nounadjective

l’exemplaire

copy

Objet ou personne qui sert de modèle, ou unité d’un livre, d’un document ou d’un objet produit en plusieurs copies.

Word: exemplaire

Language: French


Meaning and Explanation:

  1. Adjective meaning:

    • Exemplaire as an adjective means exemplary or model, used to describe a behavior, action, or person that serves as a perfect example to be followed.
    • Example: Un comportement exemplaire means "an exemplary behavior."
  2. Noun meaning:

    • As a noun, un exemplaire refers to a copy or issue of something, typically a book, newspaper, magazine, or document. It indicates one individual copy among the multiple produced.
    • Example: J’ai acheté un exemplaire du livre means "I bought a copy of the book."

Parts of the word:

  • The root "exempl-" derives from the Latin exemplum, meaning "example."
  • The suffix "-aire" in French often turns a noun into an adjective or makes nouns fitting a certain category.

Synonyms:

  • Adjective (exemplary):

    • modèle (model)
    • parfait (perfect)
    • admirable (admirable)
  • Noun (copy):

    • copie
    • tirage (print/run, related to editions)
    • numéro (issue or number)

Antonyms:

  • Adjective (exemplary):

    • médiocre (mediocre)
    • mauvais (bad)
    • défectueux (defective)
  • Noun (copy):

    • Not usually applicable for antonyms here since it’s a concrete noun meaning "copy."

Summary:

  • Exemplaire can mean "exemplary" (showing characteristics to be imitated) when used as an adjective.
  • Exemplaire can also mean "a copy/issue" of a printed work when used as a noun.

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Examples

Je veux un exemplaire de ce livre.noun

I want a copy of this book.

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