French Conversation · Level 29
89 words
French word
bénévole
Pronunciation
IPA/benevɔl/
Meaning
- noun (m./f.)volunteer
Example
Il est bénévole dans une association.
He is a volunteer with an association.
More examples
Les bénévoles travaillent gratuitement pendant l'événement.
The volunteers work for free during the event.
Core concept
A willing helper whose unpaid work supports a group, cause, or person in need.
Common phrases
des bénévoles
volunteers
travailler comme bénévole
work as a volunteer
équipe de bénévoles
team of volunteers
Similar words
volontaire: A person who voluntarily accepts responsibility for a task or role.
bénévolat: Work or service performed without expecting financial reward.
Definition in French
Personne qui offre volontairement son temps ou ses services, sans rémunération, pour une association, une cause ou des personnes dans le besoin.
Word origin
The form reflects Latin benevolus, 'kindly disposed', built from bene, 'well', and velle, 'to wish', with French developing its unpaid service sense.
Usage tips
- The activity is du bénévolat, as in faire du bénévolat, while the person is un bénévole or une bénévole.