French word

fauve

Pronunciation

IPA/fov/

Meaning

  • adjectivetawny

Example

Le chien est fauve.

The dog is tawny.

Illustration for fauve (tawny)

More examples

Le chat a les yeux fauves et le pelage doux.

The cat has tawny eyes and soft fur.

Core concept

Warm ochre-brown fur catching the light, rather than a plain dark brown.

Common phrases

  • yeux fauves

    tawny eyes

  • robe fauve

    tawny coat

Similar words

marron: A standard medium to dark brown, often describing clothing or furniture.
beige: A light, pale brown with a slight yellow tint, used for clothing or interiors.
brun: Dark brown, especially describing hair or animal fur.
roux: Strongly reddish and close to chestnut brown, especially describing hair or fur.

Definition in French

Qui a une teinte jaune-brun, proche du jaune ocre, souvent employé pour décrire le pelage ou la fourrure d'animaux.

Word origin

French inherited fauve from Old French, which traces back to Latin fulvus, meaning tawny or yellowish.

Usage tips

  • Fauve is especially natural for animal coats and some leather, whereas marron or beige is more usual for many clothes and skin tones.

Other meanings

  • brownnoun

Word lists with this word