Conclusion
The French phrase “à l’outrance” is one that is often used in a variety of contexts, but its meaning may not be immediately clear to those who are not familiar with the language. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “à l’outrance” in detail, including its origins, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The phrase “à l’outrance” can be translated to mean “to the extreme” or “to the utmost.” It is often used to describe a situation where two parties are engaged in a conflict that is characterized by extreme or excessive violence, or where one party is determined to pursue a goal or objective at any cost.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “à l’outrance” can be traced back to medieval times, when it was used to describe a type of combat that was fought to the death. The term was later adopted by the French military, and came to be used more broadly to describe any situation where a conflict was being pursued with extreme intensity or determination.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Larousse French-English dictionary, “à l’outrance” is defined as “to the bitter end” or “to the death.” In the Oxford English-French dictionary, it is translated as “to the extreme” or “to the utmost.” In the Merriam-Webster English-French dictionary, it is defined as “to the point of excess” or “to the point of extreme violence.”
Associations
The phrase “à l’outrance” is often associated with situations of extreme violence, particularly in the context of warfare or conflict. It can also be used to describe situations where one party is determined to achieve a goal or objective at any cost, even if it means resorting to extreme or unethical measures.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “à l’outrance” include “to the bitter end,” “to the death,” “to the extreme,” “to the utmost,” “with extreme determination,” and “with reckless abandon.”
Antonyms
Antonyms for “à l’outrance” might include “with caution,” “with restraint,” “with moderation,” “with prudence,” or “with care.”
The same root words
The phrase “à l’outrance” is derived from the French words “outrance” and “outré,” which both mean “excessive” or “extreme.” Other words that share the same root include “outre,” meaning “beyond,” and “outrage,” meaning “an act of extreme violence or cruelty.”
Example Sentences
- The two armies fought à l’outrance, with neither side willing to back down.
- The company pursued its goals à l’outrance, ignoring any concerns about ethics or morality.
- The athlete pushed himself à l’outrance, determined to win the race at any cost.
- The politician engaged in a campaign of smear tactics and character assassination à l’outrance, hoping to discredit his opponent and win the election.
In conclusion, the phrase “à l’outrance” is one that is often used to describe situations of extreme violence or determination. Its origins can be traced back to medieval times, and it has since been adopted by the French military and used more broadly to describe any situation where a conflict is being pursued with extreme intensity or determination. Understanding the meaning of this phrase can help us to better understand the language and culture of France.