French word

protocole

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁotokɔl/

Meaning

  • masculine nounprocedure

Example

Le protocole de sécurité doit être respecté.

The security procedure must be followed.

Illustration for protocole (procedure)

More examples

Le protocole sanitaire a été renforcé.

The health protocol was strengthened.

Core concept

A fixed framework of rules and stages that keeps a coordinated action consistent.

Common phrases

  • protocole de sécurité

    security protocol

  • protocole sanitaire

    health protocol

  • protocole d'urgence

    emergency protocol

Similar words

procédure: An officially established procedure or set of steps.
façon: A way of doing something that varies by person or situation.
règle: A rule or standard that must be followed.

Definition in French

Ensemble de règles et d'étapes formelles à suivre pour accomplir une tâche ou organiser le déroulement d'une action.

Word origin

Protocole developed from Greek protos, 'first', and kolla, 'glue', via the term for a sheet originally glued to the front of a document.

Usage tips

  • In French, protocole also covers diplomatic or ceremonial rules, whereas procédure more often names the practical process for completing a task.

Other meanings

  • protocolnoun

Opposites

  • improvisationimprovisationnoun
  • spontanéitéspontaneitynoun

Related words

  • protocolaireceremonialadjective
  • protocolairementceremoniallyadverb

Word lists with this word