divorce
/di.vɔʁs/masculine
The English phrase "divorce" is divorce in French.
The word refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage. You can use the expression demander le divorce to mean "to ask for a divorce", and the phrase être en instance de divorce describes a couple that is going through the process of getting a divorce.
Meaning: legal dissolution of a marriage (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/di.vɔʁs/. The word has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- Under the Napoleonic Code, divorce was abolished in France for a period under Napoleon I, making it nearly impossible for couples to legally separate.
- The term divorce par consentement mutuel refers to a divorce by mutual consent, which in modern France can often be completed through a notary without a judge.
- In French literature, the concept of 'le divorce' is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a total disconnection between two ideas or a person and their logic.
Examples in context
- Je pense au divorce.I'm contemplating divorce.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are contemplating the divorce.Tatoeba #5649931 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #5649472 by Schierbeck
- Je demande le divorce.I'm filing for divorce.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are filing for the divorce.Tatoeba #10510384 by lbdx, translation #5892541 by OsoHombre
- Dan envisageait un divorce.Dan was considering a divorce.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone was considering a divorce.Tatoeba #3991708 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #3991420 by Amastan
- 80 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are discussing a friend's difficult situation.
- LucasLe divorce de Marc est enfin terminé.Marc's divorce is finally over.
- ManonC'est une bonne nouvelle pour lui.That is good news for him.
- LucasOui, le divorce était très long.Yes, the divorce was very long.
- ManonIl peut enfin recommencer sa vie.He can finally start his life over.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “divorce” translations and entries divorce, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
