dérive des continents
/de.ʁiv de kɔ̃.ti.nɑ̃/feminine
The English phrase "continental drift" is translated into French as dérive des continents.
Meaning: continental drift (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of dérive (drift), des (of the) and continents (continents).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun dérive is feminine, so it is preceded by the feminine article la to form la dérive des continents. In a scientific context, the phrase is almost always used with this definite article.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.ʁiv de kɔ̃.ti.nɑ̃/
Did you know?
- In French, the word continent comes from the Latin 'continere', meaning 'to hold together'. This creates a linguistic irony since la dérive des continents describes them breaking apart.
- While dérive means 'drift', it can also describe a 'downward spiral' or a 'slippery slope' in a political or social context, such as la dérive autoritaire.
- The phrase is a direct linguistic copy, or 'calque', of the German term Kontinentalverschiebung, rather than being an original French invention.
Examples in context
- Les géologues étudient le déplacement des continents au fil des millions d'années.Geologists study the movement of continents over millions of years.
- La dérive des continents est un phénomène géologique majeur qui a façonné notre planète.Continental drift is a major geological phenomenon that has shaped our planet.
- As-tu déjà entendu parler de la dérive continentale ? C'est fascinant !Have you ever heard of continental drift? It's fascinating!
- La dérive des continents explique la géologie.Continental drift explains geology.
- On étudie la dérive des continents à l'école.We study continental drift at school.
- L'hypothèse de la dérive des continents est célèbre.The hypothesis of continental drift is famous.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their science homework in a library.
- GabrielTu as fini le cours sur la dérive des continents ?Did you finish the lesson on continental drift?
- LéaPas encore, Gabriel, c'est assez difficile.Not yet, Gabriel, it is quite difficult.
- GabrielJe peux t'aider avec tes notes.I can help you with your notes.
- LéaMerci beaucoup, c'est très gentil.Thank you very much, that is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “continental drift” translations and entries dérive des continents, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries des, dérive des continents, CC BY-SA 4.0.
