grande dame: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “grande dame” mean?
A highly respected elderly or middle-aged woman of dignified, authoritative bearing and status, often from an upper-class background.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly respected elderly or middle-aged woman of dignified, authoritative bearing and status, often from an upper-class background.
Can refer to a similarly respected, long-established, and influential institution or object that is seen as a leader or benchmark in its field (e.g., a hotel, newspaper, or company).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it. In British English, it may more readily refer to aristocratic or theatrical figures. In American English, it is commonly applied to doyennes of high society, philanthropy, or specific industries.
Connotations
In both, the term is respectful but can be slightly ironic or hint at haughtiness/being out of touch. The British usage may slightly more often imply heritage and lineage.
Frequency
Low frequency in casual speech in both regions, but understood and used similarly in formal writing and descriptive contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “grande dame” in a Sentence
[definite article] + grande dame + of + [field/institution][adjective] + grande dameVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grande dame” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used figuratively for a long-standing, prestigious company in an industry: 'the grande dame of luxury brands'.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or cultural studies to describe influential women in specific eras or fields.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might appear in newspaper profiles, biographies, or sophisticated discussion.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grande dame”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grande dame”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grande dame”
- Using it for a young woman. / Spelling as 'grand dam' or 'grand dame' (without the 'e'). / Pronouncing 'grande' as English /ɡreɪnd/ instead of the French /ɡrɒnd/ or /ɡrɑːnd/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a formal term, most commonly found in written descriptions, journalism, or formal speech. It is very rarely used in casual, everyday conversation.
No, the term is inherently feminine. The closest equivalent for a man would be 'grand seigneur', 'doyen', 'patriarch', or 'elder statesman'.
While some might do this, the standard, more correct pronunciation retains a French-like flavour for 'grande' (/ɡrɒnd/ or /ɡrɑːnd/), with a silent 'e'. Pronouncing it fully as English 'grand' is considered a minor mistake.
Yes, it can be used with a hint of irony or criticism to imply someone is haughty, old-fashioned, or overly conscious of their status, e.g., 'She played the grande dame, expecting everyone to cater to her whims.'
A highly respected elderly or middle-aged woman of dignified, authoritative bearing and status, often from an upper-class background.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the grande dame of [something]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GRAND DAME at the opera: she is GRAND (impressive, important) and a DAME (a titled lady) who commands respect from everyone.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY/AN INSTITUTION IS A NOBLEWOMAN (with age, prestige, and established rules).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'grande dame' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?