a larger whole.

Common phrases

  • aspect extérieur

    outward appearance

  • aspect pratique

    practical aspect

Similar words

côté: One side of a matter shaped by a particular viewpoint.
apparence: The way something looks from the outside and the impression it gives.

Definition in French

élément observable d'une personne, d'un objet ou d'une situation, considéré séparément des autres éléments.

Word origin

The noun aspect is based on Latin aspectus, formed from aspicere, 'to look at', and originally concerned visible appearance.

Usage tips

  • In formal explanatory language, aspect often names an analytical feature, while côté is more common for a concrete side or everyday angle.

Other meanings

  • appearancenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word