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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