maigre
Wordform Details
Translation: thinskinnylean
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: maigre
Translation: thin; lean; skinny; meager; sparse; scant (adjective)
Etymology: From Latin 'macer' meaning 'thin' or 'lean'. The English word 'meager' shares the same Latin root, though the French pronunciation with the silent final 'e' creates a distinctive sound. The Latin 'macer' is also related to Greek 'makros' (long, large) which may seem contradictory but relates to the idea of being stretched out or elongated.
Example Usage
Il est devenu très maigre après sa maladie.
He became very thin after his illness.
Les résultats de cette année sont maigres.
This year's results are meager.
Elle a une silhouette maigre et élancée.
She has a thin and slender silhouette.
Un maigre repas de pain et de fromage.
A meager meal of bread and cheese.
Mnemonics
- Think of someone so 'meager' they look like they might 'agree' to eat more (ma-i-gre sounds a bit like 'might agree')
- Picture someone so thin they could fit through the eye of a needle - 'may-gruh'
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In French cuisine, 'faire maigre' traditionally refers to abstaining from meat, especially during religious observances like Lent. 'Jours maigres' (lean days) were days when Catholics would not eat meat. The term also appears in 'maigre consolation' (small consolation) as a common expression.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Maigre' (thin/lean) is an adjective describing lack of substance, while 'migre' is a conjugated form of the verb 'migrer' (to migrate).
Notes: The pronunciation is different: 'maigre' is pronounced /mɛgʁ/ while 'migre' is pronounced /migʁ/.
Mnemonic: 'Maigre' has an 'a' like 'gaunt', while 'migre' has an 'i' like in 'trip' (migration).
Explanation: 'Maigre' means 'thin/lean' while 'maire' means 'mayor'.
Confused word:
Le maire de la ville a inauguré le nouveau parc.
The mayor of the city inaugurated the new park.
Notes: Both words are pronounced similarly but 'maigre' has a 'g' sound that 'maire' lacks.
Mnemonic: 'Maire' has one fewer letter than 'maigre' - the 'g' is missing, just as a mayor is never missing from important city events.