French word

détente

Pronunciation

IPA/detɑ̃t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounrelaxation

Example

Après une longue journée, j'ai besoin de détente.

After a long day, I need some relaxation.

Illustration for détente (relaxation)

More examples

Après le sport, je cherche un moment de détente.

After exercising, I look for a moment of relaxation.

Core concept

The slackened posture and quiet mind that follow the release of strain.

Common phrases

  • un moment de détente

    a moment of relaxation

  • salle de détente

    break room

  • ambiance détente

    relaxed atmosphere

Similar words

repos: Time spent resting to recover from physical tiredness.
pause: A short break from work or activity.

Definition in French

État de relâchement du corps et de l'esprit, sans tension, propice au repos.

Word origin

Détente is inherited through French détendre from Latin detendere, formed with de- and tendere 'to stretch', and originally denotes a loosening of tension.

Usage tips

  • In everyday French, détente usually means relaxation, whereas English détente most often describes eased relations between governments.

Other meanings

  • restnoun
  • easingnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word