Know Your English (May 2001)

Know your English

How do you pronounce ``joie de vivre''? What is its meaning?

The ``j'' is pronounced like the ``s'' in ``pleasure'', ``measure'', and ``treasure''. The next sound is like the ``w'' in ``wet'', ``web'', and ``wed''. The final sound in ``joie'' is like the ``a'' in ``path'', ``bath'' and ``ask'' - the way these words are pronounced in British English. The ``e'' in the second word ``de'' sounds like the ``a'' in ``China''. The ``i'' in ``vivre'' is like the ``ee'' in ``meet'', ``see'', and ``bee''. The final ``e'' is once again like the ``a'' in ``China''. The main stress is on the first syllable of ``vivre''. And what does the word mean? It is a French expression which means ``joy of living''. Here are a few examples.
* For a woman who is nearly 90, she is full of joie de vivre.
* The students were filled with joie de vivre.
* Sonya's joie de vivre was the envy of many of her colleagues.

Source:
The Hindu daily, Tuesday, May 08, 2001

0 comments:

Cyclo-Cross

Performed on short courses featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills, and obstacles, cyclo-cross is a form of bicycle racing that requires riders to dismount, carry their bikes while maneuvering around obstructions, and remount without losing speed. Some trace the origins of the sport to the early 1900s, when European road racers would race to the next town by cutting through fields, over fences, and taking various other shortcuts. Why did the sport gain popularity in 1910? More... Discuss

Article of the Day provided by The Free Dictionary

This Day in History

Algerian Leader Muhammad Boudiaf Assassinated (1992)

Boudiaf was an Algerian political leader and a founder of the National Liberation Front, which directed the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) against France. Boudiaf was captured in 1956 and imprisoned. He was freed after Algeria gained independence, but his opposition to the new regime led to a 27-year exile. In 1992, he was invited back to head the government and deal with rising religious influence in politics. Months later, he was assassinated by a bodyguard while doing what? More... Discuss

This Day in History provided by The Free Dictionary

Today's Birthday

Giacomo Leopardi (1798)

Leopardi was an Italian poet and scholar who suffered throughout his life from chronic physical ailments and dashed hopes. Despite these challenges, he was devoted to philosophy and the classics from early childhood and became one of the most formidable linguists and writers of his time. His pessimistic poetry is admired for its brilliance, intensity, and musicality. He is considered among the great Italian poets of the 19th century. What are some of his most famous works? More... Discuss

Today's Birthday provided by The Free Dictionary

In the News

In the News provided by The Free Dictionary

Quote of the Day