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feu
/fø/
fire
Le feu brûle dans la cheminée.
The fire burns in the fireplace.
general
A burning flame or conflagration, typically uncontrolled and destructive.
Les pompiers ont éteint le feu rapidement.
The firefighters extinguished the fire quickly.
Can also refer to a controlled fire, such as a campfire or fireplace.
general
A source of light or heat, such as a candle or lamp.
Il a allumé un feu pour se réchauffer.
He lit a fire to warm up.
In this sense, it can be used metaphorically to describe passion or energy.
formal
A former or deceased person, especially in the context of a deceased spouse or partner.
Madame la veuve de feu son mari.
Madame, the widow of her late husband.
This usage is common in legal and formal contexts.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal Usage
In formal contexts, 'feu' can refer to a deceased person, especially in legal documents or formal announcements.
Gold Rule
Gender Agreement
When used as an adjective to refer to a deceased person, 'feu' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, e.g., 'feu mon père' (my late father) or 'feue ma mère' (my late mother).
Word Origin
From Old French 'feu', from Latin 'focus' meaning 'hearth' or 'fireplace'.
Usage Notes
In modern French, 'feu' can also be used as an adjective to refer to something that is no longer in existence or has been destroyed, such as 'feu le roi' (the late king).
Word Breakdown
feu
fire or flame
rootDictionnaire Français-Anglais