goncourt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal
Quick answer
What does “goncourt” mean?
A prestigious French literary prize, named after the Goncourt brothers, awarded annually since 1903.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A prestigious French literary prize, named after the Goncourt brothers, awarded annually since 1903.
A metonym for literary excellence, French literary culture, or significant literary achievement, as in 'he is a recipient of the Goncourt'. The term is also used to refer to the literary society (Académie Goncourt) that awards the prize.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. It is a loanword/cultural reference from French, used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Associated with highbrow literary culture, Francophilia, and significant artistic prestige. May be an unfamiliar term to those not interested in literature.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse. Appears almost exclusively in literary, cultural, or news contexts. Equal rarity in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “goncourt” in a Sentence
The Goncourt is awarded to [author/noun phrase][Author/Noun Phrase] won the Goncourt for [book title]He/she was nominated for the GoncourtVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goncourt” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Goncourt-winning author gave a lecture.
- It had a certain Goncourt-esque ambition.
American English
- The Goncourt-shortlisted novel became a bestseller.
- Her style is decidedly Goncourt in its sensibility.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in publishing industry reports discussing prize-winning sales.
Academic
Used in comparative literature, French studies, and literary history contexts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only appear in conversation among literary enthusiasts.
Technical
Used precisely in literary criticism and journalism to denote the specific award.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “goncourt”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “goncourt”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goncourt”
- Misspelling as 'Goncour' or 'Goncurt'.
- Using lowercase ('goncourt').
- Mispronouncing with a hard 'g' as in 'go'.
- Using it as a common noun, e.g., 'a goncourt' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a proper noun and should always be capitalised, as it refers to a specific prize and academy named after specific individuals.
No, this is incorrect in standard English. The correct terms are 'Goncourt winner', 'Goncourt laureate', or 'recipient of the Goncourt'.
In British English, it is commonly /ˈɡɒŋkɔː/ (GON-kor). In American English, it is often /ɡɔːnˈkʊr/ (gawn-KOOR) or /ˈɡɑːnˌkʊr/ (GAHN-koor).
No. While it is a foreign proper name, it is sufficiently assimilated into English literary vocabulary that italics are not necessary.
A prestigious French literary prize, named after the Goncourt brothers, awarded annually since 1903.
Goncourt is usually formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no established English idioms; it is the proper noun itself)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Gone to COURT for literature' – the Goncourt brothers' legacy went to court (the academy) to establish the prize.
Conceptual Metaphor
LITERARY ACHIEVEMENT IS A VALUED OBJECT (the prize). STATUS IS HEIGHT (the pinnacle of French literary awards).
Practice
Quiz
What is the Goncourt?