mot juste
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gainsbourg is bilingual, but French is her first language; she pauses occasionally in our conversation to search around for le mot juste.
From The Guardian • Oct. 26, 2019
“And if they don’t want to feel rich, then they’re probably—” He pauses to consider the mot juste, then adds, “Dead.”
From The New Yorker • Jul. 13, 2018
In January, when PhD students jostle for jobs at the annual meeting of the American Economic Association, a “market” might seem the mot juste.
From Economist • Nov. 24, 2016
Searching, like Flaubert, for le seul mot juste, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. offered “tawdry” and “distasteful” to describe McDonnell’s behavior.
From Washington Post • Jul. 1, 2016
The arrogance of the vulgar, the—the uninstructed—perhaps I lack the mot juste, but quand même—the mansuetude of the loftier mind.
From The Highwayman by Bailey, H. C. (Henry Christopher)
