étranges

Étranges is the plural form of the French adjective étrange, meaning strange, unusual, or unfamiliar. It is used to describe things that deviate from the ordinary and may provoke curiosity, surprise, or unease. Examples include des phénomènes étranges, des lieux étranges, and des personnes étranges.

Grammatical notes: In the singular, étrange agrees with the noun’s gender (masculine and feminine share the same form). In the plural, it becomes étranges and applies to both masculine and feminine nouns. The adverbial form is étrangement.

Etymology and related terms: Étrange derives from Latin extraneus through Old French estrange, with the sense of externality or foreignness that later broadened to mean unfamiliar or peculiar. The noun l'étrangeté denotes strangeness. The related adjective étranger means foreigner or outsider, and though etymologically connected, it differs in meaning in modern usage.

Usage and nuance: Étranges is common in literature, journalism, and everyday speech to indicate peculiarity or mystery without implying outright negativity. It is often chosen to convey a sense of curiosity or ambiguity, and it contrasts with stronger terms such as bizarre or mystérieux, depending on the desired nuance and register.