entresol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareFormal / Architectural
Quick answer
What does “entresol” mean?
A low-ceilinged storey between two main floors of a building, typically between the ground and first floor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A low-ceilinged storey between two main floors of a building, typically between the ground and first floor.
A mezzanine level, especially in a shop, library, or large public building; sometimes used to denote a separate, often transitional, space.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'entresol' is more commonly understood due to French architectural influence. In American English, 'mezzanine' is the overwhelmingly dominant term for the same concept.
Connotations
British: Slightly formal, architectural, or historical. American: Highly obscure; may be perceived as an esoteric or pretentious synonym for 'mezzanine'.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage in both varieties; 'mezzanine' is the standard term. 'Entresol' is found in older British texts or specialised architectural descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “entresol” in a Sentence
located on the entresolan entresol between the X and Y floorsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; 'mezzanine finance' is a common term, but 'entresol' is not used in this context.
Academic
Used in historical or architectural texts describing European building design.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used precisely in architecture and building surveying to describe a specific spatial arrangement.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “entresol”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “entresol”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “entresol”
- Spelling: 'entresole', 'entresoul'.
- Using it as a verb (to entresol).
- Using it in general conversation where 'upstairs area' or 'balcony' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare. 'Mezzanine' is the standard, widely understood term for the same concept.
It comes from French, from 'entre-' (between) + 'sol' (floor, ground), literally meaning 'between floors'.
In precise architectural contexts, yes, but 'mezzanine' is always the safer, more comprehensible choice in general communication.
Yes. An entresol is a full intermediate storey with a floor, even if low-ceilinged. A balcony is a platform projecting from a wall, often without a full floor area beneath it.
A low-ceilinged storey between two main floors of a building, typically between the ground and first floor.
Entresol is usually formal / architectural in register.
Entresol: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɒntrəsɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːntrəsɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a French ENTRÉE (entry) to a SOLarium that's between two main floors – an ENTRESOL.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SPACE BETWEEN is a transitional zone or an intermediary state.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most commonly used in modern English instead of 'entresol'?