/sœl/
Translation
alone, only, single
Word origin
From Latin solus ('alone, only, single').
- Origin
- Latin
- Root
- solus
- English cognates
- sole, solo, solitary
Grammar
Examples
' .
He prefers working alone rather than in a team on this project.
C' ' .
It's the only solution we have found so far.
, .
She has been living alone since her divorce, but she is happy.
.
A single word from you would be enough to change everything.
.
The little boy crosses the street all alone like a big kid.
fonctionne comme adjectif attribut (il est seul), adjectif épithète antéposé (le seul problème) et adverbe (parler seul - to talk to oneself). Avant le nom, seul a une valeur restrictive : la seule solution (the only solution). Après le nom ou le verbe être, il exprime la solitude physique.
Tout seul (all alone, by oneself) renforce seul. Se sentir seul (to feel lonely) est différent d'être seul (to be alone) - la solitude intérieure vs l'état objectif. Seul à seul (face to face, just the two of us) désigne un entretien privé. Non seulement... mais aussi (not only... but also) est un connecteur d'intensification.
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
(16)Pas la même chose
2 min read · Core 1000
Seule dans la nuit
2 min read · Core 1000
Le jour du travail
3 min read · Core 1000
Clara trouve sa place
4 min read · Core 1000
Il ne reste que ça
4 min read · Core 5000
Un message pour Hélène
4 min read · Core 1000
Dubois fait tout refaire
5 min read · Core 5000
Elle commence à comprendre
5 min read · Core 5000
En rentrant chez elle
5 min read · Core 5000
L'homme dont elle parle
5 min read · Core 5000
Le détective
5 min read · Core 5000
La seule qui puisse
5 min read · Core 5000
Pas devant les clients
5 min read · Core 1000
Qu'il vienne ou non
5 min read · Core 5000
Si j'avais su
5 min read · Core 5000
Une décision a été prise
5 min read · Core 5000
Grammar articles
(6)French Adjective Position: Default, BAGS, and the Meaning Shifts
French Advanced Grammar (C1-C2): The Constructions That Sound Native
French Adjectives and Nouns with à or de
The French Subjunctive After Superlatives and Exclusives
The French Subjunctive in Relative Clauses
Subjunctive or Indicative: How to Choose in French
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seul: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the French word "seul" (alone, only, single): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 3.