Voltaire (en. Voltaire)

/vɔl.tɛʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Philosopher and famous author known for his critical spirit.

Voltaire is often quoted for his ideas on freedom of expression.

Voltaire est souvent cité pour ses idées sur la liberté d'expression.

Iconic figure of the Enlightenment movement.

Voltaire's writings significantly influenced the French Revolution.

Les écrits de Voltaire ont largement influencé la Révolution française.

One of the main defenders of religious tolerance.

Voltaire advocated for tolerance in several of his works.

Voltaire a plaidé pour la tolérance dans plusieurs de ses œuvres.

The name 'Voltaire' is a pseudonym of François-Marie Arouet, combining the phonetics of his surname with the name of a lordship he lived in.

Spirit of Voltaire

Reference to the critical thinking and spirit of tolerance advocated by Voltaire.

Esprit de Voltaire

Defender of freedom

Evokes Voltaire's role in promoting freedom of expression.

Défenseur de la liberté

philosophy

Study of fundamental questions concerning existence and knowledge.

philosophie

enlightenment

Intellectual movement of which Voltaire was a major representative, aiming to promote reason.

lumières

Quoting Voltaire to justify an opinion.

He used a 'voltaire' to defend his viewpoint on freedom.

Il a utilisé un 'voltaire' pour défendre son point de vue sur la liberté.

An ironic reference to social criticism.

When he made his joke, it was a real 'voltaire'!

Quand il a fait sa blague, c'était un vrai 'voltaire' !