Couvents (en. Convents)

/kʊ.vɑ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Building used by religious communities for prayer and communal life.

Convents are often places of retreat for the religious.

Les couvents sont souvent des lieux de retraite pour les religieux.

Residence of monks, usually in a peaceful setting.

She decided to spend a weekend in a convent to recharge.

Elle a décidé de passer un week-end dans un couvent pour se ressourcer.

Religious house, for men or women, living according to specific rules.

The convent of this order is located in the mountains.

Le couvent de cet ordre est situé en pleine montagne.

From the Latin 'conventus', meaning assembly, meeting.

to take the convent

Modifying one's lifestyle for a more austere existence.

prendre le couvent

to live in a convent

Leading a life of retreat and meditation.

vivre en couvent

to leave the convent

Resuming a secular life after having been religious.

sortir du couvent

monk

Religious member of a monastic community.

moine

religious

Person dedicated to God within a religious community.

religieux

community

Group of people sharing common values and beliefs.

communauté

To live in a very austere or isolated manner.

He decided to 'conventize' himself and focus on himself.

Il a décidé de se couventiser et de se concentrer sur lui-même.

To fall into a monotonous routine.

These days, I feel like I’m in a convent, always the same thing.

Ces jours-ci, je me sens comme dans un couvent, toujours la même chose.