French Conversation · Level 84
59 words
French word
détenteur
Pronunciation
IPA/detɑ̃tœʁ/
Meaning
- masculine nounholder
Example
Le détenteur de la carte doit la présenter à la caisse.
The holder of the card must present it at the checkout.
More examples
Le détenteur du compte a reçu une notification par e-mail.
The account holder received a notification by email.
Core concept
A person who keeps an object, document, or right under their control and can present or exercise it when needed.
Common phrases
détenteur de la carte
cardholder
détenteur du permis
permit holder
Similar words
titulaire: A person who formally holds a right or qualification.
porteur: A person carrying a document or card from one place to another.
propriétaire: A person who legally owns property or an item.
bénéficiaire: A person entitled to receive a payment or other benefit.
Definition in French
Personne qui possède ou qui a la garde d'un objet, d'un document ou d'un droit.
Word origin
Détenteur is formed from détenir with the agent suffix -eur, while détenir comes from Latin detinēre, based on tenēre, meaning 'to hold'.
Usage tips
- Détenteur is especially common in formal or administrative contexts for cards, documents, and rights, while everyday French often uses a fuller phrase such as qui a la carte.