recherchée

Recherchée is the feminine singular form of the French adjective recherché, derived from the verb rechercher (to search for, to seek). It describes something that has been sought after, desired, or is considered refined, carefully chosen, or difficult to obtain. The masculine form is recherché, and the plural forms are recherchés (masc) and recherchées (fem).

Usage and nuances

Recherchée can indicate value, desirability, or rarity in contexts such as commerce, collecting, fashion, or criticism. It can also convey a sense of stylistic or intellectual refinement, as in style recherché, meaning a highly refined or elaborate style often associated with classical literature, music, or art.

Etymology and form

The term comes from the verb rechercher, combining the prefix re- with chercher (to seek). The feminine form, recherchée, agrees with feminine nouns (e.g., une pièce recherchée, une solution recherchée, une esthétique recherchée).

Examples

Ce bijou est très recherchée par les collectionneurs. (Note: in this example, the subject is feminine; the correct agreement is recherchée avec l’auxiliaire être.)

Elle porte une robe recherchée, caractéristique d’un style ancien.

Usage note

Recherchée is commonly used in catalog descriptions, journalism, criticism, and everyday speech to denote something that is specially in demand or notably refined. Its connotation ranges from practical desirability to cultural or aesthetic prestige depending on context.