French Conversation · Level 107
58 words
French word
ravissant
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁavisɑ̃/
Meaning
- adjectivelovely
Example
Ton sourire est ravissant.
Your smile is lovely.
More examples
Le village est ravissant au printemps.
The village is beautiful in spring.
Core concept
A lovely sight, person, or detail that produces immediate admiration and affection.
Common phrases
un sourire ravissant
a beautiful smile
un paysage ravissant
a beautiful landscape
un endroit ravissant
a beautiful place
Similar words
joli: Pretty and well-proportioned in a pleasing, appealing way.
beau: Beautiful in appearance or form, with a strong and impressive quality.
charmant: Pleasant and appealing, with a charm that draws people in.
mignon: Small, cute, and endearing in appearance or manner.
Definition in French
Qui plaît beaucoup par sa beauté, son charme ou son aspect agréable.
Word origin
Ravissant is an adjective based on the present participle of ravir, which came through French from Latin rapere, 'to seize', before developing its modern sense of delighting.
Usage tips
- Ravissant is more emphatic and sometimes more literary than everyday joli or beau, though it remains natural for sincere praise.