Entame

Part of Speech

Verb (French origin)

Pronunciation

IPA: /ɑ̃.tam/

Phonetic: ahn-TAM

Definitions

• To start or initiate something.
• To make an opening or a cut.
• To begin discussions or negotiations.

Usage Examples

• Il a entamé une nouvelle carrière dans la musique. (He started a new career in music.)
• Nous avons entamé des négociations avec l'entreprise. (We have begun negotiations with the company.)
• Il a entamé le pain avec un couteau. (He cut into the bread with a knife.)

Etymology

From Old French "entamer," meaning "to cut into" or "begin."

Synonyms

• Commencer (to begin)
• Inaugurer (to inaugurate)
• Ouvrir (to open)
• Initier (to initiate)

Antonyms

• Terminer (to finish)
• Conclure (to conclude)
• Clôturer (to close)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some French-speaking regions, "entame" may be pronounced with a softer nasal "an" sound.

Historical Usage

The word "entamer" has been used since medieval French to signify the beginning of an action or the act of making an incision.

Cultural Nuances

In formal French, "entamer" is often used in political or legal contexts to indicate the start of a significant process.

More Information

While "entamer" is mainly used in French, English speakers may encounter it in international diplomacy or culinary discussions.