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mention

mention, reference

noun mahn-SYOHN Rare

Origin: From Latin 'mentio' (a calling to mind)

Also means

grade, distinction (academic)

Usage Note

Mention in an academic context refers to the grade level on a French diploma — mention très bien (highest distinction), mention bien, mention assez bien — a system foreign students often find unfamiliar. In general use it simply means a mention or reference.

Examples

"Elle a obtenu son bac avec mention très bien."

Natural Translation

She got her baccalaureate with the highest distinction.

Literal Translation

She obtained her bac with mention très bien.

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