Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Quai d'Orsay" is the common name for the French government department responsible for foreign policy and international relations. This usage originates from the address of its headquarters in Paris.
   • A street in Paris: "Quai d'Orsay" is the name of a street running along the south bank of the River Seine in Paris, known for housing several important French government ministries.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Referring to the ministry):
  • The statement was issued by the Quai d'Orsay. (This means the statement came from the French Foreign Ministry.)
  • Diplomats at the Quai d'Orsay are analyzing the treaty.
• Proper noun (Referring to the location):
  • The building is located on the Quai d'Orsay.
  • We took a walk along the Quai d'Orsay.

Advanced Usage

• Metonymy: The term is a classic example of metonymy, where the name of a place (the street address) is used to refer to the institution located there (the foreign ministry).
  • The Quai d'Orsay's position on the matter was clear. (Here, "Quai d'Orsay" stands for the officials and policies of the French Foreign Ministry.)

Variants and Related Words

• French Foreign Ministry: The full, formal name for the institution.
• Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (): The current official name of the French foreign ministry, still headquartered on the Quai d'Orsay.

Synonyms

• The French Foreign Office: A synonymous term in English.
• The French Foreign Ministry: The direct translation and synonym.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Spoken from the Quai d'Orsay: Implies an official, authoritative statement on foreign policy.
  • His comments were not just personal opinion; they were spoken from the Quai d'Orsay.

Noun

1. the French department in charge of foreign affairs; referred to familiarly by its address in Paris
2. the street in Paris along the south bank of the Seine known for its governmental ministries