De Rigueur – Definition, Meaning, Pronunciation, and Usage
Learn the meaning of de rigueur, its definition, pronunciation, synonyms, antonyms, grammar rules, and usage with examples. Discover its origin and significance in fashion, etiquette, and professional settings.
De Rigueur – Definition, Meaning, Pronunciation, and Usage
Pronunciation:
- English (UK & US): /də riˈɡər/ or /də riˈɡɝː/
- Phonetic Spelling: duh ree-GUHR
Definition of De Rigueur
De rigueur is a French phrase adopted into English, meaning required by etiquette, fashion, or custom; socially or professionally obligatory. It is used to describe something that is necessary or expected in a particular situation or culture.
Meaning of De Rigueur
The term de rigueur refers to something that is essential or mandatory according to cultural norms, trends, or standards. It is often used in fashion, etiquette, business, and social settings to indicate something that is fashionable or required.
Part of Speech:
- Adjective (used in a predicate or attributive form)
Synonyms of De Rigueur
- Required
- Obligatory
- Customary
- Essential
- Compulsory
- Conventional
- Mandatory
- Standard
- Prescribed
- Expected
Antonyms of De Rigueur
- Optional
- Unnecessary
- Uncommon
- Unfashionable
- Outdated
- Superfluous
- Forbidden
Etymology & Origin of De Rigueur
The phrase de rigueur originates from French, where “de” means “of” and “rigueur” means “strictness” or “rigor.” It entered the English language in the early 19th century, maintaining its original French spelling and meaning.
In French, “rigueur” conveys a sense of discipline or strict adherence to rules, which aligns with how de rigueur is used in English to describe something obligatory or socially enforced.
Grammar Rules & Usage of De Rigueur
- De rigueur is always used as an adjective.
- It is invariable, meaning it does not change for singular or plural nouns.
- It remains in its French form and is never anglicized (it does not become “de rigours” or “de riguer”).
- It is usually used after the verb (predicate adjective), but can sometimes appear before a noun in formal writing.
Usage of De Rigueur in Sentences
- In Fashion:
- “A black tie is de rigueur for formal events.”
- In Business:
- “Fluency in English is de rigueur for international business negotiations.”
- In Social Etiquette:
- “Saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is de rigueur in polite society.”
- In Politics:
- “Public apologies have become de rigueur for politicians after scandals.”
- In Technology:
- “Having a strong online presence is de rigueur for modern businesses.”
Related Terms & Expressions
- À la mode – In fashion or trendy
- Par excellence – The best example of something
- Sine qua non – An essential condition or requirement
- Carte blanche – Complete freedom to act as one wishes
Here is the meaning and definition of de rigueur in multiple languages:
Mandarin Chinese (中文)
- Meaning: 必需的，按照礼仪或习惯必须的
- Definition: “De rigueur” 指的是某种行为、服饰或做法在特定社交、文化或职业环境中被认为是必要的或惯例性的。
Arabic (العربية)
- Meaning: ضروري، إلزامي وفقًا للعادات أو التقاليد
- Definition: يشير “De rigueur” إلى شيء يعتبر ضروريًا أو إلزاميًا وفقًا للمعايير الاجتماعية أو المهنية أو الثقافية.
Hindi (हिन्दी)
- Meaning: आवश्यक, प्रचलित रीतियों या परंपराओं के अनुसार अनिवार्य
- Definition: “De rigueur” का अर्थ है किसी विशेष सामाजिक, सांस्कृतिक या व्यावसायिक संदर्भ में आवश्यक या अनिवार्य समझा जाने वाला कुछ।
Spanish (Español)
- Meaning: Requerido, obligatorio según la etiqueta o la moda
- Definition: “De rigueur” se refiere a algo que es necesario o esperado en un determinado contexto social, cultural o profesional.
Portuguese (Português)
- Meaning: Necessário, obrigatório de acordo com a etiqueta ou costume
- Definition: “De rigueur” refere-se a algo considerado essencial ou obrigatório em um determinado contexto social, cultural ou profissional.
Bengali (বাংলা)
- Meaning: প্রয়োজনীয়, শিষ্টাচার বা রীতির জন্য বাধ্যতামূলক
- Definition: “De rigueur” এমন কিছু বোঝায় যা নির্দিষ্ট সামাজিক, সাংস্কৃতিক বা পেশাদার প্রসঙ্গে প্রয়োজনীয় বা বাধ্যতামূলক বলে বিবেচিত হয়।
Russian (Русский)
- Meaning: Обязательный, предписанный этикетом или традицией
- Definition: “De rigueur” означает что-то необходимое или обязательное в определённом социальном, культурном или профессиональном контексте.
Japanese (日本語)
- Meaning: 必須の、慣習やマナーに従って必要とされるもの
- Definition: 「De rigueur」とは、特定の社会的、文化的、または職業的な状況において必要または義務的とされるものを指します。
French (Français)
- Meaning: Indispensable, requis par l’étiquette ou la coutume
- Definition: “De rigueur” signifie quelque chose d’indispensable ou d’obligatoire selon les normes sociales, culturelles ou professionnelles.
Odia (ଓଡ଼ିଆ)
- Meaning: ଆବଶ୍ୟକ, ପରମ୍ପରା ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ଅନିବାର୍ୟ
- Definition: “De rigueur” କୌଣସି ସମାଜିକ, ସଂସ୍କୃତିକ କିମ୍ବା ବ୍ୟାପାରିକ ପରିପ୍ରେକ୍ଷିତରେ ଆବଶ୍ୟକ କିମ୍ବା ଅନିବାର୍ୟ କିଛିକୁ ବ୍ୟଖ୍ୟା କରେ।
Conclusion
The phrase de rigueur continues to be widely used in English to describe essential or required customs, particularly in fashion, etiquette, and professional settings. Since it retains its original French form and meaning, it adds a touch of sophistication to speech and writing.
FAQ:
1. What does de rigueur mean?
De rigueur means required by etiquette, custom, or fashion; something considered essential in a specific context.
2. How do you pronounce de rigueur?
It is pronounced as /də riˈɡər/ (duh ree-GUHR) in English.
3. What is the origin of de rigueur?
The term comes from French, where “rigueur” means “strictness” or “rigor,” and it has been used in English since the 19th century.
4. Is de rigueur still used today?
Yes, it is commonly used in fashion, business, and social etiquette to indicate something required or expected.
5. Can de rigueur be used in casual conversation?
While it is more common in formal writing or discussions, it can be used in casual speech to express something mandatory or fashionable.
6. What are synonyms for de rigueur?
Synonyms include required, obligatory, customary, essential, mandatory, and conventional.
7. What is an example of de rigueur in a sentence?
“Wearing a suit and tie is de rigueur for formal business meetings.”
