lépanouie

Épanouie is the feminine form of the past participle of the French verb épanouir, meaning to unfold, bloom, or become fully developed. As an adjective it describes something that has reached fullness or flourishing: a person who appears content and balanced, a garden in full bloom, or an idea that has matured and taken shape. The term can be used literally, for example to describe plants or landscapes, and metaphorically to refer to personal, social, or intellectual development.

Usage and nuance: In everyday language, dire that someone is épanouie implies a sense of well-being and fulfilled potential rather than merely outward success. It is commonly used of people who demonstrate confidence, harmony, and inner satisfaction. The related noun épanouissement denotes the process or state of flourishing, growth, or blossoming, as in discussions of well-being, education, or community development. The masculine forms épanoui and épanouie may also appear in literature, journalism, or self-help contexts depending on gender and subject.

Related terms: Épanouissant (present participle/adjective, masculine) and épanouissante (feminine) describe something that causes or contributes to growth and flourishing. The broader family includes synonyms such as floréissance or éclosion in specific contexts, though épanouir remains the most direct reference to unfolding and maturation.

See also: Well-being, personal growth, horticultural flourishing, linguistic usage of adjectival past participles in French.