ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lafayette

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˌɫɑfeɪˈɛt// lafayette

n. a name often used for places, streets, or schools in the United States. It honors a famous French soldier who helped America during its revolution.

n. a proper name of French origin, most frequently referring to the Marquis de Lafayette, a key military figure in the American Revolutionary War. It serves as a common toponym for cities, parks, and institutions across North America.


SIMPLE

We are meeting at the park on Lafayette Street.

CONTEXTUAL

The city of Lafayette, Louisiana, is famous for its rich Cajun and Creole cultural heritage.

COMPLEX

Statues of Lafayette stand in many American town squares as a testament to the historical alliance between the young republic and the French aristocracy during the war for independence.

Origin

French surname from Occitan, "the little beech tree".

Usage

Usually capitalised as a proper name; when used as a common noun in historical contexts, it refers to the specific individual.

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