Is 'alette' a common English word?

No, it is an extremely rare and technical term used almost exclusively in architecture and history.

Can 'alette' mean a small wing?

Yes, that is its original French meaning, but in English, this sense is archaic. The architectural meaning is dominant.

How do you pronounce 'alette'?

It is pronounced /əˈlɛt/, with the stress on the second syllable, sounding like 'uh-LET'.

Would I ever need to use the word 'alette'?

Only if you are studying, describing, or working on historical European architecture, particularly Romanesque or military structures.

Is “alette” formal?

Alette is usually technical / historical (architecture, fortification) in register.

alette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low / Obscure / Technical

UK/əˈlɛt/US/əˈlɛt/

Technical / Historical (Architecture, Fortification)

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “alette” mean?

A small wing or a wing-like projection on a structure.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A small wing or a wing-like projection on a structure; in architecture, a small buttress or pier supporting a larger structure.

Historically, can refer to a small wing on an insect or aircraft; in fortification, a flanking wall.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning. Usage is equally rare and specialized in both variants.

Connotations

Technical precision, historical building techniques.

Frequency

Extremely rare in both. Might be encountered in academic texts on medieval or military architecture.

Grammar

How to Use “alette” in a Sentence

The [noun] features an alette.An alette supports the [noun].

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

stone alettedecorative alettebuttress alette

medium

supporting alettearchitectural alettetower alette

weak

small alettemedieval alettecorner alette

Examples

Examples of “alette” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

The alette design is characteristic of Norman architecture.

American English

The alette structure was crucial for the wall's stability.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in architectural history, art history, and archaeology papers.

Everyday

Never used.

Technical

Used in architectural plans, restoration reports, and historical fortification studies.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “alette”

Strong

wing projection

Neutral

pier buttress pilaster

Weak

supportflanking wall

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “alette”

main structurecentral piervoid

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “alette”

Confusing it with 'alley' or 'athlete'.
Mispronouncing it with stress on the first syllable.
Using it in non-architectural contexts.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is an extremely rare and technical term used almost exclusively in architecture and history.
: Yes, that is its original French meaning, but in English, this sense is archaic. The architectural meaning is dominant.
: It is pronounced /əˈlɛt/, with the stress on the second syllable, sounding like 'uh-LET'.
: Only if you are studying, describing, or working on historical European architecture, particularly Romanesque or military structures.
: A small wing or a wing-like projection on a structure.
: Alette is usually technical / historical (architecture, fortification) in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'a' + 'lette' (like a small letter). A small 'a' or wing added to a building.

Conceptual Metaphor

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE IS AN APPENDAGE / A SMALL WING.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The medieval gatehouse was strengthened by a small stone on its northern side.

Multiple Choice

In which field is the term 'alette' primarily used?