Fantôme (en. Ghost)

/fɑ̃.tɔm/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Spiritual apparition of a deceased human being.

Ghost stories often strike fear in those who hear them.

Les histoires de fantômes frappent souvent la peur chez ceux qui les entendent.

Something that exists without real substance or presence.

This project is a ghost, there is no solid foundation behind it.

Ce projet est un fantôme, il n’y a aucune base solide derrière.

A person who lives in the shadows without being noticed.

He became a ghost in this company, working without ever being recognized.

Il est devenu un fantôme dans cette entreprise, travaillant sans être jamais reconnu.

From Middle French 'fantosme', itself derived from Latin 'fantasma'.

To see a ghost

To have the impression of seeing an apparition or a spirit.

voir un fantôme

To be a ghost

To be very discreet or invisible in a situation.

être un fantôme

To hunt ghosts

To confront one’s fears or past.

chasser les fantômes

Spectre

Apparition of a dead being, often perceived as threatening.

spectre

Fantasy

State of imagination, often related to unreal visions.

fantaisie

Illusion

Misleading perception of reality.

illusion

A mysterious or elusive individual.

He became a ghost in this bar, no one knows when he appears.

Il est devenu un fantôme dans ce bar, personne ne sait quand il apparaît.

Someone who disappears without a trace.

After the party, she left like a ghost, without anyone seeing her.

Après la fête, elle est partie comme un fantôme, sans que personne ne la voie.