How Do You Spell DAUPHINE?

Pronunciation: [dˈɔːfiːn] (IPA)

The word "Dauphine", pronounced as /doʊˈfiːn/, is an uncommon word in the English language referring to a French noble title. The spelling of the word has its roots in the French language, where the letters "ph" are pronounced as "f" as opposed to the English pronunciation of "ph". The "e" at the end of the word is silent, as is the case with many French words. Despite its complexity, proper spelling of "Dauphine" is important for precise communication in written English.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Plural
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DAUPHINE Meaning and Definition

  1. Dauphine is a noun that primarily refers to the title given to the eldest son of the King of France during the period of the French monarchy from the 14th to the 18th century. The word originated from the French term "Dauphin," which itself comes from the Occitan word "dalfin," meaning "dolphin." This title of Dauphine traditionally carried significant political and social importance in France.

    The Dauphine was viewed as the heir apparent to the throne, playing a crucial role in the royal succession. The title was initially established in the 13th century when the largely autonomous region of Dauphiné in southeastern France became part of the Kingdom of France. By granting the area to his eldest son as a principality, the King symbolically united it with the crown, strengthening the royal authority.

    Over time, the title "Dauphine" became synonymous with the wife of the Dauphin, and a woman who held this position was also referred to as the Dauphine. The Dauphine often played a prominent role in court life, social events, and political affairs, thereby wielding influence beyond her noble status.

    Although the Dauphine lost its political significance after the French Revolution and the subsequent end of the monarchy, the term is still sometimes used today as an honorary title for the wife of the heir apparent to the French throne, akin to the British royal family's "Princess of Wales" title.

Common Misspellings for DAUPHINE

Etymology of DAUPHINE

The word "Dauphine" has its origins in the French language. It derives from the Old French term "daufin", which traces back to the Latin word "dolphinus", meaning "dolphin". The term "daufin" was used to refer to the heir apparent of the French throne, specifically the son of the king. In the provincial language of the Dauphiné region in southeastern France, the title "dauphin" gained significant prominence. When the Dauphiné region was integrated into the French kingdom in the 14th century, the title "Dauphin" became attached to the heir. Consequently, the female equivalent of "Dauphin" became "Dauphine", designating the wife of the Dauphin or future French king.

Plural form of DAUPHINE is DAUPHINES

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Correct spelling for Dauphine
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