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frimaire

Very Low / Obsolete
UK/fʁi.mɛʁ/US/fʁiˈmɛʁ/

Historical, Academic

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

The third month of the French Republican Calendar, roughly corresponding to late November to late December.

A historical term referring specifically to the 'frosty month' in the Revolutionary calendar, now used almost exclusively in historical contexts.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

This is a proper noun (capitalized) denoting a specific, defunct calendar month. It has no metaphorical or extended meanings in modern usage.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference. The term is equally obscure in both varieties.

Connotations

Historical, esoteric, related to French history.

Frequency

Extremely rare in both dialects, found almost exclusively in historical texts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
month of Frimairein Frimaire
medium
Frimaire of Year IIduring Frimaire
weak
cold FrimaireRevolutionary Frimaire

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[Event] occurred in Frimaire [Year]The month of Frimaire

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Neutral

third month (Republican Calendar)

Weak

Frost month

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in historical writings about the French Revolution.

Everyday

Not used.

Technical

Used in precise historical dating within the French Republican Calendar system.

Examples

By CEFR Level

B1
  • The French Republican Calendar had months with names like Frimaire.
B2
  • The law was passed on 15 Frimaire, Year II of the Republic.
C1
  • Contemporary records indicate that the harsh weather during Frimaire exacerbated the famine conditions in Paris.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Link 'Frim' to 'frost' and 'aire' to 'air' – think of the 'frosty air' of this winter month.

Conceptual Metaphor

TIME IS A CALENDAR (specific, historical instance).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Do not confuse with modern French months like 'décembre'. It is a proper name, not a common noun.

Common Mistakes

  • Using lowercase ('frimaire'), using it as a common noun (e.g., 'last frimaire'), attempting to use it for modern dates.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The Battle of Austerlitz was fought on 2 December 1805, or 11 , Year XIV in the French Republican Calendar.
Multiple Choice

What does 'Frimaire' specifically refer to?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the French Republican Calendar was abolished in 1805. 'Frimaire' is now only a historical term.

Frimaire spanned from approximately 21 November to 20 December in the Gregorian calendar.

No, it would be incorrect and confusing. It is only for historical dating within the 1793-1805 period.

It comes from French 'frimas', meaning 'frost', reflecting the frosty weather of that time of year.