French word

grade

Pronunciation

IPA/gʁad/

Meaning

  • masculine nounposition

Example

Il occupe un grade important dans l'entreprise.

He holds an important position in the company.

Illustration for grade (position)

More examples

Elle a obtenu un grade supérieur après l'examen.

She earned a higher rank after the exam.

Core concept

A rung on an organizational ladder, marking a person's place in its hierarchy.

Common phrases

  • obtenir un grade

    earn a rank

  • perdre son grade

    lose one's rank

  • monter en grade

    rise in rank

Similar words

niveau: A level of ability, rank, or overall development.
rang: A place in a ranking or order of precedence.
échelon: A defined level in a pay scale or organizational structure.
titre: A formal name attached to a position or office.

Definition in French

Position ou rang hiérarchique occupé dans une organisation, une armée ou une profession.

Word origin

French grade comes through Italian grado from Latin gradus, meaning a step, and the idea of steps developed into levels of rank.

Usage tips

  • French grade often means rank, not a school mark; school marks are usually called notes, and a school year is an année scolaire.

Other meanings

  • ranknoun

Word lists with this word