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nounadjective

le mat

matte

C'est une surface ou une couleur qui ne brille pas et qui ne réfléchit pas la lumière.

Definition & meaning

The word mat has two primary meanings in French:

  1. Dull or matte: Refers to a surface or color that does not shine or reflect light. It is often used to describe paint, skin, or a finish that is not glossy.
  2. Dark-skinned or swarthy: Refers to a complexion that is brown or tan. It implies a healthy, sun-kissed, or naturally dark skin tone.

In the context of chess, mat (short for échec et mat) refers to a "checkmate," the state in which a king is under direct attack and there is no legal move to escape.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: It is an adjective. When describing a feminine noun, it becomes mate.
  • Word origin:
    • For the sense of "dull," it comes from the Old French mat, originating from the Latin mattus (meaning "depressed" or "weakened").
    • For the sense of "checkmate," it originates from the Persian shāh māt, meaning "the king is helpless" or "the king is defeated."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • For the sense of "dull": terne mat, non brillant mat, sans éclat mat.
  • For the sense of "dark-skinned": bruni mat, basané mat.

Antonyms:

  • For the sense of "dull": brillant mat, luisant mat.
  • For the sense of "dark-skinned": pâle mat, clair mat.

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Examples

Le tissu mat de la robe donne un style élégant.adjective

The matte fabric of the dress gives an elegant style.

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