Basic Details
Word: Fait accompli
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Something that has already been done and cannot be changed.
Synonyms: Done deal, established fact
Antonyms: Possibility, uncertainty
Idioms and Phrases
- It's a fait accompli: Refers to an action or decision that has already been made. Example: "When she announced her engagement, it was clearly a fait accompli; there was no discussion to be had."
- Accepting a fait accompli: Accepting a situation that one cannot change. Example: "Despite his initial objections, he had to accept the fait accompli of the new school rules."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The company's merger was a fait accompli by the time the employees were informed.
Example 2: The decision to extend the school year had become a fait accompli, leaving parents frustrated with no option to change it.
Example 3: Once the proposal was submitted, it felt like a fait accompli that the project would go ahead.
Fun Fact
The term "fait accompli" originates from French, where it means "accomplished fact." It has been used in English since the early 19th century!
Famous Quote
"A fait accompli is not an option for the future; it is a lesson from the past." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "fait accompli" mean?
a) An uncertain situation
b) Something that is already done
c) A new proposal
d) A type of job
Answer: b) Something that is already done
2. Which of these is a synonym of "fait accompli"?
a) Possible change
b) Done deal
c) Ongoing decision
d) New idea
Answer: b) Done deal
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "fait accompli"?
a) Established fact
b) Done deal
c) Uncertainty
d) Completed project
Answer: c) Uncertainty
4. Which sentence correctly uses "fait accompli"?
a) The fait accompli of finishing the homework was very satisfying.
b) She tried to change a fait accompli regarding the new rules.
c) They felt like the game was a fait accompli even before it started.
d) We were waiting for a fait accompli before making our decision.
Answer: b) She tried to change a fait accompli regarding the new rules.
5. Which idiom closely relates to the meaning of "fait accompli"?
a) A bird in the hand
b) An apple a day
c) It's a fait accompli
d) Burn the midnight oil
Answer: c) It's a fait accompli
