baudelaire: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (C2)Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “baudelaire” mean?
A reference to Charles Baudelaire, the influential 19th-century French poet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A reference to Charles Baudelaire, the influential 19th-century French poet.
Used to evoke or describe a style, quality, or aesthetic reminiscent of Baudelaire's work: a blend of romanticism, symbolism, urban realism, decadence, and profound, often dark, beauty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The referent is the same in both cultures.
Connotations
In both dialects, connotations are tied to high literary culture, European decadence, and a specific poetic tradition.
Frequency
Equally rare in both, confined to literary and academic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “baudelaire” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] as cultural referentVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “baudelaire” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The film had a distinctly Baudelairian atmosphere of decaying glamour.
American English
- Her lyrics capture a Baudelairean sense of urban alienation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, comparative literature, and studies of 19th-century poetry or symbolism.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would indicate a highly educated or literary speaker.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside of specific humanities contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “baudelaire”
- Treating it as a common noun with a fixed definition.
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈbɔːdəlɛə/ or similar.
- Attempting to use it in casual conversation where the reference will be lost.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a proper noun—the name of a French poet. It enters English discourse only as a reference to him or his work.
As an attributive noun or via its derived adjectives ('Baudelairean', 'Baudelairian') to describe an aesthetic or idea reminiscent of his poetry.
In British English: /ˌbəʊdəˈleə(r)/ (boh-duh-LAIR). In American English: /ˌboʊdəˈlɛr/ (boh-duh-LAIR). The final 'e' is pronounced.
Only with caution and in a literate audience. It is a specific cultural shorthand, not a direct synonym. It implies a whole complex of ideas associated with the poet, not just a mood.
A reference to Charles Baudelaire, the influential 19th-century French poet.
Baudelaire is usually literary, academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BOW (as in bow tie) duh LAIR' (his poetry explored the dark 'lair' of the modern city).
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTIST IS A LENS (Baudelaire is a lens through which to view modern urban experience).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would a reference to 'Baudelaire' be most appropriate?