professeur émérite
The English phrase professor emeritus is professeur émérite in French.
The title professeur émérite is used to address both male and female professors.
What does it mean word for word?
The word émérite is a direct cognate of the English word emeritus, derived from Latin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is professeur émérite and the feminine form is professeure émérite. The plural form is professeurs émérites.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of émérite originally referred to a soldier who had completed his term of service, meaning 'having served out one's time'.
- In France, the title professeur émérite is not automatic upon retirement but is a prestigious distinction granted by the university to a small number of elite researchers.
- In France, the distinction between a professeur des écoles and a professeur émérite is massive, as the former refers to primary school teachers and the latter to high-ranking academics.
Examples in context
- Le professeur émérite Jean Dupont est un érudit renommé.Professor Emeritus Jean Dupont is a renowned scholar.
- Il est professeur émérite à l'université.He is professor emeritus at the university.
- Mon mentor est un professeur émérite respecté.My mentor is a respected professor emeritus.
- Nous avons invité le professeur émérite pour la conférence.We invited the professor emeritus for the lecture.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are discussing a guest speaker at their college.
- LucasConnais-tu le nouveau conférencier ?Do you know the new speaker?
- ManonOui, c'est un professeur émérite très célèbre.Yes, he is a very famous professor emeritus.
- LucasIl a enseigné pendant trente ans ?Did he teach for thirty years?
- ManonExactement, il est maintenant professeur émérite.Exactly, he is now professor emeritus.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries professeur, émérite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
