Our courses

FIDE Test

Our resources

About
Contact

Choose Your Language

The content of the blog is available in English and French. You can change the language at any time at the top of the page.

15 Advanced French Vocabulary Words You Need to Know

Difficulty:B2

January 28, 2025

1/28/2025

Some words are essential for understanding and expressing yourself with more nuance. Today, we’re going to explore 15 advanced vocabulary words in French. No worries! We’ll explain them simply, with concrete examples to help you understand and use them effectively.

15 Words to Know

loquace

talkative(Adjective)

Alternatives: bavard

Tu ne dis rien... tu n'es pas très loquace.

Said of a person who talks a lot.

inexorable

unstoppable(Adjective)

L'issue de cet événement est inexorable.

Refers to something that cannot be changed or stopped.

apathique

apathetic(Adjective)

Alternatives: léthargique

Il est complètement apathique, il ne fait rien de ses journées.

Refers to a person who lacks energy and enthusiasm.

taciturne

reserved(Adjective)

Alternatives: silencieux

Depuis son divorce, il est vraiment taciturne.

Refers to a person who speaks little and is introverted.

omnipotent

all-powerful(Adjective)

Il se croit omnipotent, il pense qu'il a tous les pouvoirs.

Refers to someone who has all the powers.

dubitatif

doubtful(Adjective)

Alternatives: sceptique

Elle me regardait d'un air dubitatif.

Refers to a person who expresses doubt.

éphémère

short-lived(Adjective)

C'était un plaisir éphémère d'une nuit.

Refers to something that lasts a short time.

fastidieux

tedious(Adjective)

Alternatives: ennuyeux

C'est fastidieux de corriger toutes ces copies.

Refers to something long and boring.

fulgurant

lightning-fast(Adjective)

Alternatives: rapide

La guérison a été fulgurante.

Refers to something sudden and fast.

inopiné

unexpected(Adjective)

Alternatives: imprévu

Le général a fait une inspection inopinée du régiment.

Refers to something that happens without being planned.

frugal

simple(Adjective)

Alternatives: austère

Ce fut un repas frugal.

Refers to a simple meal or lifestyle, without excess.

frivole

frivolous(Adjective)

Alternatives: superficiel

Je me lasse de ces discussions frivoles.

Refers to a person or thing that lacks seriousness.

laconique

terse(Adjective)

Alternatives: succinct

Il s'exprime toujours de façon laconique.

Refers to a person who speaks briefly and concisely.

éloquent

eloquent(Adjective)

Alternatives: persuasif

Cet avocat est éloquent.

Refers to a person who speaks well, with clarity and persuasion.

dithyrambique

overly praising(Adjective)

Alternatives: élogieux

La presse a été dithyrambique sur la performance du joueur français.

Refers to a speech or opinion that is excessively laudatory.

Flashcards

Shuffle

Swap faces

Voices

Exercises

Conclusion

And there you have it! You’ve just learned 15 essential words to enrich your French vocabulary. By using them in your conversations, you’ll even impress native speakers! If you want to go further, join the thousands of students learning French with Start French Now. Our courses are structured and tailored to your level.

Discover our courses here

Bonne pratique et à bientôt !