French Conversation · Level 168
15 words
French word
préfet
Pronunciation
IPA/pʁefɛ/
Meaning
- masculine nounprefect
Example
Le préfet représente l'État dans le département.
The prefect represents the state in the department.
More examples
Le préfet de police a donné des consignes.
The prefect of police gave instructions.
Core concept
A state-appointed official who carries national policy into a département and coordinates its administration and public order.
Common phrases
le préfet de police
prefect of police
décision du préfet
the prefect's decision
Similar words
maire: An elected official who leads a local government.
fonctionnaire: An employee of a public authority who performs official government duties.
commissaire: A senior police official in charge of investigations and police work.
Definition in French
Représentant de l'État dans un département, chargé de mettre en œuvre les décisions gouvernementales, de coordonner les services publics et d'assurer l'ordre public.
Word origin
French préfet comes from Latin praefectus, the past participle of praeficere, meaning 'to put in charge', and the modern office was created in 1800.
Usage tips
- The final t in préfet is silent, so the word ends with the sound 'eh' rather than a pronounced t.
Related words
- préfectureprefecturenoun