Meaning of "taboo" in English

A "taboo" is a social or cultural prohibition against discussing or engaging in certain behaviors, dictated by societal norms or customs. These prohibitions can stem from religious beliefs, cultural practices, or social etiquette, and are often considered off-limits or inappropriate to mention in polite conversation. Taboos can vary greatly between different cultures or communities, reflecting deeply held values and beliefs. They often serve to preserve the moral or ethical integrity of a society by delineating acceptable behavior.

Meaning of "tabou" in French

In French, "tabou" refers to a similar concept as in English—a prohibition against certain actions or discussions that are considered socially unacceptable or forbidden within a particular culture. The origins of these taboos can be religious, cultural, or social, and they function to maintain social order and uphold cultural norms. Just like in English-speaking contexts, taboos in French-speaking societies may differ widely, reflecting specific community values and beliefs.

Pronunciation of "taboo" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /təˈbuː/

Pronunciation Variations: The word "taboo" is generally pronounced the same across various English dialects. However, subtle differences in stress and vowel length might occur between American and British English speakers, with British English sometimes using a slightly shorter vowel sound.

Pronunciation of "tabou" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ta.bu/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "tabou" is quite consistent across different French-speaking regions. However, variations may be present in accent emphasis, particularly in regions like Quebec or Belgium, but these typically do not affect the overall sound of the word.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. Discussing politics at the dinner table can be a taboo in many families.
    (Discuter de politique à table peut être un tabou dans de nombreuses familles.)

  2. In certain cultures, speaking about death is considered taboo.
    (Dans certaines cultures, parler de la mort est considéré comme tabou.)

  3. Eating certain foods might be taboo in different religious practices.
    (Manger certains aliments peut être tabou dans différentes pratiques religieuses.)

  4. It was once taboo to talk openly about mental health issues.
    (Autrefois, il était tabou de parler ouvertement des problèmes de santé mentale.)

  5. Wearing certain clothing can be a taboo in conservative societies.
    (Porter certains vêtements peut être un tabou dans les sociétés conservatrices.)

  6. Many workplaces treat salary discussions as a taboo subject.
    (De nombreux lieux de travail considèrent les discussions salariales comme un sujet tabou.)

  7. Historically, it was taboo for women to work outside the home.
    (Historiquement, il était tabou pour les femmes de travailler à l'extérieur de la maison.)

  8. The subject of divorce remains a taboo in traditional communities.
    (Le sujet du divorce reste un tabou dans les communautés traditionnelles.)

  9. In some regions, discussing one's income is a cultural taboo.
    (Dans certaines régions, discuter de ses revenus est un tabou culturel.)

  10. Films often explore taboo topics to challenge societal norms.
    (Les films explorent souvent des sujets tabous pour défier les normes sociétales.)

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

Synonyms: prohibition, restriction, ban, no-go, proscription, interdiction, constraint, limitation, embargo, veto.

Antonyms: allowance, permission, consent, freedom, liberty, approval, sanction, endorsement, license, acceptance.

Similar Words: forbidden, off-limits, untouchable, outlawed, proscribed, unacceptable, disallowed, inadmissible, unauthorized, impermissible.

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

Synonyms: interdiction, prohibition, défense, restriction, veto, proscription, bannissement, embargo, limitation, contrainte.

Antonyms: autorisation, permission, consentement, approbation, liberté, licence, aval, feu vert, acceptation, permission.

Similar Words: interdit, prohibé, banni, proscrit, inacceptable, intouchable, non-autorisé, inadmissible, disallowed, illégal.

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