How Do You Spell ENFANT?

Pronunciation: [ɛnfˈant] (IPA)

The French noun "enfant" means child in English, but its spelling presents some pronunciation challenges for non-native speakers. The IPA phonetic transcription for "enfant" is /ɑ̃.fɑ̃/, representing the nasal vowel sound /ɑ̃/ followed by the consonant sound /f/. The letter combination "ant" is pronounced as /ɑ̃/ in French, while the final "t" is often silent. Thus, "enfant" is pronounced as "ahn-fahn" in French. Proper pronunciation of French words can enhance communication and comprehension skills in the language.

ENFANT Meaning and Definition

  1. Enfant is a French word that is predominantly used to refer to a child, typically between the ages of infancy and puberty. It is a general term used to describe any young individual who has not yet reached adulthood. The term can be applied to children of any gender.

    In a broader sense, the term "enfant" can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who possesses childlike qualities or behaves in a childish manner. It denotes a certain innocence, playfulness, and vulnerability often associated with childhood.

    The term "enfant" has cultural connotations as well. In French literature and art, "l'enfant" often represents purity, idealism, and the promise of a better future. The concept of the "enfant terrible" describes a person, typically a young artist, who is considered rebellious and unconventional, often challenging societal norms and expectations.

    Overall, "enfant" is a multifaceted term that encompasses more than just a literal definition of a child. Its usage can vary depending on the context, reflecting the diverse meanings and associations that are attached to the concept of childhood in different cultures and societies.

Common Misspellings for ENFANT

Etymology of ENFANT

The word "enfant" comes from the Old French "enfant", which can be traced back to the Latin "infans". In Latin, "infans" means "not speaking" or "unable to speak". This is derived from the combination of the prefix "in-" (meaning "not") and "fari" (meaning "to speak"). Over time, the meaning of "enfant" evolved in French to refer to a young child or an offspring.

Idioms with the word ENFANT

  • enfant terrible An enfant terrible is a person who behaves unconventionally or is seen as a troublemaker, often in a shocking or unpredictable way, especially in a creative or artistic field.
  • an enfant terrible An enfant terrible is a young person who is unconventional, rebellious, and often causes trouble or shock with their behavior or ideas.

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