adultère
/a.dyl.tɛʁ/masculine
The English word "adultery" is translated into French as adultère.
adultère refers specifically to sexual intercourse by a married person with someone other than their spouse. It is a term used in legal and academic contexts.
Meaning: sexual intercourse by a married person with someone other than their spouse (noun)
Which one should you use?
While adultère is the specific term for the act of adultery, other French terms can be used to convey related concepts. infidélité is a formal term encompassing the concept of unfaithfulness, and tromperie is a formal term that conveys deception or betrayal, often used to describe adultery.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word adultère is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.dyl.tɛʁ/. The word has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word adultère shares its Latin ancestor with the English word 'adulterate', which means to make something impure or debased.
- While adultère was once a criminal offense in France, it was officially decriminalized in 1975.
- In certain high-society French contexts, the concept of an affair is sometimes euphemistically referred to as 'une aventure'.
Examples in context
- L'adultère était un motif de divorce.Adultery was a ground for divorce.This sentence shows how adultère can be a legal ground for divorce.Tatoeba #11575816 by lbdx, translation #3581702 by vvv123
- Selon nombre de religions, l'adultère est un crime.According to many religions, adultery is a crime.This sentence shows how adultère is viewed in the context of religion and crime.Tatoeba #3578668 by Rovo, translation #402587 by Grayster
- Dans beaucoup de religions, l'adultère est un péché.In many religions adultery is a sin.This sentence shows how adultère is viewed in the context of religion and sin.Tatoeba #3578673 by Rovo, translation #11915042 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- L'adultère est considéré comme une infraction en FranceAdultery is considered an offense in France
- La tromperie conjugale est un sujet délicatMarital infidelity is a delicate subject
- Son mari a commis une infidélitéHer husband committed infidelity
- Il est allé voir ailleurs pendant leur mariageHe went elsewhere during their marriage
- Elle a eu une liaison avec son collègue de travailShe had an affair with her coworker
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing a plot twist in a drama series.
- NathanC'est terrible, il a commis un adultère.It's terrible, he committed adultery.
- ManonOui, Manon ne peut pas lui pardonner ça.Yes, Manon cannot forgive him for that.
- NathanL'adultère a brisé leur mariage.Adultery broke their marriage.
- ManonC'est une fin très triste pour eux.It is a very sad ending for them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “adultery” translations and entries adultère, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adultère, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
