French word

encyclopédie

Pronunciation

IPA/ɑ̃siklopedi/

Meaning

  • feminine nounencyclopedia

Example

Elle consulte l'encyclopédie pour son devoir.

She consults the encyclopedia for her homework.

Illustration for encyclopédie (encyclopedia)

More examples

L'article de l'encyclopédie explique l'origine du mot.

The encyclopedia article explains the origin of the word.

Core concept

A map of knowledge made from compact entries that guide a reader across many subjects.

Common phrases

  • une encyclopédie en ligne

    an online encyclopedia

  • l'article de l'encyclopédie

    the encyclopedia article

Similar words

dictionnaire: A reference book that gives meanings, usage, and pronunciation for individual words.
manuel: A textbook that systematically presents the knowledge and steps needed to learn a subject or skill.

Definition in French

Grand ouvrage ou base d'entrées présentant des connaissances générales sur de nombreux domaines, consulté pour obtenir des définitions et des aperçus synthétiques.

Word origin

Greek enkyklios paideia, a term for comprehensive education, passed into Latin encyclopaedia and later developed into French encyclopédie for a broad reference work.

Usage tips

  • Consulter une encyclopédie takes a direct object in French, so the usual phrase is consulter l'encyclopédie rather than consulter à l'encyclopédie.

Related words

Word lists with this word