le culte
service · cult
Definition & meaning
Culte is both a masculine noun and an adjective.
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As a noun, un culte means worship, especially religious worship or the set of practices associated with a religion.
- Le culte catholique — Catholic worship
- Un lieu de culte — a place of worship
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It can also mean a cult, referring to a religious or quasi-religious group centered around a leader or doctrine. This sense can be neutral or negative depending on context.
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In expressions such as un film culte, it means cult, describing a film, book, song, or other work with a particularly devoted and enduring following.
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As an adjective, culte means cult, iconic, or highly revered. It is often used for something regarded as exceptionally influential or beloved.
Grammar & Word origin
- Noun: masculine — un culte, des cultes
- Adjective: the same form is used for masculine and feminine — un film culte, une série culte
- Pronunciation: approximately /kylt/
In modern French, the word is not normally divided into meaningful parts. It comes from the Latin cultus, meaning “worship” or “reverence,” derived from colere, “to cultivate” or “to worship.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
The appropriate synonym depends on the meaning:
- adoration — intense love or devotion; more emotional and personal than culte.
- vénération — deep respect or reverence, often toward a person or sacred figure.
- religion — a broader system of beliefs and practices; culte more specifically emphasizes worship or religious observance.
- secte — a group organized around particular beliefs or a leader; unlike culte, it usually emphasizes the group rather than the worship itself and often has a negative connotation.
- mythique and iconique — possible synonyms for the adjective culte when describing something famous, influential, or admired; they do not necessarily imply a devoted fan community.
Antonyms
- profane — non-religious or outside the sacred sphere; an antonym of culte in its religious sense.
- indifférence — lack of interest or devotion; an antonym when culte refers to strong admiration or following.
- mépris — contempt or scorn, contrasting with the respect implied by culte.
Common phrases & collocations
- un lieu de culte — a place of worship
- le culte religieux — religious worship
- le culte de la personnalité — a personality cult
- un film culte — a cult film
- une série culte — a cult TV series
- devenir culte — to become iconic or acquire cult status
- un objet culte — a highly iconic or sought-after object
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Examples
Chaque dimanche, beaucoup de gens assistent au culte dans cette église.noun
Every Sunday, many people attend the service in this church.
Dans ce village, plusieurs cultes coexistaient pendant de nombreuses années.noun
In this village, several cults coexisted for many years.
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