sommet
/sɔ.mɛ/masculine
The English word "vertex" is translated into French as sommet.
The term sommet is used to refer to the corner of a polygon or polyhedron in a geometric context. It is also used to describe the vertex of a parabola.
Meaning: corner of a polygon or polyhedron (noun)
Which one should you use?
While used for geometric vertices, sommet is also the same word used in French to mean the summit or peak of a mountain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of sommet is sommets.
How do you pronounce it?
sommet is pronounced /sɔ.mɛ/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In a political context, the word sommet is used to describe a 'summit' meeting between heads of state, treating the high-level gathering as the peak of diplomatic efforts.
- While sommet is used for mathematical vertices, French speakers use the word coin for the corner of a table or a room.
- The word sommet is a diminutive of the Old French word som, which meant the 'highest part'.
Examples in context
- Chaque bord part de ce sommet.Every edge begins at that vertex.This sentence demonstrates how an edge originates from the sommet.Tatoeba #9184735 by Micsmithel, translation #9139537 by AlanF_US
- Là où il y a un sommet, il doit y avoir un bord.Where there's a vertex, there must be an edge.This sentence shows the relationship between a sommet and an edge.Tatoeba #9184745 by Micsmithel, translation #9076832 by AlanF_US
- le sommet d'une paraboleThe vertex of a parabolaThis sentence illustrates the use of sommet when referring to the vertex of a parabola.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are studying geometry together.
- NathanPeux-tu me montrer le sommet de ce triangle ?Can you show me the vertex of this triangle?
- ChloéC'est celui qui est tout en haut.It is the one at the very top.
- NathanD'accord, je vois ce sommet maintenant.Okay, I see that vertex now.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu as compris l'exercice ?Did you understand the exercise?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vertex” translations and entries sommet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sommet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
