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Demimonde: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽญ
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demimonde

 

[ หˆdษ›mษชหŒmoสŠnd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

social class

The term demimonde refers to a group of people who live a lifestyle that is considered morally or socially questionable, often associated with the world of prostitution or semi-respectability. It encompasses those who exist in the margins of society, typically involved in the arts, entertainment, or high society but engaging in activities that challenge conventional moral standards. The demimonde can be seen as a reflection of societal norms and the hypocrisy of respectable society, where those living outside of accepted values often have more freedom and creativity. Historically, it has been used to describe courtesans and the elite, highlighting the interconnectedness of social status and moral ambiguity.

Synonyms

bohemia, disreputable, fringe, subculture, underground

Examples of usage

  • The demimonde of 19th-century Paris attracted many artists.
  • She found herself drawn into the demimonde of bohemian lifestyles.
  • The cityโ€™s nightlife has a thriving demimonde that intrigues many.
  • In novels, characters often navigate the challenges of the demimonde.

Translations

Translations of the word "demimonde" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น demimonde

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเฅ‡เคฎเฅ€เคฎเฅ‹เค‚เคกเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Demimonde

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ demimonde

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะตะผั–-ะผะพะฝะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ demimonde

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ‡ใƒŸใƒขใƒณใƒ‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท demimonde

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ demimonde

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท demimonde

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ๋ฏธ๋ชฝ๋“œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูŠู…ูŠู…ูˆู†ุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ demimonde

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ demimonde

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŠไธ–็•Œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ demimonde

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ demimonde

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะตะผะธะผะพะฝะด

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ”แƒ›แƒ˜แƒ›แƒแƒœแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ demimonde

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ demimonde

Word origin

The word 'demimonde' is derived from the French term, which literally means 'half-world.' It combines the prefix 'demi-' (meaning half) with 'monde' (meaning world). The term emerged in the early 19th century, particularly in the context of Parisian society, to describe a social class that existed outside of the legitimate or respectable world. This class consisted mainly of women who maintained relationships with wealthy men in exchange for financial support, thereby existing in a space that was not fully respectable but not entirely ostracized either. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass not only the courtesans and their patrons but also any group that operates on the fringes of accepted society, engaging in lifestyles that are perceived as controversial or morally ambiguous. In literature and art, the demimonde often symbolizes the tension between societal norms and personal freedom, making it a compelling subject for exploration.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #40,000, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.