dejeuner
Low (C2)Formal/Literary; in English contexts, often used to deliberately evoke a French or sophisticated/cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Definition
Meaning
A lunch or midday meal.
The act of eating a midday meal; to eat lunch. A term borrowed directly from French, retaining strong continental associations.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
It is a loanword from French. In English, it is not part of the core vocabulary for 'lunch' and is used self-consciously, often in specific contexts like hotel/menu descriptions, historical/literary writing, or to sound deliberately refined.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Rare in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British English in the context of fine dining or historical/literary works, but still highly marked.
Connotations
Conveys sophistication, continental (specifically French) style, elegance, or formality. Can sometimes be perceived as pretentious or affected in everyday conversation.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency in spontaneous speech. Found primarily in written contexts aiming for a specific tone.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to have déjeunerto take déjeunerto serve déjeunerdéjeuner is servedat déjeunerVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A déjeuner sur l'herbe (referencing the painting by Manet)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. 'Business lunch' is standard.
Academic
Might appear in texts on French culture, history, or art.
Everyday
Highly unlikely. Would be considered very affected.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We shall déjeuner at one o'clock.
- They were déjeunering on the terrace.
American English
- The guests will déjeuner promptly at noon.
- We déjeunered at the new bistro.
adjective
British English
- The déjeuner menu was exquisite.
- We had a delightful déjeuner appointment.
American English
- She hosted a déjeuner party in the garden.
- The déjeuner service included three courses.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The hotel offers a complimentary déjeuner for its guests.
- In the story, they met for déjeuner at a small café.
- After a light déjeuner of salad and quiche, we continued our tour of the chateau.
- The novel's protagonist was fond of taking a long, philosophical déjeuner.
- The conference schedule included a two-hour break for déjeuner, allowing delegates to sample local cuisine.
- Her memoir was peppered with anecdotes of literary déjeuners at the Left Bank brasseries of her youth.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DÉJÀ vu' for something French. 'DÉJEUner' is the French thing you do at noon.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEAL IS A CULTURAL EVENT (specifically a French cultural event).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'дежурный' (duty officer/on duty).
- Direct translation to 'завтрак' (breakfast) is incorrect; French 'petit déjeuner' is breakfast, 'déjeuner' is lunch.
- Avoid using it as a default word for 'lunch' (обе́д) in English; it is a special usage word.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing it as /diːˈdʒuːnər/.
- Using it in casual conversation unironically.
- Spelling it as 'dejeneur' or 'dejuner'.
- Confusing it with 'diner' (evening meal).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'déjeuner' MOST appropriately used in English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very uncommon and marked. The standard word is 'lunch'. 'Déjeuner' is used to deliberately sound French or sophisticated.
The most common anglicized pronunciation is /ˈdeɪʒəneɪ/. Some speakers may attempt a more French-like pronunciation with a nasal vowel, but the anglicized version is generally acceptable.
Yes, though it is extremely rare. It means 'to eat lunch' and is conjugated like a regular English verb (e.g., 'we déjeunered'). This usage is highly literary or affected.
In French, 'petit déjeuner' means 'breakfast'. 'Déjeuner' means 'lunch'. In English, 'petit déjeuner' is sometimes seen on menus for a continental breakfast, while 'déjeuner' refers to lunch.