Dénoûment (en. Denouement)

/de.nu.mɑ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

The final phase of a play or narrative, where conflicts are resolved.

The denouement of the story surprised everyone.

Le dénoûment de l'histoire a surpris tout le monde.

The outcome, the conclusion of an event.

The denouement of this legal case was long and complicated.

Le dénoûment de cette affaire judiciaire a été long et compliqué.

Moment when narrative tension decreases to give way to resolution.

The denouement of this film is particularly moving.

Le dénoûment de ce film est particulièrement émouvant.

Origin of the word 'denouement' coming from the verb 'denouer', meaning to undo a knot.

happy denouement

A positive or satisfying ending.

dénoûment heureux

the denouement is taking shape

The result or conclusion is starting to appear.

le dénoûment se profile

to know the denouement

To know the conclusion or outcome of a story.

savoir le dénoûment

intrigue

The set of events that make up a narrative work.

intrigue

conflict

Opposition between characters or forces.

conflit

to untie

To undo a knot, to resolve a complex situation.

dénouer

Unexpected ending

This series has a denouement that totally shocked me.

Cette série a un dénoûment qui m'a totalement choqué.

Quick resolution

This event ended in a last-minute denouement.

Cet événement s'est terminé dans un dénoûment de dernière minute.