Abbaye (en. Abbey)

[a.bɛ.j]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Building and lands where a monastic community is located, led by an abbot or abbess.

The Fontenay Abbey is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

L'abbaye de Fontenay est classée au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO.

The religious community itself that follows the rule of the order to which it belongs.

The monks of this abbey lead a life of prayer and work.

Les moines de cette abbaye mènent une vie de prière et de travail.

Place generally situated in a rural environment, often of great beauty and tranquility.

We visited a peaceful abbey surrounded by lush fields.

Nous avons visité une abbaye tranquille entourée de champs verdoyants.

Comes from the Latin 'abbatia', derived from abbā (abbot).

village abbey

An abbey located in a small locality, often with a close connection to the community.

abbaye de village

ruined abbey

An abbey that has suffered damage and is no longer in use, often a historical site.

abbaye en ruine

abbey tourism

Visiting abbeys for culture, history, and a spiritual setting.

tourisme d'abbaye

abbot

Person having authority over an abbey.

abbé

monastic

Related to life in a monastery or to the religious community.

monastique

Benedictine

Monk who is a member of the Order of Saint Benedict, often associated with abbeys.

bénédictin

Used to refer to a place of rest.

I'm going to find myself a quiet spot, like an abbey, to meditate.

Je vais me trouver un coin tranquille, comme une abbaye, pour méditer.