Usage and Pronunciation of accoucheuse

Teacher Gu's English Class

Overview Meaning Pronunciation Usage Practice

accoucheuse

/a.ku.ʃøz/
Noun Medical term

Basic definition:Midwife (a woman who assists women in childbirth)

Etymology:From French "accoucher" (to give birth)

📚 Core Meanings

Medical professional

A trained woman who assists in childbirth

The accoucheuse helped deliver the baby safely.
The midwife helped deliver the baby safely.
Medicine

Historical context

Traditional birth attendant in French-speaking regions

In 19th century France, the accoucheuse was highly respected.
In 19th century France, the midwife was highly respected.
History

Formal term

More formal alternative to "midwife"

The hospital employed several accoucheuses.
The hospital employed several midwives.
Formal usage

"accoucheuse" is a specialized medical term primarily used in formal contexts and historical references. While less common in everyday speech, it remains important in medical literature.

🔄 Usage Comparison

English Examples

The accoucheuse provided excellent prenatal care.

Modern accoucheuses receive extensive training.

This accoucheuse has delivered over 500 babies.

Translations

The midwife provided excellent prenatal care.

Modern midwives receive extensive training.

This midwife has delivered over 500 babies.

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

British Pronunciation

/a.ku.ʃøz/

ah-koo-SHUZ

American Pronunciation

/ˌæ.kuˈʃɜːz/

ak-oo-SHURZ

Pronunciation Tips:

Common Mistakes

  • Pronouncing as "a-COUCH-euse" (incorrect)
  • Stressing the first syllable
  • Hard "ch" sound (/tʃ/) instead of /ʃ/

🎯 Common Collocations

Professional + accoucheuse

Describing qualifications

certified accoucheuse
certified midwife
Professional

Accoucheuse + training

Referring to education

accoucheuse training program
midwife training program
Education

Historical + accoucheuse

Historical context

18th century accoucheuse
18th century midwife
History

Grammar Notes

Singular: accoucheuse
Plural: accoucheuses

⚠️ Common Confusions

Avoid confusion:

An accoucheuse is a doctor. (Incorrect)

Correct:An accoucheuse is a midwife.

Accoucheuse is an English-origin word. (Incorrect)

Correct:Accoucheuse is a French loanword.

✍️ Practice Exercises

Translation Practice

1. The accoucheuse arrived just in time.
2. Many accoucheuses work in rural areas.
3. She trained as an accoucheuse in Paris.

1. The midwife arrived just in time.

2. Many midwives work in rural areas.

3. She trained as a midwife in Paris.

Pronunciation Practice

Repeat these sentences:

• The accoucheuse was very experienced. [a.ku.ʃøz]
• Accoucheuses provide vital services. [a.ku.ʃøz]
• She became an accoucheuse in 1995. [a.ku.ʃøz]

Correction Exercise

Identify and correct errors:

1. An accoucheuse is a type of nurse.
2. Pronounced [əˈkaʊtʃiːz]
3. Male accoucheuses are common.

1. An accoucheuse is a midwife (not necessarily a nurse).

2. Pronounced [a.ku.ʃøz] (French pronunciation)

3. The male equivalent is "accoucheur."