nouvel

The French word "nouvel" is an adjective meaning "new".

Explanation:

• nouvel is a special form of the adjective "nouveau" (new).
• It is used before masculine singular nouns that begin with a vowel or a mute 'h' for phonetic reasons, to make the phrase easier to pronounce.
• Example:
  • nouveau livre (new book)
  • nouvel ordinateur (new computer)
• Here, "ordinateur" starts with a vowel, so "nouveau" changes to "nouvel".

Parts of the word:

• Root: nouveau, meaning "new"
• Modified as nouvel in front of masculine singular nouns starting with a vowel or mute 'h'

Synonyms:

• neuf (can also mean "new," but used more in the sense of freshly made or new in condition)
• récent (recent)

Antonyms:

• ancien (old, former)
• vieux/vieil/vieille (old, the masculine singular before vowel form being vieil)

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Summary:

• "nouvel" = masculine singular form of "nouveau" used before nouns beginning with vowels.
• Meaning: "new"
• Example: un nouvel ami (= a new friend)