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monopole

monopoly

noun moh-noh-POL Rare
People & Society Money

Origin: From Greek monos (alone) + polein (to sell).

Usage Note

Monopole refers to exclusive control over a market or resource, as in monopole d'État ('state monopoly'). It is also the name of the board game in French (le Monopoly), though spelled differently. The related verb monopoliser means 'to monopolise', including in the figurative sense of dominating a conversation.

Examples

"Cette entreprise a un monopole sur le marché."

Natural Translation

This company has a monopoly on the market.

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