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Milieu Entered English in the 1800s
Milieu comes from Old French mi (meaning "middle") and lieu ("place"). The word refers to an environment or setting. In English, lieu also is used to mean "place" and most often occurs in the phrase "in lieu of," as in "Cash is preferred but in lieu of cash a credit card is acceptable."
Synonyms
background, setting, environment, milieu, mise-en-scène mean the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs.
background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.
setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.
environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.
milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.
mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.
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“Milieu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/milieu. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
milieu
nounMedical Definition
milieu
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on milieu
Nglish: Translation of milieu for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of milieu for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about milieu
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