The French phrase “à bas” is a popular expression that is often used in everyday conversations. It is a term that has a variety of meanings and associations, and it is important to understand its definition and context to use it accurately. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “à bas”, its origin, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
The term “à bas” is a French expression that is used to express contempt or disapproval. It is often translated to mean “down with” or “away with”. It can also be used to mean “get rid of” or “eliminate”. In some contexts, it can be used to express a desire to overthrow or remove someone from power.
Origin
The origin of the term “à bas” can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It was originally used as a hunting term to encourage dogs to chase after prey. Over time, it evolved to become a term used to express disapproval or contempt towards someone or something.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, “à bas” is defined as “down with” or “away with”. In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it is defined as “down with” or “away with” as well as “to the ground” or “to a lower position”. In the Collins Dictionary, it is defined as “down with” or “away with” as well as “get rid of” or “eliminate”.
Associations
The term “à bas” is often associated with political protests and demonstrations. It is a phrase that is commonly used to express disapproval towards a government or political leader. It can also be used in sports to express disapproval towards a team or player.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “à bas” include “down with”, “away with”, “eliminate”, “get rid of”, and “banish”.
Antonyms
Antonyms of “à bas” include “long live”, “hail”, “applaud”, and “support”.
The same root words
The root words of “à bas” are “bas” which means “low” or “down” and “à” which means “to” or “at”.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using the term “à bas”:
- “À bas le gouvernement!” (Down with the government!).
- “Nous devons éliminer la corruption à bas prix.” (We must eliminate corruption at any cost.).
- “Les supporters ont crié ‘à bas l’arbitre’ après la décision controversée.” (The fans shouted ‘down with the referee’ after the controversial decision.).