What’s the difference between chef and chief?

This week we are looking at some words that some learners of English may find confusing: chef and chief. chef A chef is a cook in a hotel or restaurant. Her recipe was passed on to the chef. He works as a chef in a large… Read More
graphic showing calendar

Bastille Day

Allons enfants de la patrie… July brings us two major celebrations of liberty: the Fourth of July for U.S. independence and ten days later, French Bastille Day, 14 July, known in France as le quatorze juillet and never as Jour de la Bastille. But what exactly does it commemorate? And… Read More

French word of the week: égal

This series of weekly blogs takes a closer look at words from our French dictionaries. The word we're focusing on this week is the French adjective and noun 'égal'. Read More

What’s the difference between braces and suspenders?

This week we are looking at some words that are used differently in British and American English: braces and suspenders. braces In British English, braces can refer to a pair of straps worn over the shoulders for holding up the trousers. He also wore… Read More

French word of the week: baisser

This series of weekly blogs takes a closer look at words from our French dictionaries. The word we're focusing on this week is the French verb 'baisser'. Read More
collinsdictionary