arc de triomphe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, historical, touristic
Quick answer
What does “arc de triomphe” mean?
A large, iconic triumphal arch in Paris, France, located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, built to honor those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, iconic triumphal arch in Paris, France, located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, built to honor those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Any large, ornate triumphal arch modeled on the Parisian archetype; a symbol of French national identity, military glory, and monumental architecture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Pronunciation differs as per IPA.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of French history, tourism, and grandeur.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used primarily in historical, travel, or architectural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “arc de triomphe” in a Sentence
The [Adj] Arc de Triomphe [Verb]...[Verb] the Arc de Triomphethe Arc de Triomphe of [Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arc de triomphe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The procession will arc de triomphe its way through the square? (Not applicable; not a verb)
American English
- (Not applicable; proper noun)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable)
American English
- (Not applicable)
adjective
British English
- The Arc de Triomphe view is spectacular.
- It was an Arc de Triomphe moment for the general.
American English
- The Arc de Triomphe vista is unmatched.
- It was an Arc de Triomphe-style celebration.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism or real estate (e.g., 'a hotel near the Arc de Triomphe').
Academic
Used in history, architecture, and urban planning texts discussing Napoleonic France or Parisian monuments.
Everyday
Used in travel conversations and general knowledge.
Technical
Used in architectural descriptions (e.g., 'the Arc de Triomphe's proportions').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arc de triomphe”
- Misspelling: 'Arc de Triumph' (English spelling of the word).
- Mispronouncing 'Triomphe' with a hard 'ph' sound /f/ instead of the French /f/.
- Using lowercase for the specific Paris monument.
- Omitting the 'de'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz. The architect was Jean Chalgrin.
Yes, there is a museum inside and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Paris.
While the term can generically describe a triumphal arch, it is overwhelmingly used as a proper noun for the Paris monument. Similar structures are usually called 'triumphal arches'.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I is located beneath the arch, with an eternal flame, making it a site of national remembrance.
A large, iconic triumphal arch in Paris, France, located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, built to honor those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Arc de triomphe is usually formal, academic, historical, touristic in register.
Arc de triomphe: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɑːk də ˈtriːɒ̃f/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːrk də triˈɑːmf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this proper noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Arch of Triumph' (its English meaning) in Paris. Imagine a car driving around the 'arc' in the 'traffic' of Paris (Place de l'Étoile).
Conceptual Metaphor
VICTORY IS A MONUMENT; HISTORY IS A PHYSICAL STRUCTURE.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Arc de Triomphe' literally translate to in English?