laclos
C1-C2 / Very LowFormal / Literary / Academic
Definition
Meaning
A French surname, most famously associated with the 18th-century writer Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, author of 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses'.
When used in English contexts, typically refers to the author Laclos himself, his novel, or adaptations of his work (e.g., films, plays). It may also be used metonymically to refer to themes of manipulation, seduction, and epistolary intrigue.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a proper noun (surname). Its use as a common noun is extremely rare and would be a creative extension, likely only in literary criticism or comparative literature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. UK usage might be slightly more prevalent in A-level or university literature courses. US usage may appear more in film or theatre contexts.
Connotations
Sophistication, French literature, psychological manipulation, the Ancien Régime, moral ambiguity.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to educated/literary circles.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Proper Noun] as subject (e.g., Laclos wrote...)[Adjectival form] Laclosian + noun (e.g., a Laclosian plot)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literature, history, and gender studies departments when discussing 18th-century French literature or epistolary novels.
Everyday
Extremely uncommon. Might be mentioned in discussions of classic literature or period dramas.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The film had a distinctly Laclosian atmosphere of deceit.
American English
- Her analysis focused on the Laclosian elements of the plot.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We are studying a novel by Laclos in our French literature class.
- The director's adaptation remains faithful to the Laclosian spirit of moral ambiguity and social critique.
- Laclos's epistolary technique reveals the characters' psychology with devastating precision.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Laclos' LACED his novel with dangerous LIAISONS.' (Laced + Liaisons from the title).
Conceptual Metaphor
LACLOS IS INTRICATE MACHINERY (for plots), LACLOS IS A MIRROR (to aristocratic society).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'лак' (varnish/lacquer) or 'лакей' (lackey). It is a transliterated surname: 'Лакло'.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing as /ˈlæk.lɒs/ (like 'lack' + 'loss').
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a laclos' instead of 'a novel by Laclos').
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Laclos' primarily known for?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a French surname that has been adopted into English usage, primarily in literary contexts.
In English, it is commonly pronounced /lɑˈkloʊ/ (US) or /laˈkləʊ/ (UK), with stress on the second syllable.
Not conventionally. You could describe a person as 'Laclosian' to imply they are cunning and manipulative in matters of seduction, but this is a high-register, literary usage.
'Laclosian' (e.g., a Laclosian plot, Laclosian characters).