sphère

/sfɛʁ/
nounBeginner sphere
formal

A round three‑dimensional object; a solid figure where every point on the surface is equidistant from the center.

Cette balle est une petite sphère de métal.

This ball is a small metal sphere.

💡

Used in geometry, physics, and everyday description of round objects.

informal

A domain or area of activity, influence, or interest.

Il évolue dans la sphère artistique.

He moves within the artistic sphere.

💡

Often paired with adjectives (public, private, artistic) to denote a specific field.

Collocations

dans la sphère publiquein the public spheresphère d'influencesphere of influence

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

sphère d'influencephrase
area where a country or organization exerts influence
sphère privéephrase
personal or private domain

💡Pro Tip

Gender and plural

Remember that *sphère* is feminine: *la sphère*, plural *les sphères*.

Gold Rule

Abstract use

When referring to a field of activity, pair *sphère* with an adjective (e.g., *sphère politique*, *sphère économique*).

📖Word Origin

From Latin *sphaera*, itself from Greek *σφαῖρα* (sphaîra) meaning ‘ball, globe’.

📝Usage Notes

Feminine noun; plural *sphères*. Commonly used both in literal (geometric) and figurative senses.

Dictionnaire Français-Anglais