Difference between revisions of "Language/French/Vocabulary/Understanding-Espèces,-Espèce,-and-En-l'espèce"
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== General Use == | == General Use == | ||
=== Definition === | |||
The word '''espèce''' can also be used in a more general sense in French. It can refer to a kind, sort, or type of thing or person in everyday speech. | The word '''espèce''' can also be used in a more general sense in French. It can refer to a kind, sort, or type of thing or person in everyday speech. | ||
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== Figurative Use == | == Figurative Use == | ||
=== Definition === | |||
In a more figurative sense, ''espèce'' can be used to express disdain or belittlement, often translated as "sort of" in a dismissive tone. | In a more figurative sense, ''espèce'' can be used to express disdain or belittlement, often translated as "sort of" in a dismissive tone. | ||
Latest revision as of 14:57, 12 November 2023
This article aims to clarify the use and meaning of several French terms that can be confusing: espèces, espèce, and en l'espèce. Although similar, these terms have distinct meanings in different contexts, which are important for English speakers learning French.
General Use[edit | edit source]
Definition[edit | edit source]
The word espèce can also be used in a more general sense in French. It can refer to a kind, sort, or type of thing or person in everyday speech.
Examples[edit | edit source]
- * Une espèce de plaisanterie - A kind of joke
- * Il est une espèce d'expert en la matière - He is a sort of expert on the subject
- * Ce film est une espèce d'hybride entre la comédie et le drame - This movie is a kind of hybrid between comedy and drama
Figurative Use[edit | edit source]
Definition[edit | edit source]
In a more figurative sense, espèce can be used to express disdain or belittlement, often translated as "sort of" in a dismissive tone.
Example[edit | edit source]
- * Il m'a dit une espèce d'excuse - He gave me some sort of excuse (implying that the excuse was not satisfactory or believable).
Espèces or "Cash"[edit | edit source]
Definition[edit | edit source]
The term espèces in this context refers to physical money, that is, coins and banknotes.
Example of Usage[edit | edit source]
- When asked in a store: "How will you pay: by cheque, in cash (en espèces) or by credit card?"
- The phrase des espèces sonnantes et trébuchantes is also used to denote cash.
Espèces in Biology[edit | edit source]
Definition[edit | edit source]
In a biological context, an espèce refers to a group of individuals sharing common characteristics and capable of reproducing among themselves.
Examples[edit | edit source]
- A bovine species (une espèce bovine)
- A species of turtle (une espèce de tortue)
- The human species (l'espèce humaine)
- Protected species (espèce protégée)
En l'espèce[edit | edit source]
Meanings[edit | edit source]
The term en l'espèce can be used to mean:
- In this circumstance
- In this specific case
- On the matter (on this subject, in this field, in this discipline)
Examples[edit | edit source]
- A) Following his accident, he designated, en l'espèce, two of his neighbors who confirmed his statements to the insurance expert.
- B) En l'espèce, this athlete will undoubtedly be the next Olympic champion.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
The word espèce in French is versatile and context-dependent. Its usage ranges from scientific terms in biology to everyday language describing types or kinds of things, and even to more nuanced, figurative expressions. Understanding these various uses can greatly enhance comprehension and expression for learners of French.