meursault: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary/Academic
Quick answer
What does “meursault” mean?
A French surname most famously associated with the protagonist of Albert Camus' novel 'L'Étranger' (The Stranger).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A French surname most famously associated with the protagonist of Albert Camus' novel 'L'Étranger' (The Stranger).
In literary and philosophical contexts, it refers to the character's existential detachment, emotional indifference, and confrontation with the absurdity of life. It can symbolize a person who lives without traditional societal or religious meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is consistent across both dialects, confined to literary and philosophical discussions. No significant lexical or grammatical variation.
Connotations
Carries strong associations with existentialism, absurdism, and mid-20th century French literature.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage. Slightly more likely to be encountered in university humanities courses in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “meursault” in a Sentence
[Subject] is/feels like Meursault when...Her Meursault-like apathy was concerning.The novel explores Meursault's confrontation with...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meursault” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The lecturer drew a parallel between Meursault and later postmodern figures.
- Her thesis focused on the phenomenological experience of Meursault.
American English
- Meursault became an icon of existential literature.
- The character of Meursault challenges every assumption about motive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, philosophy, and comparative literature courses to discuss existentialism, narrative perspective, and absurdism.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be referenced in book clubs or discussions of classic literature.
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields outside specific humanities research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meursault”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meursault”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meursault”
- Misspelling as 'Mersault', 'Mearsault', or 'Meursaut'.
- Mispronouncing the final 't' (it is silent).
- Using it as a common adjective (e.g., 'That's so meursault') outside of very deliberate literary analogy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Meursault is a fictional character created by Albert Camus. However, he embodies philosophical ideas Camus was exploring.
His detachment is a literary device used by Camus to represent an individual who lives authentically according to the sensations of the present moment, rejecting manufactured social and religious meanings. This is central to the theme of the absurd.
In English, it is commonly pronounced /mərˈsoʊ/ (mur-SOH), with a silent final 't'. The original French is closer to /mœʁ.so/.
It can be used allusively in literary or intellectual discourse (e.g., 'He has a Meursault-like indifference to convention'), but it is not a standard descriptive term in everyday language and would often require explanation.
A French surname most famously associated with the protagonist of Albert Camus' novel 'L'Étranger' (The Stranger).
Meursault is usually literary/academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Meursault moment (a moment of stark, existential realization or indifference).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MEUR'SAULT feels the sun's assault on his soul' - linking the name to the pivotal beach scene and his emotional 'assault' by external forces.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEURSAULT IS AN OUTSIDER (the foundational metaphor), MEURSAULT IS A BLANK SLATE (for projecting philosophical ideas), MEURSAULT IS THE SUN'S VICTIM.
Practice
Quiz
What philosophical movement is the character Meursault most closely associated with?