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plafond
/pla.fɔ̃/
ceiling
Le plafond de ma chambre est très haut.
The ceiling of my bedroom is very high.
neutral
The upper interior surface of a room or other enclosed space.
Le plafond de la salle de réunion est décoré de fresques.
The ceiling of the meeting room is decorated with frescoes.
In architecture, 'plafond' refers specifically to the interior ceiling, not the roof.
Finance
Finance
The maximum limit or level that can be reached or allowed.
Le plafond de dépenses a été dépassé.
The spending ceiling has been exceeded.
Commonly used in financial contexts for credit limits, spending caps, or interest rate ceilings.
psychology
The upper limit of a person's abilities or potential.
Il a atteint son plafond professionnel.
He has reached his professional ceiling.
Often used metaphorically to describe personal or career limitations.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal mistranslation
Do not confuse 'plafond' with 'roof' in English. 'Plafond' refers to the interior ceiling, while 'toit' or 'roof' refers to the outer structure of a building.
Gold Rule
Context determines meaning
The meaning of 'plafond' shifts from literal (ceiling) to metaphorical (limit) depending on context. Always check the surrounding words to determine the correct translation.
Word Origin
From Old French 'plafond' (14th century), possibly a blend of 'plafon' (ceiling) and 'fond' (bottom), though the exact origin is uncertain. The term evolved from architectural contexts to metaphorical uses.
Usage Notes
In everyday speech, 'plafond' is used literally for ceilings. In finance and psychology, it often refers to limits or ceilings in a metaphorical sense. Avoid confusing 'plafond' (ceiling) with 'toit' (roof), which refers to the outer covering of a building.
Word Breakdown
plaf
possibly from 'plafon' (ceiling)
rootfond
bottom, base
rootDictionnaire Français-Anglais