L'écart (en. The gap)

/lekɑʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Distance or difference between two things.
There is a gap of several meters between the two buildings.
Il y a un écart de plusieurs mètres entre les deux bâtiments.
Deviation from a norm or standard.
This deviation from the average is significant.
Cet écart par rapport à la moyenne est significatif.
Variation or deviation in a process.
The gap in production was 10% compared to forecasts.
L'écart sur la production était de 10% par rapport aux prévisions.

Etymology

From the Old French 'escart' derived from the Latin 'excardus'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to take some distance
Increasing the distance between oneself and something.
prendre de l'écart
to make a gap
To make a notable difference.
faire l'écart
standard deviation
Measure of the dispersion of a data set.
écart-type

Related Words

to distance
To put something or someone at a distance.
écarter
spacing
Action of distancing, distance between objects.
écartement
distanced
That which is distant or set aside.
écarté

Slang Meanings

To have a lapse in behavior.
He had a lapse in behavior during the evening.
Il a eu un écart de conduite pendant la soirée.
To be on the sidelines.
He prefers to stay away from the drama.
Il préfère être à l'écart du drame.