metier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very low frequencyFormal, literary, or specialized (arts/career contexts)
Quick answer
What does “metier” mean?
A profession or occupation to which one is particularly suited, often implying a special skill or vocation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A profession or occupation to which one is particularly suited, often implying a special skill or vocation.
A person's distinctive field of work, expertise, or strong aptitude; the type of work one does best. In the arts, it can refer to the characteristic style or subject matter of a particular artist or writer.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The accent is more likely to be retained in British English. The word is more commonly found in arts and literary criticism in both variants.
Connotations
Slightly more pretentious or consciously 'cultured' if misused. In proper context, it suggests discernment and appreciation for someone's true vocation.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, perhaps marginally more frequent in UK English due to stronger French influence on the lexicon.
Grammar
How to Use “metier” in a Sentence
[possessive] + métier + is/was + [noun phrase]find/found + [possessive] + métier + in/as + [noun phrase]to + have + a métier + as + [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used in executive coaching or career development to discuss an executive's core strength area.
Academic
Used in humanities, especially art history, literary criticism, and career studies, to discuss an individual's defining work or talent.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used humorously or self-consciously ('I've finally found my métier – baking sourdough!').
Technical
Not used in STEM fields. Confined to arts and soft sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metier”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metier”
- Misspelling as 'meteor' or 'meter'.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈmiːtiər/.
- Using it to mean any job, losing the connotation of special aptitude.
- Omitting the accent (é), which is standard in careful writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In formal and careful writing, the acute accent (é) is standard and preferred. In casual writing, it is sometimes omitted, but this can be seen as an error.
No. It specifically implies a job or activity for which one has a natural aptitude, skill, or calling. It is not a synonym for 'job' or 'occupation' in a neutral sense.
They are very close synonyms. 'Métier' often emphasises the skill or craft aspect (especially in the arts), while 'vocation' can carry a stronger sense of a divine or moral calling. They are often interchangeable.
The most common American pronunciation is /meɪˈtjeɪ/ (may-TYAY), with secondary stress on the first syllable. An anglicised version /ˈmɛtˌjeɪ/ (MET-yay) is also heard.
A profession or occupation to which one is particularly suited, often implying a special skill or vocation.
Metier is usually formal, literary, or specialized (arts/career contexts) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Find one's true métier.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MAY today I excel really well' – the start sounds like 'métier' and hints at finding what you excel at.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIFE'S WORK IS A CRAFT / A PERSON IS AN ARTISAN OF THEIR OWN LIFE.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'métier' correctly?