Premier ministre

/pʁə.mjeʁ ministʁ/
nounIntermediate
formal

The head of government in a parliamentary system, typically appointed by the head of state and responsible for managing the executive branch.

Le Premier ministre a rencontré les chefs d'État lors du sommet international.

The prime minister met with heads of state during the international summit.

💡

In France, the Premier ministre is appointed by the President of the Republic and is responsible to the National Assembly.

Collocations

nommer le Premier ministreto appoint the prime ministerdémission du Premier ministreresignation of the prime ministercabinet du Premier ministreprime minister's cabinet

Synonyms

Related Phrases

Président du Conseilphrase
a historical term for the head of government in France before 1958

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

In French-speaking countries, the role of the Premier ministre can vary significantly. In France, the President holds more executive power, while in Canada, the Premier ministre (or premier) is the head of government in each province.

Gold Rule

Formal Usage

Always capitalize 'Premier ministre' when referring to the specific officeholder, but lowercase when used generically (e.g., 'le premier ministre est responsable de...').

📖Word Origin

From French 'premier' (first) and 'ministre' (minister), literally meaning 'first minister'. The term refers to the highest-ranking minister in a parliamentary system.

📝Usage Notes

In some countries, the term 'Premier ministre' may be used interchangeably with 'prime minister', though the exact role and powers can vary by country.

Word Breakdown

Premier
first
adjective
+
ministre
minister
noun
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais