esclave

slave

noun eh-KLAV Less Common

Usage Note

Esclave is a common-gender noun — un esclave, une esclave. It is used both historically and figuratively, as in être esclave de ses habitudes ('to be a slave to one's habits'). The related noun esclavage means 'slavery'. The figurative use is common in everyday speech without historical connotation.

Examples

"Il se sentait esclave de son travail."

Natural Translation

He felt like a slave to his work.

Literal Translation

He himself felt slave of his work

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