Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A French writer and literary figure: Edmond de Goncourt was a 19th-century French writer, best known for his extensive collaboration with his younger brother, Jules de Goncourt. Together, they produced novels, art criticism, and a famous journal. He is also notable for establishing the prestigious Prix Goncourt literary prize through his will.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The detailed social observations in the novels of Edmond de Goncourt were highly influential.
  • Edmond de Goncourt's will provided the endowment for the annual literary prize.

Advanced Usage

• "The Goncourt brothers": This phrase commonly refers to Edmond and Jules de Goncourt as a collaborative literary duo.
  • The Goncourt brothers are celebrated for their naturalist style and their intimate journal.

Variants and Related Words

• Goncourt: Often used as a shorthand reference to Edmond de Goncourt, the brothers collectively, or the prize he founded.
  • Winning the Goncourt is a great honor for any French author.
• Journal des Goncourt: The title of the famous diary kept by the brothers, providing a detailed account of Parisian literary and artistic life.
  • Scholars frequently consult the Journal des Goncourt for insights into 19th-century France.

Synonyms

• Literary collaborator (with Jules de Goncourt).
• Diarist (referring to his work on the journal).
• Founder of the Prix Goncourt.

Related Phrases

• Prix Goncourt: The renowned French literary prize established by the will of Edmond de Goncourt.
  • Her latest novel is a contender for the Prix Goncourt.

Noun

1. French writer who collaborated with his brother Jules de Goncourt on many books and who in his will established the Prix Goncourt (1822-1896)