noun

le dossier

folder · file

Ensemble de documents ou de fichiers regroupés sur un même sujet ou pour une même personne.

Word: dossier

Language: French


Meaning:

  1. File / Record
    In French, "dossier" primarily refers to a file, record, or case file containing documents or information about a particular subject, person, or case. It is often used in administrative, legal, or professional contexts.

  2. Backrest (of a chair)
    Less commonly, "dossier" can also mean the backrest of a chair.


Parts:

  • The word "dossier" comes from the verb "doser" (to dose or to measure), but historically it likely derives from an old practice of bundling together bundles of documents.
  • "Dos" in French means "back," which relates to the second meaning (backrest).

Synonyms:

  • For file/record:

    • "cliquer" (in some contexts, to click, used metaphorically in digital files)
    • "registre" (register)
    • "archive"
    • "carnet" (notebook, less formal)
  • For backrest:

    • "appui-dos" (backrest, less common)

Antonyms:

  • There is no direct antonym for "dossier" as file/record, but contrast could be the absence of documentation or an empty file.

  • For "backrest," an antonym could be the seat of a chair or the absence of a backrest.


Summary:

  • Dossier primarily means a collection of documents or a case file related to a particular topic.
  • It can also refer to the backrest of a chair.
  • Commonly used in administrative, legal, and office environments.

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Examples

Le dossier est posé sur la table.noun

The folder is placed on the table.

Maria range le dossier dans le sac.noun

Maria puts the file in the bag.

Les dossiers ont disparu du bureau hier soir.noun

The files disappeared from the office last night.

J’ai lu ce dossier très important.noun

I read this very important file.

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