période
period, stretch of time
noun peh-ree-OD Less Common
Origin: Latin periodus, from Greek periodos (circuit, cycle)
Usage Note
Période is the neutral, general word for a span of time — more formal than moment and broader than instant. It is used in history (une période de guerre), science (periodic table = tableau périodique), and everyday speech. The adjective périodique means 'periodic' or 'periodical'.
Examples
"C'était une période difficile pour tout le monde."
Natural Translation
It was a difficult period for everyone.
Related Words
Explore French by topic