Skip to content

mention

mention, reference

noun mahn-SYOHN Rare
People & Society Education

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.

Explore French by topic