Parterre Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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parterre

[pɑːrˈtɛr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

landscape design

A parterre is a formal garden layout, typically featuring geometrically arranged flower beds, pathways, and decorative patterns. Originating from the French term 'par terre', which means 'on the ground', it emphasizes symmetry and precision in landscaping. Parterres are often designed to be viewed from above, highlighting their intricate designs. They can vary in scale, from small gardens to extensive estate grounds.

Synonyms

flower bed, garden, landscape.

Examples of usage

  • The parterre was beautifully arranged with colorful blooms.
  • She admired the intricate patterns of the parterre from her balcony.
  • The historical castle featured a stunning parterre that attracted many visitors.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • Parterres gained popularity during the Renaissance period, especially in France, as part of formal garden designs.
  • King Louis XIV's palace at Versailles featured elaborate parterre gardens that became a model for royal gardens across Europe.
  • These designs often included geometric shapes and symmetrically arranged planting beds to symbolize order and beauty.

Art & Aesthetics

  • Parterre gardens are often associated with Baroque art, emphasizing grandeur and precision in design.
  • Artists and gardeners collaborated to create visual masterpieces, where the arrangement of flora mirrored artistic styles of the time.
  • The intricate designs often featured a variety of plants, including flowers, shrubs, and decorative gravel paths.

Cultural Influence

  • The style of parterre design influenced landscape architecture, leading to the development of public gardens and parks in urban areas.
  • In modern culture, parterre gardens are celebrated in literature and film as sites of romantic or secret meetings.
  • The concept has also influenced contemporary garden design practices that prioritize symmetry and beauty.

Gardening Techniques

  • Creating a parterre involves careful planning, often using low hedges or borders to define different sections.
  • Plant selection is crucial; gardeners often choose perennials for long-lasting beauty or seasonal flowers for changing displays.
  • Maintenance includes regular pruning, weeding, and sometimes, even updating the design to reflect current trends.

Origin of 'parterre'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French 'parterre', meaning 'on the ground'.
  • Originally, it referred to a flower bed on the ground level of a garden, distinct from raised beds or gardens on terraces.
  • It was used in architecture to describe a layout of garden spaces surrounding a building.

The term 'parterre' originates from the French language, derived from 'par terre', meaning 'on the ground'. Its roots can be traced back to the European Renaissance period, where garden design became a crucial aspect of architecture and aesthetics. The formal layout of parterres reflects a blend of art and nature, often associated with grand estates and palaces. Over time, they evolved to include various styles, influencing garden design across Europe and beyond. Parterres became prominent in the gardens of influential figures such as Louis XIV of France, who used them to demonstrate power and status through elaborate landscaping.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,541 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.