basses-alpes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal/Historical/Geographical
Quick answer
What does “basses-alpes” mean?
A former department in southeastern France, part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A former department in southeastern France, part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
Refers both to the historical administrative division (1790-1970) and the geographical area of the lower Alpine foothills in Provence, known for its lavender fields, rural villages, and mountainous terrain.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or meaning. Both British and American English use it as a proper noun for the French locale.
Connotations
Evokes images of rural, mountainous France, lavender cultivation, and historical geography for both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Slightly more likely to appear in British English due to geographical proximity and historical ties to France.
Grammar
How to Use “basses-alpes” in a Sentence
[be/lie] in Basses-Alpes[travel/visit] Basses-Alpes[rename/dissolve] Basses-AlpesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “basses-alpes” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Basses-Alpes landscape is dominated by valleys and plateaus.
- We studied the Basses-Alpes administrative records from the 19th century.
American English
- The Basses-Alpes region produces renowned lavender essential oil.
- His research focuses on Basses-Alpes demographics prior to World War I.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in tourism, agriculture (lavender), or real estate focusing on the region.
Academic
Used in historical, geographical, or French studies papers discussing administrative changes or regional characteristics.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used by history enthusiasts, travelers, or in discussions about French geography.
Technical
Used in historical cartography, French administrative history, and certain geological/geographical surveys.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “basses-alpes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “basses-alpes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “basses-alpes”
- Using a singular verb ('Basses-Alpes is' is correct as a singular entity).
- Misspelling as 'Basse-Alpes' (missing the 's').
- Confusing it with the modern name 'Alpes-de-Haute-Provence'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It was renamed 'Alpes-de-Haute-Provence' in 1970.
It means 'Lower,' referring to the lower altitude foothills of the Alps in that region.
In historical documents, on old maps, in academic history/geography, or sometimes in traditional contexts referring to the area's identity.
Digne-les-Bains.
A former department in southeastern France, part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
Basses-alpes is usually formal/historical/geographical in register.
Basses-alpes: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbæs ˈælp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbæs ˈælps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BASSES' = lower, 'ALPES' = Alps. It's the department for the lower part of the Alpine mountains.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLACE FOR HISTORY (The old name represents a historical layer of France's administrative map).
Practice
Quiz
What is the modern name for the area once called Basses-Alpes?