la constellation

Definition & meaning

Constellation is a feminine French noun meaning:

1. Astronomy: a named region of the sky, traditionally associated with a recognizable pattern of stars. In modern astronomy, constellations are formally defined areas of the celestial sphere, not just star patterns.
2. Figurative: a group or collection of people, things, or qualities considered together, often because they form a notable or striking grouping. For example, a group of celebrated artists might be called a constellation.

Grammar & Word origin

• Gender: feminine — une constellation
• Plural: constellations
• Pronunciation: /kɔ̃.stɛ.la.sjɔ̃/
• The word comes from Latin constellatio, related to stella, meaning “star.”

Synonyms & antonyms

There is no exact antonym.

• astérisme ↗ refers specifically to a recognizable pattern of stars. Unlike constellation, it is not necessarily one of the officially defined regions of the sky.
• groupe d’étoiles ↗ means “group of stars” and is a more literal, general description.
• ensemble ↗ means “set” or “collection” and can work in figurative contexts, but does not carry the distinctive or star-related associations of constellation.

Common phrases & collocations

• une constellation d’étoiles ↗ — a constellation or group of stars
• une constellation de talents ↗ — a remarkable group of talented people
• une constellation du zodiaque ↗ — a constellation associated with the zodiac, such as Taurus or Leo