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masque
/mask/
mask
Elle porte un masque pour se protéger.
She wears a mask to protect herself.
general
A covering for the face, typically worn to protect against infection, conceal identity, or as part of a costume.
Les médecins portent des masques dans les hôpitaux.
Doctors wear masks in hospitals.
Il a mis un masque pour le carnaval.
He put on a mask for the carnival.
In modern usage, 'masque' can also refer to a protective face covering, especially in medical contexts.
literary
A decorative covering for the face, often worn during festivals or theatrical performances.
Les acteurs portaient des masques dans la pièce de théâtre.
The actors wore masks in the play.
Historically, masks were used in ancient Greek and Roman theater.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage in Medical Contexts
In medical settings, 'masque' is often used to refer to protective face coverings, such as surgical masks or respirators.
Gold Rule
Distinction from 'mascara'
Do not confuse 'masque' (mask) with 'mascara' (eyeliner).
Word Origin
From Old French 'masque,' from Italian 'maschera,' possibly from Arabic 'maskharah' (buffoonery).
Usage Notes
The term 'masque' can refer to both protective face coverings and decorative masks used in performances. In modern contexts, it is often used interchangeably with 'mask.'
Word Breakdown
masque
mask
rootDictionnaire Français-Anglais