chandelle

candle

noun shahn-DEL Rare

Origin: Latin 'candela'

Usage Note

Chandelle is the traditional/literary word for a tallow or wax candle; bougie is the more common everyday term today. The idiom devoir une fière chandelle à quelqu'un means 'to owe someone a great debt of gratitude'. In aviation, faire une chandelle describes a steep vertical climb.

Examples

"Elle allume une chandelle pour l'ambiance."

Natural Translation

She lights a candle for the atmosphere.

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