Words of French origin

(Many words from French are used in English)

facade (s) (noun), facades (pl)
1. The imposing front of a building, typically facing important or busy streets: The facade of the hotel was getting a facelift, to refresh the exterior.
2. A false or deceptive appearance or behavior: The facade of the spy was decorative and pretty, disguising a keen intelligence and observational skills.
fanfare (s) (noun), fanfares (pl)
A very brassy, loud, and showy piece of music to announce or introduce someone or an event: Jonathan wrote different fanfares for each of the new plays that the theater was producing during the summer season.
fete (s) (noun), fetes (pl)
A party, often held outside, to celebrate an important occasion or to honour an individual: Lady Monde attended several fetes during the summer, especially during the harvest season.
fete (verb), fetes; feted; feting
To entertain or to please others with a gathering: The hockey team was feted at the town arena after winning the tournament.
flamboyant (s) (noun), flamboyants (pl)
A flowering bush or tree native to Madagascar: The horticultural garden in the city has several flamboyants with brightly coloured blossoms in the non-indigenous species section.
flamboyant (adjective), more flamboyant, most flamboyant
Characterizing a florid, lavish color, costume, or behavior: When performing, the pianist wore the most flamboyant outfit the audience had ever seen, reminding the patrons of the famous American star of the stage, Liberace.
fuselage (s) (noun), fuselages (pl)
The main body of an aircraft which includes space for crew, passengers, and cargo: The air and sea search team finally located the fuselage of the wrecked plane just off the coast.
garage (s ) (noun), garages (pl)
1. A building or shed specifically designed for the storage of an automobile: Lucy carefully drove the car into the garage after the long trip to the city.
2. A location or business where motor vehicles are maintained or repaired: Mr. Dubby operated a highly respected garage which specialised in foreign import cars.
garage (verb), garages; garaged; garaging
To keep or to store items such as automobiles: Mr. Jones indicated a plan to garage his car for the winter.
genre (s) (noun), genres (pl)
An art form, as in literature, painting, or music, which shares recognisable characteristics; such as, style, technique, or form: Mr. Boothe wrote in the genre of science fiction which entertained readers worldwide.
glacier (s) (noun), glaciers (pl)
A mass of snow compacted into ice on a mountain slope which presses slowly downhill: Sam Johns was determined to hike on each of the many glaciers in North America as he was testing survival skills.
gland (s) (noun), glands (pl)
An organ in the body which produces a secretion used by the organism or even eliminated from it: The thyroid gland produces a substance which a person needs to regulate growth, among other factors.
gouache (s) (noun), gouaches (pl)
A style of paining in which water colors are mixed with a gluelike substance to produce an opaque color: Many artists of the last century used the technique of gouache to emphasise the clarity of their view of a subject.
grandiose (adjective), more grandiose, most grandiose
Descriptive of something as being exaggerated or flamboyant: The home decorator seemed to believe that the more grandiose the better, as reflected in his choices of colors, draperies, and furniture.
grille (s) (noun), grilles (pl)
A lattice work typically made of wood or metal that is placed in a window or opening designed to provide protection: The train ticket agent stood behind the grille thus ensuring the safety of the large sums of money which he was collecting.
2. The decorative metal or plastic piece covering the front of an automobile: The grille, protecting the front end of the car, was very elaborate and plated with shiny chromium.

See other English words from foreign languages at this
Other Languages Index.