la fascine
fascine
Definition & meaning
Fascine has two common grammatical uses:
- A noun: a fascine is a bundle of branches or brushwood, traditionally tied together and used in construction, military engineering, or to reinforce soil and riverbanks.
- A verb form: fascine means “fascinates” or “captivates.” It is a form of fasciner , as in “he/she fascinates” or “I fascinate.”
Grammar & Word origin
As a noun, fascine is feminine: une fascine. Its plural is fascines.
As a verb, fascine is the present-tense form for je (“I”) or il/elle/on (“he/she/one”), and it is also used in the present subjunctive and as the singular imperative.
The noun comes from a Latin word for a bundle of sticks. The verb comes from Latin fascinare, meaning “to bewitch” or “to enchant.” Despite their identical spelling, the noun and verb have distinct origins.
Synonyms & antonyms
For the noun, fagot is a general bundle of sticks; unlike a fascine, it does not necessarily have a construction or engineering use. There is no straightforward antonym.
For the verb, captiver means to hold someone’s attention; charmer suggests pleasing or enchanting them; and ensorceler is stronger and can imply magical enchantment.
Possible opposites include ennuyer (“to bore”), rebuter (“to put off”), and repousser (“to repel”). These describe different ways of failing to attract or engage someone.
Common phrases & collocations
Make “fascine” part of your vocabulary.
Build your French vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Ils attachent des branches pour fabriquer une fascine.noun
They tie branches together to make a fascine.
Cette fascine protège la berge contre les vagues.noun
This fascine protects the bank from the waves.
Nous posons une fascine dans le fossé.noun
We are placing a fascine in the ditch.
Keep exploring French
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad