homme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (in English as a loanword); Very High (in French).Formal, literary, or specialized when used in English; neutral in French.
Quick answer
What does “homme” mean?
An adult male human being.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An adult male human being; a man.
In French, 'homme' can also refer to mankind in general, as in 'les droits de l'homme' (human rights). In English, the French loanword is primarily used in specific phrases or contexts, often to add sophistication, a French cultural reference, or to refer specifically to a French man.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, as it is a loanword. It might be slightly more frequent in British English due to historical and geographical proximity to France.
Connotations
Connotes sophistication, French culture, the arts (e.g., film, fashion, cuisine), or sometimes pretentiousness.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English discourse. Appears in set phrases like 'homme d'affaires', 'homme fatal', or in reviews of French cinema/theatre.
Grammar
How to Use “homme” in a Sentence
[Adj] + homme (e.g., 'a sophisticated homme')[Noun] + de + homme (e.g., 'homme de lettres')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homme” 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
'Homme d'affaires' is a recognized term for an international businessman, especially one involved with French companies.
Academic
Used in cultural studies, film criticism (e.g., discussing the 'homme fatal' trope in French noir), or literary analysis.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday English conversation unless quoting a French phrase or making a deliberate cultural joke.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts outside of specific French cultural or linguistic discussions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homme”
- Using 'homme' as a direct synonym for 'man' in an English sentence (e.g., 'He is a nice homme' - incorrect).
- Mispronouncing it as /hoʊm/ (like 'home').
- Misspelling as 'home'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In English, 'homme' is only used in specific phrases borrowed from French (like 'homme d'affaires') or to deliberately invoke a French context. Using it for the general term 'man' will sound incorrect and pretentious.
'Man' is the standard English word. 'Homme' is the French word for 'man', which English borrows in limited, fixed expressions. They are not interchangeable in English.
Pronounce it approximately as /ɒm/ (UK) or /ɑːm/ (US). It rhymes with 'com' in 'comedy'. Do not pronounce the 'h' or the final 'e'.
Yes, because its use implies familiarity with French language and culture. It is formal, literary, or specialized. In neutral or informal English, always prefer 'man' or a more specific term.
An adult male human being.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “homme d'affaires”
- “homme du monde”
- “homme fatal”
- “homme moyen sensuel (the average sensual man)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'HOMME' as 'HOME' for a man. A French man's home is his 'homme' (pronounced 'om').
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR CULTURE: The word 'homme' is a container carrying French cultural norms, sophistication, and style, as opposed to the generic English 'man'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'homme' be appropriately used in an English text?