Littré

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Émile Littré
Born1 February 1801
Died2 June 1881
OccupationLexicographer, Philosopher, Politician
Notable work
Dictionnaire de la langue française

Émile Littré (1 February 1801 – 2 June 1881) was a renowned French lexicographer, philosopher, and politician. He is best known for his comprehensive Dictionnaire de la langue française, a monumental dictionary of the French language.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Littré was born in Paris, France, to a family of modest means. He showed an early aptitude for languages and literature, which led him to pursue studies in medicine and philology. He attended the prestigious École Normale Supérieure and later studied under the famous philosopher Auguste Comte, the founder of positivism.

Career[edit | edit source]

Littré initially worked as a medical doctor but soon shifted his focus to literature and linguistics. He became a member of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres in 1839 and later joined the Académie française in 1871.

Dictionnaire de la langue française[edit | edit source]

Littré's most significant contribution to linguistics is his Dictionnaire de la langue française, published between 1863 and 1872. This dictionary is considered one of the most comprehensive and authoritative works on the French language. It includes detailed definitions, etymologies, and examples of usage, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and students of French.

Political Involvement[edit | edit source]

In addition to his work in lexicography and philosophy, Littré was also active in politics. He was a member of the National Assembly and supported the Third Republic. His political views were heavily influenced by his association with positivism and his mentor, Auguste Comte.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Littré was married and had several children. He was known for his modesty and dedication to his work. Despite his many accomplishments, he remained humble and focused on his scholarly pursuits until his death in 1881.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Émile Littré's contributions to linguistics, philosophy, and politics have left a lasting impact. His Dictionnaire de la langue française remains a seminal work in the field of French lexicography, and his writings on positivism continue to be studied by scholars around the world.

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