French word

effervescent

Pronunciation

IPA/efɛʁvesɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectivesparkling

Example

Je préfère une eau effervescente.

I prefer sparkling water.

Illustration for effervescent (sparkling)

More examples

L'ambiance était effervescente.

The atmosphere was vibrant.

Core concept

Tiny bubbles rise and burst in a drink, while the same lively energy can describe a person.

Common phrases

  • eau effervescente

    sparkling water

  • boisson effervescente

    carbonated beverage

  • ambiance effervescente

    vibrant atmosphere

Similar words

pétillant: Having fine bubbles that rise and burst in a drink.
gazeux: Containing gas and likely to form bubbles.
moussant: Likely to produce foam or bubbles.

Definition in French

Se dit d'une boisson contenant du gaz dissous et formant des bulles, et, par extension, d'une personne pleine de vivacité.

Word origin

French effervescent comes from Latin effervescens, the present participle of effervescere, meaning to boil up or bubble.

Usage tips

  • For a lively person, effervescent is somewhat literary, while pétillant or plein d'entrain is more usual in everyday French.

Other meanings

  • livelyadjective

Opposites

  • platflatadjective
  • ternedrabadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word