vigueur

Vigueur is a French noun that denotes vitality, energy, or force. It can refer to physical stamina, mental alertness, or the strength of a movement or effort. The word derives from Latin vigor, via Old French vigueur, and is related to the adjective vigoureux (vigorous). In everyday use, it appears in phrases such as agir avec vigueur (to act with vigor) or parler avec vigueur (to speak with force or emphasis).

In legal, administrative, and regulatory language, vigueur denotes the state of being in force. The set expression en vigueur means “in force” or “currently applicable.” A law or regulation is said to be en vigueur from its effective date. For example, Cette loi est en vigueur depuis le 1er janvier 2020. The noun can also appear in formal documents to indicate the continued validity or force of a rule, sometimes contrasted with dispositions abrogées or sunset clauses.

Beyond daily and legal usage, vigueur is used to describe vigor in artistic performance, sports, or public life, signaling robustness and energy. Its English cognate is vigor (or vigour in British spelling).

See also: vigour, vigor; en vigueur.