THE BEAUTIFUL WORDS OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE

I've decided to delve into the words of our language to find those that I consider to be not only beautiful, but also rich, pleasant and enjoyable. These words give me the pleasure of pronouncing them, hearing them, even writing them. I prefer them to their synonyms, which don't give me the same satisfaction.  

By the way, let me describe what the word "word" means. It's the sound of a language to which a meaning is associated, and which the users of that language consider to form an autonomous unit. The word is made up of a series of letters.

So I'm going to present these words in alphabetical order, to make it easier than by importance. Later on, I'll be tempted to make a sentence with each of these words to show their value. I have a feeling that this exercise will be rather difficult.

Here they are: Amour Beauté Charme, Désir, Envie, Franchise, Gaieté , Harmonie, Inspiration, Joie, Kif Kif ( comme) Liberté , Merci, Nostalgie, Opulence, Preference, Qualité, Respect, Saveur, Tolérance, Usage, Victoire, Week-end, Xylophone , Yoga, Zèle.

I confess that I had a hard time finding the right word for the last four letters of the alphabet. But when I write, I always try to find the right word to describe what I want to express.

There's so much to say about words: there are those we've waited too long for and those that never came. There are those that have often disappointed us and those that we don't dare say. Some make us suffer, while others promise a gentle awakening. Some words make the sun shine, while others brighten up a day that's too dark. Some words give us a glimmer of hope. For me, they are the ones I look for before I write.

 

I must confess that I took particular pleasure in writing these few sentences, which exist because of the words they contain.  Who better than Victor Hugo to confirm my words. He said: "Oui, il y a des mots qui sont des vers et des chansons...Qui sont teintés de doux frissons...Qui sont nos cœurs à l'unisson". ITS meaning is:

)Yes, there are words that are verses and songs...That are tinged with sweet shivers...That are our hearts in unison".)

I read somewhere that it's not the words that are reprehensible, but the use made of them and the intention that guides it. Jean D'Ormesson, whom I love dearly, had this marvellous comment in his "Histoire du Juif errant": "The good thing about words is that they are the most docile of all servants, and you can make them do whatever you want".

I had the privilege of reading a rather interesting book by Bernard Pivot entitled "Au secours! Les mots m'ont mangé" (Words have eaten me), and I came across this sentence which could serve as a conclusion: "Words are to the writer what clay and marble are to the sculptor, flour to the baker or cards to the poker player. The trouble with words is that there are so many of them. You have to choose the best ones, and that's not easy.

You've probably noticed that I often use authors, thinkers and philosophers to dress up my writing. My intention is simple: I don't want to appropriate something that isn't mine, and I prefer to give credit to its author. I'll stop here, as I still have several other quotations.

One last one: Boileau had a simpler word: "What is well conceived is clearly stated, and the words to say it come easily". And we mustn't forget that it's with words that ideas are formed.