cénotaphe
/se.nɔ.taf/masculine
The English word cenotaph is translated into French as cénotaphe.
A cénotaphe refers to a monument built to honor individuals whose remains are buried elsewhere.
Meaning: monument to honor the dead whose bodies lie elsewhere (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine, so it is used with the masculine article le to say "the cenotaph" (le cénotaphe).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /se.nɔ.taf/.
Did you know?
- In French architecture and art history, a cénotaphe is often distinguished from a mausolée because the latter must contain a body to be technically correct.
- While cénotaphe is the technical term, French people often refer to the Arc de Triomphe as a tombe du Soldat inconnu, treating the cenotaph as a collective grave for an unknown soldier.
- Although it is a monument for the dead, a cénotaphe is technically an 'empty tomb', as the word is built from the Greek roots 'kenos' for 'empty' and 'taphes' for 'tomb'.
Examples in context
- Ce cénotaphe est très imposant.This cenotaph is very imposing.
- On a installé un cénotaphe au parc.A cenotaph was installed in the park.
- Le cénotaphe rend hommage aux soldats disparus.The cenotaph honors the missing soldiers.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are walking through a historical memorial garden.
- ChloéRegarde ce magnifique cénotaphe, Gabriel.Look at this magnificent cenotaph, Gabriel.
- GabrielIl est vraiment impressionnant.It is truly impressive.
- ChloéIl porte les noms de ceux qui ne sont jamais revenus.It bears the names of those who never returned.
- GabrielC'est un hommage très émouvant.It is a very moving tribute.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cenotaph” translations and entries cénotaphe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cénotaphe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
