French word

strate

Pronunciation

IPA/stʁat/

Meaning

  • feminine nounlayer

Example

La strate supérieure est dure.

The upper layer is hard.

Illustration for strate (layer)

More examples

Dans la ville, les strates sociales sont visibles.

In the city, the social strata are visible.

Core concept

A layered structure in which position from top to bottom marks a different group or function.

Common phrases

  • les strates de la société

    strata of society

  • les strates sociales

    social strata

Similar words

couche: A single layer on a surface or within a substance.
classe sociale: People grouped by similar social status and living standards.
niveau: A particular height or degree on a scale.

Definition in French

Niveau ou division distincte au sein d'un ensemble social, institutionnel ou conceptuel.

Word origin

The noun comes from Latin stratum, related to sternere, meaning to spread out, and French uses it for both material and abstract layers.

Usage tips

  • In social analysis, strate sounds technical; couche sociale or classe sociale is often more natural in ordinary conversation.

Other meanings

  • tiernoun

Word lists with this word