nounadjectiveverb
la sèche
dry
Qui n’a pas d’eau ou d’humidité ; qui n’est pas mouillé.
Definition & meaning
Sèche is the feminine form of the adjective sec (dry). It has several meanings depending on the context:
- Lacking moisture: Describing something that is not wet or humid. For example, une terre sèche (dry earth).
- Sharp, curt, or blunt: Referring to a tone of voice or a manner of speaking that is cold, lacking emotion, or abrupt. For example, une réponse sèche (a sharp/curt answer).
- Thin or lean: Describing a person who is very thin, often with little body fat and prominent muscles or bones. For example, un corps sec (a lean body).
- Without additives: Used to describe things like drinks (e.g., vin sec - dry wine, meaning low in sugar) or snacks (e.g., fruits secs - dried fruits/nuts).
- Cuttlefish: As a noun, la seiche (note the different spelling: "ei") refers to the marine animal, though in some contexts, the adjective can be confused with the noun due to pronunciation.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: Sèche is the feminine singular adjective of sec . It is used to agree with feminine nouns.
- Word origin: It derives from the Latin word siccus, which means "dry."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
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Examples
La serviette est sèche.adjective
The towel is dry.
Le linge sèche au soleil.adjective
The laundry dries in the sun.
Après plusieurs jours sans pluie, la terre est très sèche.adjective
After several days without rain, the ground is very dry.
Les feuilles sont sèches à la fin de l’automne.adjective
The leaves are dry at the end of autumn.
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