Marquise

/mɑː(ɹ)ˈkiːz/ noun

noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: A marchioness, especially one who is French.
  • Grammar: marquise is listed as noun.
  • Nearest alternatives: aristocratic, aristocratic title, boat shaped cut, canopy.
  • Useful contrasts: cabochon, coarse, commoner.
  • Usage evidence: The Marquise de Brinvilliers was accused of having conspired with her lover, the Chevalier de Sainte Croix, to poison her father and her two brothers in order to inherit their estates.

How to use "marquise"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "marquise" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

  • Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "marquise" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "marquise" as the right word for your sentence.

If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "marquise" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.

Compare nearby meanings

  • Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
  • Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
  • Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
  • Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.

Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "marquise" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

Compare it with "aristocratic" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.

3. Confirm with context

Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.

Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.

Final meaning check

Before publishing a sentence with "marquise", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.

When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A marchioness, especially one who is French. historical

    "In 1986, she appeared in the stage adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuse opposite Alan Rickman, playing the manipulative marquise whose icy demeanour seems to have clung to Duncan's image like frost ever since, even though it is so at odds with her warmth in person."

  2. 2
    permanent canopy over an entrance of a hotel etc. wordnet
  3. 3
    A marquee.
  4. 4
    a noblewoman ranking below a duchess and above a countess wordnet
  5. 5
    An oval cut gemstone with pointed ends.
Show 3 more definitions
  1. 6
    A canopy, usually of glass, set as a shelter over a door opening onto a terrace or pavement.

    "The house was a big elaborate limestone affair, evidently new. Winter sunshine sparkled on lace-hung casement, on glass marquise, and the burnished bronze foliations of grille and door."

  2. 7
    A style of parasol of the mid-19th century. historical
  3. 8
    A rich dessert made with dark chocolate, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and cream.

Synonyms

All synonyms
aristocraticaristocratic titleboat shaped cutcanopycourtlycover

Example

"The Marquise de Brinvilliers was accused of having conspired with her lover, the Chevalier de Sainte Croix, to poison her father and her two brothers in order to inherit their estates."

Common questions

What does "marquise" mean?

A marchioness, especially one who is French.

What is a synonym for "marquise"?

Common synonyms include: aristocratic, aristocratic title, boat shaped cut, canopy, courtly, cover.

How do you use "marquise" in a sentence?

The Marquise de Brinvilliers was accused of having conspired with her lover, the Chevalier de Sainte Croix, to poison her father and her two brothers in order to inherit their estates.

How do you pronounce "marquise"?

Pronounced /mɑː(ɹ)ˈkiːz/.

Etymology

Borrowed from French marquise.

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