la ligne

The French word "ligne" translates to "line" in English. It has several meanings depending on the context:

Meaning and Explanation

1. Geometrical or graphical line:
   It refers to a long, narrow mark or band, typically straight and having length but negligible width.

   • Example: "Une ligne droite" = "A straight line."

2. Queue or row:
   It can mean a queue of people or a row of objects arranged in a line.

   • Example: "Faire la ligne à la caisse" = "To stand in line at the checkout."

3. Text line:
   A single row of written or printed words.

   • Example: "Une ligne de texte" = "A line of text."

4. Telephone line or connection
   Refers to a communication line, especially in telecommunications.

   • Example: "La ligne téléphonique est occupée." = "The telephone line is busy."

5. In sports:
   It can designate a position on a field or court, e.g., "ligne de but" (goal line).

6. Family line or heritage:
   Refers to lineage or descent.

   • Example: "Une noble ligne" = "A noble line (family)."

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Parts of the word

• Ligne is a noun (feminine gender in French).
• Pronounced as /liɲ/ (approximate phonetics: lee-nyuh).
• Derived from Latin linea, meaning "linen thread, string," which relates to the idea of a continuous mark or connection.

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Synonyms (depending on meaning)

• Line (graphical element): trait, bande, ligne droite
• Queue/row: file
• Text line: rangée, vers (in poetry)
• Telephone line: circuit, liaison

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Antonyms

• Depending on the context, there may not be direct antonyms.
• For "line," an indirect antonym could be "space" or "gap" indicating absence of a line.
• For "queue," antonym could be "dispersal" or "break."

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Summary

The word ligne is very versatile and used in everyday French with various senses linked by the concept of something extending lengthwise or a sequence.