Meaning of "calends" in English

"Calends" in English refers to the first day of the month in the ancient Roman calendar. This term originates from the Latin word "Kalendae," which denotes the start of the month when debts were traditionally due. In a broader sense, the term serves as an archaic reference relating to the beginning of a month or a specific time period in a historical context. In English literature, it is often utilized to evoke an antiquarian or classical feel.

Meaning of "calendes" in French

In French, "calendes" holds a similar meaning to its English counterpart, denoting the first day of the month in the ancient Roman calendar. The term "calendes" shares its etymological roots with the Latin "Kalendae." While it primarily pertains to historical contexts, in contemporary usage, the word is often used metaphorically in the phrase "renvoyer aux calendes grecques," meaning to postpone indefinitely or "till the Greek calends," highlighting the impossibility of occurrence.

Pronunciation of "calends" in English

Phonetic Transcription: [ˈka-ləndz]

Pronunciation Variations: In English, "calends" is generally pronounced uniformly across different dialects. However, slight variations might occur in emphasis, with some speakers putting more stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation remains largely consistent due to its specific classical origin.

Pronunciation of "calendes" in French

Phonetic Transcription: [ka.lɑ̃d]

Pronunciation Variations: In French, "calendes" is typically pronounced in a standardized manner across various regions. However, slight variations may occur due to regional accents, affecting the nasalized vowel sound. Despite these minor differences, the pronunciation tends to remain uniform across France.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. Historians studied the Roman calends for insights into ancient customs. - Les historiens ont étudié les calendes romaines pour approfondir les coutumes anciennes.
  2. The payment was due on the calends of March. - Le paiement était dû aux calendes de mars.
  3. Festivals were often celebrated on the calends of each month. - Les festivals étaient souvent célébrés aux calendes de chaque mois.
  4. The calends marked a time of preparation for ancient Romans. - Les calendes marquaient une période de préparation pour les anciens Romains.
  5. The Roman calendar began with the calends. - Le calendrier romain commençait avec les calendes.
  6. The concept of calends is rooted in Roman traditions. - Le concept des calendes est enraciné dans les traditions romaines.
  7. On the calends, accounts were settled. - Aux calendes, les comptes étaient réglés.
  8. The calends are rarely mentioned outside historical texts. - Les calendes sont rarement mentionnées en dehors des textes historiques.
  9. Scholars debated the significance of the calends in Roman culture. - Les érudits débattaient de la signification des calendes dans la culture romaine.
  10. The ancient Romans waited for the calends to initiate rituals. - Les anciens Romains attendaient les calendes pour initier des rituels.

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

Synonyms: -

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: first, beginning, start, commencement, inception, outset, origin, introduction, opening, initiation

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

Synonyms: commencement, début, origine, ouverture, prémices, départ, lancement, introduction, naissance, initiales

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: début, commencement, départ, origine, ouverture, inauguration, lancement, première, initiales, point de départ

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