second empire: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “second empire” mean?
The imperial government of France under Napoleon III, lasting from 1852 to 1870.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The imperial government of France under Napoleon III, lasting from 1852 to 1870.
A historical period of French history characterized by authoritarian rule, grand public works, and a distinctive ornate architectural style (Second Empire style) that influenced buildings worldwide. It can also refer to a second period of rule by an emperor in any nation's history, following a first empire.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. References may be slightly more frequent in British academic/historical texts due to closer European historical ties.
Connotations
Both associate it with French history, opulence, and specific architecture (e.g., the Louvre's pavilions, many town halls and railway stations).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “second empire” in a Sentence
The Second Empire [VERB: collapsed, ended, began, was...][NOUN: architecture, style, period] of the Second Empireduring the Second EmpireVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second empire” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The town hall is a fine example of Second Empire architecture.
- He collects Second Empire furniture.
American English
- That Second Empire-style mansion has a characteristic mansard roof.
- The exhibit focused on Second Empire urban planning.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history, art history, and architectural studies to denote the period and its cultural output.
Everyday
Rare, except when describing architecture ('That old post office is a Second Empire building').
Technical
Specific term in architectural classification for a style featuring mansard roofs, central pavilions, and rich ornamentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second empire”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second empire”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second empire”
- Misspelling as 'Second Emipre'.
- Using 'Second Empire' to refer to Napoleon I's empire (which is the First Empire).
- Confusing the architectural style with general Victorian architecture.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When capitalized, it almost always refers to France (1852-1870). In lower case, it can be a generic description (e.g., 'a second empire arose in the region'), but this is rare.
The mansard roof—a dual-pitched, hipped roof with a steep lower slope, often punctuated by dormer windows.
It was preceded by the French Second Republic (1848-1852) and followed by the French Third Republic (1870-1940).
Yes, commonly so, especially in art and architectural history (e.g., 'a Second Empire building', 'Second Empire design').
The imperial government of France under Napoleon III, lasting from 1852 to 1870.
Second empire is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Second empire: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈɒm.paɪər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈem.paɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly from this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SECOND chance for an EMPIRE' in France. The first was Napoleon I's, the SECOND was his nephew Napoleon III's.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORY IS A BUILDING (The Second Empire was constructed on Bonapartist ideals and collapsed in 1870).
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'Second Empire' most specifically associated with?