Skip to content

dilemme

dilemma

noun dee-LEM Rare

Origin: from Greek 'dilemma'

Usage Note

dilemme refers to a choice between two equally difficult or undesirable options. Unlike everyday English use, a strict French dilemma involves exactly two horns (les cornes d'un dilemme). The word is borrowed from Greek via Latin, and French preserves the double-m spelling. The plural is des dilemmes.

Examples

"Elle fait face à un dilemme impossible."

Natural Translation

She is facing an impossible dilemma.

Explore French by topic