congé

noun

con·​gé kōⁿ-ˈzhā How to pronounce congé (audio) ˈkän-ˌzhā How to pronounce congé (audio)
variants or less commonly congee
ˈkän-(ˌ)jē How to pronounce congé (audio)
-(ˌ)zhē
Synonyms of congénext
1
a
: a formal permission to depart
b
: dismissal
2
: a ceremonious bow
3
: farewell
4
: an architectural molding of concave profile see molding illustration

Synonyms

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Examples of congé in a Sentence

with an elaborately ceremonious congé, the ambassador took his leave

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier congee, congie, from Middle English conge, from Anglo-French cungé, from Latin commeatus going back and forth, leave, from commeare to go back and forth, from com- + meare to go — more at permeate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of congé was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near congé

Congaree National Park

congé

congeal

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Congé.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cong%C3%A9. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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