comedie francaise: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, cultural, academic
Quick answer
What does “comedie francaise” mean?
The French national theatre company, founded in 1680 and based in Paris. It is officially called the Théâtre-Français.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The French national theatre company, founded in 1680 and based in Paris. It is officially called the Théâtre-Français.
The institution and its historic theatre building at the Salle Richelieu in the Palais-Royal, which is a symbol of French classical theatre and the preservation of works by playwrights like Molière, Racine, and Corneille.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. UK usage may be slightly more familiar due to historical cultural ties. In US, it's primarily known in academic/arts contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with high culture, classical French theatre, tradition, and prestige.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but marginally higher in UK English in arts journalism and educated discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “comedie francaise” in a Sentence
[Subject] visited the Comédie-Française.The play was performed at the Comédie-Française.[Name] is an actor with the Comédie-Française.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “comedie francaise” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She has a very Comédie-Française style of declamation.
- The production was distinctly Comédie-Française in its approach.
American English
- He admired the Comédie-Française tradition.
- The actor's training was Comédie-Française-influenced.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in tourism or arts management contexts, e.g., 'The Comédie-Française is a major cultural asset.'
Academic
Common in theatre history, French studies, and literature courses.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation outside of specific travel or cultural discussion.
Technical
Used precisely in dramaturgy and theatre criticism to denote a specific institution and its style.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “comedie francaise”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “comedie francaise”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comedie francaise”
- Misspelling: 'Comedy Francaise', 'Comédie Français'. Incorrect capitalisation. Using it as a common noun, e.g., 'a comedie francaise'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, despite the name, it performs the full repertoire of French classical theatre, including tragedies by Racine and Corneille.
Yes, it is a working theatre open to the public for performances, and it sometimes offers tours.
Although Molière died before its founding, his company merged with others to form it, and his works are central to its repertoire.
Yes, it is standard to italicise 'Comédie-Française' in English texts as it is a foreign term.
The French national theatre company, founded in 1680 and based in Paris. It is officially called the Théâtre-Français.
Comedie francaise is usually formal, cultural, academic in register.
Comedie francaise: in British English it is pronounced /kɒˌmeɪdi frɒ̃ˈseɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˌmeɪdi frɑːnˈseɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term in English.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COMEDY (though it does more than comedy) + FRANÇAISE (French) = The official French national theatre house.
Conceptual Metaphor
THEATRE AS A TEMPLE OF CULTURE; INSTITUTION AS A LIVING MUSEUM.
Practice
Quiz
What is the Comédie-Française primarily known for?