ENTENDRE Meaning and
Definition
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Entendre is a French word that translates to "to hear" or "to understand" in English. However, in the context of language and communication, entendre has a specific meaning that goes beyond its literal translation. It refers to a double entendre, a type of wordplay or figure of speech where a phrase or expression has two or more possible interpretations, often with one interpretation being suggestive, risqué, or containing a hidden meaning.
In the realm of humor and wit, entendre is frequently used to create humorous or clever wordplay, particularly in jokes, puns, or satirical expressions. It relies on the listener's ability to recognize the potential dual meanings of a phrase or sentence and appreciate the comedic effect that arises from the ambiguity. Double entendres can add depth and layers to language, creating a sense of intrigue or amusement when deciphering the intended meaning.
Entendre can be found in various forms of literature, comedy, advertising, and everyday conversation to convey subtle or implicit meanings with an underlying cheekiness or linguistic nuance. It is a testament to the richness and versatility of language, showcasing its ability to playfully manipulate words and stimulate cognition. The utilization of entendre is often associated with cleverness, intelligence, and a keen sense of linguistic awareness.
Common Misspellings for ENTENDRE
- wntendre
- sntendre
- dntendre
- rntendre
- 4ntendre
- 3ntendre
- ebtendre
- emtendre
- ejtendre
- ehtendre
- enrendre
- enfendre
- enyendre
- en6endre
- en5endre
- entwndre
- entsndre
- entdndre
- entrndre
Etymology of ENTENDRE
The word "entendre" comes from the Old French verb "entendre", which means "to understand" or "to hear". It is derived from the Latin word "intendere", which has a similar meaning of "to stretch out", "to purpose", or "to turn one's attention to". The Latin word "intendere" is a combination of the prefix "in", meaning "towards", and "tendere", meaning "to stretch", ultimately originating from the Proto-Indo-European root "ten-", which means "to stretch" or "to extend". The sense of "double entendre", meaning a word or phrase that has a double meaning or can be interpreted in two different ways, emerged in English in the 17th century.
Idioms with the word ENTENDRE
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a double entendre
A double entendre is an idiom that refers to a phrase or expression that has two meanings, one of which is usually risqué, indecent, or sexually suggestive.
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double entendre
A double entendre is a figure of speech or phrase that has a double meaning, often one being more suggestive, humorous, or risqué than the other. It involves the clever use of words or expressions to create an ambiguous or dual interpretation. The term is derived from French, where it literally means "double meaning."
Similar spelling words for ENTENDRE
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