French word

université

Pronunciation

IPA/ynivɛʁsite/

Meaning

  • feminine noununiversity

Example

Je vais à l'université demain.

I am going to the university tomorrow.

Illustration for université (university)

More examples

Elle est professeur à l'université depuis dix ans.

She has been a professor at the university for ten years.

Core concept

A connected group of lecture halls, laboratories, and people pursuing higher education together.

Common phrases

  • aller à l'université

    go to university

  • entrer à l'université

    enter university

  • faire ses études à l'université

    study at university

Similar words

fac: A casual term for a university, commonly used in the form la fac.
faculté: A university division such as a faculty or academic department.
campus: The grounds or area containing a university's buildings and facilities.

Definition in French

Établissement public ou privé d'enseignement supérieur délivrant des diplômes comme la licence, le master ou le doctorat.

Word origin

The French noun developed from Latin universitas through Old French as the meaning shifted from a community to an academic institution.

Usage tips

  • The common spoken abbreviation la fac comes from faculté and is more informal than université.

Related words

Word lists with this word