What does monde mean?
Monde is a literary English noun borrowed from French, meaning “the world” in either a broad or social sense. Its broad sense can refer to human society, collective human experience, or the world as a whole, although it is much less usual than the ordinary word world. Its more distinctive use refers to a particular social circle, especially an aristocratic, fashionable, or influential group; the familiar expression high monde evokes the glittering world of the elite. Because of its French origin and unusual connotations, monde often appears in discussion of art, fashion, literature, and society. It can carry a sense of exclusivity or social sophistication, particularly when contrasted with ordinary or everyday life. Though still valid in modern English, it is chiefly encountered in formal, literary, historical, or deliberately sophisticated contexts rather than in casual speech.
nounThe world considered as a whole, especially the realm of human society or human experience. It may also refer to a particular community or social circle, often implying an exclusive or fashionable group.
- The world as a whole, especially in the context of human society or collective human life.
- A particular society or social circle, especially an exclusive, fashionable, or influential one.
"The novel follows its characters into the glittering society of Parisian high monde."
"The exhibition introduced visitors to the art of the wider monde."
"She was one of the best-known figures in fashionable monde."
The plural is possible but rare in modern English.
"The novel contrasts the rituals of different mondes."
With the world, the word also suggests a private social universe: high monde was the glittering world of aristocrats and fashionable elites.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monde come from?
English borrowed monde from French monde, which in turn came from Latin mundus, a word meaning “the world” or “universe.” The Latin term was also used for humanity collectively, a sense reflected in modern English. French developed the additional social meaning “the world of fashionable or powerful people,” which survives in the English expression high monde.
How monde is actually used
This is a literary and comparatively uncommon English noun, borrowed from French. In the sense of fashionable high society, it is usually used in the expression high monde and may sound deliberately archaic or cosmopolitan.
Easily confused with monde
Monde refers to the world, a society, or its people, whereas mind means a person's intellect or consciousness.
Monde is pronounced with a final /nd/ sound, while mound is pronounced with a final /nd/ sound as well but is spelled differently and normally refers to a raised pile of earth.