French Conversation · Level 43
75 words
French word
caste
Pronunciation
IPA/kast/
Meaning
- feminine nouncaste
Example
La caste reste importante dans certaines régions.
The caste system remains important in some regions.
More examples
Il est difficile de changer de caste.
It is difficult to change one's caste.
Core concept
A society is divided into sealed family compartments, with each compartment carrying an inherited rank and expected roles.
Common phrases
appartenir à une caste
belong to a caste
caste sociale
social caste
membre d'une caste
member of a caste
Similar words
classe: A social class based on income, occupation, education, or similar factors.
catégorie: A group defined by shared features or conditions.
hiérarchie: An organizational structure arranged by rank or status.
clan: A small group bound by kinship or long-standing ties.
Definition in French
Ensemble de groupes sociaux héréditaires et souvent fermés où la position sociale est définie par la naissance et la lignée.
Word origin
French caste came through Portuguese casta, a term for lineage or social group ultimately linked to Latin castus, meaning pure or chaste.
Usage tips
- In French, caste is feminine, as in une caste and cette caste.
Other meanings
- classnoun
Opposites
- méritocratiemeritocracynoun
- égalitéequalitynoun