Meaning of "baisemains" in English

"Baisemains" refers to the traditional gesture of greeting or showing respect in which a person bows slightly and pretends to kiss the back of someone's hand. This custom is primarily seen in European cultures and is often associated with a sense of chivalry or formality. It was historically used to show deference or admiration, especially towards women in high society or royalty. Though less common today, it still maintains a romanticized connotation and is occasionally seen in formal settings or ceremonies.

Meaning of "baisemains" in French

In French, the word "baisemains" holds a similar meaning, indicating the act of kissing the hand as a sign of respect or courtesy. This gesture is ingrained in French cultural etiquette and is a symbol of politeness, often seen in historical contexts. The practice emphasizes elegance and refinement and can also represent affection or admiration. Within France, it is considered an old-fashioned custom but retains its connotation as a sophisticated and courteous gesture in certain formal or traditional circles.

Pronunciation of "baisemains" in English

Phonetic Transcription: [beɪs'mæz]

Pronunciation Variations: In English, the pronunciation does not notably change across different regions. It remains mostly consistent among English speakers, maintaining the French influence in its pronunciation.

Pronunciation of "baisemains" in French

Phonetic Transcription: [bɛzmɛ̃]

Pronunciation Variations: In French dialects, the pronunciation of "baisemains" remains fairly uniform, though slight regional accents might provide subtle tonal variations, especially in vowel sounds.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The gentleman performed a baisemains to greet the lady. (Le gentleman effectua un baisemains pour saluer la dame.)
  2. At the royal ball, a baisemains was considered an expected courtesy. (Lors du bal royal, un baisemains était considéré comme une courtoisie attendue.)
  3. She found the baisemains charming and respectful. (Elle trouva le baisemains charmant et respectueux.)
  4. He learned the art of baisemains while studying European culture. (Il apprit l'art du baisemains en étudiant la culture européenne.)
  5. Her grandmother always spoke fondly of the baisemains gesture. (Sa grand-mère parlait toujours affectueusement du geste de baisemains.)
  6. The ambassador used a baisemains to impress his host. (L'ambassadeur utilisa un baisemains pour impressionner son hôte.)
  7. During the ceremony, a baisemains was required as a mark of honor. (Pendant la cérémonie, un baisemains était requis comme marque d'honneur.)
  8. He incorporated the baisemains out of respect for tradition. (Il incorpora le baisemains par respect pour la tradition.)
  9. The baisemains added an air of elegance to their interaction. (Le baisemains ajouta une touche d'élégance à leur interaction.)
  10. She was surprised by the baisemains, finding it both quaint and endearing. (Elle fut surprise par le baisemains, le trouvant à la fois désuet et charmant.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "baisemains" in English

Synonyms: hand-kiss, greeting, salute, bow, homage

Antonyms: disrespect, affront, snub, ignore, overlook

Similar Words: gesture, courtesy, salute, politeness, formality

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "baisemains" in French

Synonyms: salutation, révérence, hommage, courtoisie, politesse

Antonyms: manque de respect, affront, négligence, ignorance, mépris

Similar Words: geste, civilité, cérémonie, élégance, raffinement

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