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mouvement
/muv.mɑ̃/
movement
Le mouvement de la Terre autour du Soleil prend un an.
The Earth's movement around the Sun takes one year.
general
The act or process of moving or being moved; a change in position or location.
Le mouvement des nuages annonce l'orage.
The movement of the clouds signals a storm.
In physics, 'mouvement' can refer to motion with direction and speed.
formal
A group of people working together to advance shared political, social, or artistic ideas.
Le mouvement écologiste milite pour la protection de l'environnement.
The environmental movement advocates for nature conservation.
Often used with adjectives like 'social', 'artistic', or 'political'.
Engineering
technical
A mechanical device that produces motion, often in machinery.
Le mouvement d'horlogerie doit être précis.
The clockwork movement must be precise.
formal
A trend or tendency in behavior or opinion.
Il y a un mouvement vers une alimentation plus saine.
There is a movement toward healthier eating.
general
A gesture or expression indicating a change in thought or feeling.
Elle fit un mouvement de tête pour dire non.
She made a head movement to say no.
Collocations
mouvement socialsocial movementmouvement de foulecrowd movementmouvement artistiqueart movementmouvement perpétuelperpetual motion
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal translations
Do not translate 'mouvement' as 'motion' in all contexts. In social contexts, prefer 'movement' (e.g., 'mouvement des droits civiques' = civil rights movement).
Gold Rule
Context is key
Always check whether 'mouvement' refers to physical motion, a social trend, or a mechanical part. The surrounding words will guide you.
Word Origin
From Old French *movement*, from Latin *movimentum*, from *movere* ('to move').
Usage Notes
In French, 'mouvement' can refer to physical motion, social trends, or mechanical parts. Context determines the meaning. The plural 'mouvements' is common in artistic or social contexts.
Word Breakdown
mouv-
from Latin *movere* (to move)
root-ement
suffix indicating action or result
suffixDictionnaire Français-Anglais