cote d'ivoire: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal
Quick answer
What does “cote d'ivoire” mean?
A country on the southern coast of West Africa, officially named the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. The French name translates to 'Ivory Coast' in English.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A country on the southern coast of West Africa, officially named the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. The French name translates to 'Ivory Coast' in English.
The term refers not only to the sovereign state but also to its culture, people (Ivorians), and geopolitical or economic context. It may also be used in contexts referencing its major exports (cocoa, coffee) or historical and political significance in West Africa.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In formal British contexts, the French name 'Côte d'Ivoire' is commonly used, mirroring diplomatic practice. In American media and casual usage, 'Ivory Coast' is more frequently encountered, though formal documents also use 'Côte d'Ivoire'.
Connotations
Using the French name can connote formality, diplomatic correctness, or specialist knowledge. Using the English name is more neutral in informal contexts but may be seen as ignoring the country's official preference in formal settings.
Frequency
The English name 'Ivory Coast' has higher frequency in general American English. In British English, especially in news and academic writing, the French name appears with moderate frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “cote d'ivoire” in a Sentence
located in Côte d'Ivoireexported from Côte d'Ivoirebased in Côte d'IvoireVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cote d'ivoire” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The Ivorian government signed the accord.
- Ivorian cocoa beans are highly sought after.
American English
- The Ivorian embassy issued a statement.
- Ivorian culture is rich and diverse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Often appears in reports on cocoa and coffee commodity markets, e.g., 'Côte d'Ivoire is the world's leading cocoa producer.'
Academic
Used in geography, political science, and African studies contexts discussing post-colonial states, economic development, or West African politics.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing travel, world news, or specific products like chocolate.
Technical
Used in diplomatic, UN, and international legal documents under its official French name.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cote d'ivoire”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cote d'ivoire”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cote d'ivoire”
- Misspelling as 'Cote d'Ivoire' (without circumflex), 'Côte d'Ivorie', or 'Coté d'Ivoire'.
- Incorrectly using a definite article as in 'the Côte d'Ivoire' (it is just 'Côte d'Ivoire').
- Pronouncing 'Côte' as /kɒt/ instead of /kəʊt/ or /koʊt/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While 'Ivory Coast' is the English translation, the country's official stance is that its name should not be translated. In formal contexts, use 'Côte d'Ivoire' without 'the'. Informally, 'Ivory Coast' (often with 'the') is common but not preferred by the country.
The correct demonym is 'Ivorian'. Avoid the outdated term 'Ivory Coaster'.
Since 1985, the Ivorian government has requested that the French name be used in all languages to ensure consistency and sovereignty, a request adopted by the United Nations and many international bodies.
The apostrophe indicates elision; the 'e' of 'de' is dropped. It is pronounced as part of a continuous flow: 'dee-VWAR'. There is no glottal stop or pause before 'Ivoire'.
A country on the southern coast of West Africa, officially named the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. The French name translates to 'Ivory Coast' in English.
Cote d'ivoire is usually formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COAT of ivory' sounds like 'Côte d'Ivoire' – a coast (côte) known for ivory trade.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (primarily a geographical/political entity).
Practice
Quiz
What is the official English translation of 'Côte d'Ivoire'?