developpe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency / TechnicalFormal; Technical (Dance)
Quick answer
What does “developpe” mean?
A movement in ballet where one leg is raised to the knee of the supporting leg, then unfolded ('developed') into a high extended position.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A movement in ballet where one leg is raised to the knee of the supporting leg, then unfolded ('developed') into a high extended position.
Primarily used within the domain of ballet; sometimes used metaphorically to describe a slow, deliberate unfolding or development in other contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling typically follows the French original in both regions.
Connotations
Conveys expertise, discipline, and artistry associated with ballet.
Frequency
Equally low frequency and confined to dance contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “developpe” in a Sentence
[PERFORMER] + développé + [ADVERB (e.g., gracefully)]do/perform/practise + [a] développéVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “developpe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb in English)
American English
- (Not used as a verb in English)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The dancer demonstrated the correct développé position.
American English
- Her développé extension was flawless.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in academic writing about dance, choreography, or physical theatre.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation except by dancers.
Technical
Core technical term in ballet, classical dance, and dance pedagogy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “developpe”
- Misspelling as 'developee' or 'development'.
- Using it as a general verb (e.g., 'The company developpes new products' - INCORRECT).
- Mispronouncing it as /dɪˈvɛləp/ (like the English word 'develop').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Develop' is a general English verb meaning to grow or create. 'Développé' is a specific noun/adjective borrowed from French, referring only to a ballet movement.
The correct pronunciation is roughly /ˌdeɪvəˈlɒpeɪ/ (UK) or /ˌdeɪvələˈpeɪ/ (US). The stress is on the third syllable, and the final 'é' sounds like 'ay'. Avoid saying it like the English 'develop'.
In formal dance contexts, the acute accents (développé) are often used to denote the French origin. In less formal English text, it is commonly written as 'developpe' without accents.
Almost never. Its use is almost entirely confined to classical dance. Very rarely, it might be used metaphorically in literary or artistic descriptions to mean a slow, graceful unfolding.
A movement in ballet where one leg is raised to the knee of the supporting leg, then unfolded ('developed') into a high extended position.
Developpe is usually formal; technical (dance) in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a camera DEVELOPING a picture slowly: in ballet, a 'développé' is the slow, controlled development (unfolding) of the leg from a bent to a fully extended position.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL ACTION IS A PROCESS OF UNFOLDING/GROWTH.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'développé' correctly used?