nouvel

Nouvel is the masculine singular form of the French adjective nouveau when it comes before a masculine noun that begins with a vowel sound or a mute h. It carries the same basic meaning of “new,” but its use is dictated by phonology to preserve smooth pronunciation. The feminine form is nouvelle, and the plural forms are nouveaux (masculine) and nouvelles (feminine).

In practice, nouvel is used before masculine singular nouns that start with a vowel sound, as in un nouvel ami, un nouvel esprit, or un nouvel ordre. Before masculine nouns that begin with a consonant, the standard form nouveau is used, for example, un nouveau livre or un nouveau pantalon. For feminine nouns, the form nouvelle is used regardless of the following word, such as une nouvelle histoire or une nouvelle voiture. The plural forms follow regular patterns: nouveaux for masculine and nouvelles for feminine.

Etymology-wise, nouvel derives from the French development of the adjective nouveau, itself from Latin novus. The form nouvel reflects a phonological adjustment designed to avoid the sequence of two vowels in immediate succession and to maintain ease of pronunciation in close speech.

Nouvel also appears as a surname. The best-known bearer is Jean Nouvel, a prominent French architect born in 1945. He is celebrated for contemporary projects and has received international recognition, including the Pritzker Prize in 2008. Notable works associated with his name include projects such as the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, among others. In general use, nouлel is encountered in everyday French to handle euphony when the following noun begins with a vowel sound.