Émile Littré, French lexicographer and philosopher (d. 1881)

Émile Maximilien Paul Littré (French: [litʁe]; 1 February 1801 – 2 June 1881) was a highly influential and multi-faceted French intellectual of the 19th century, leaving an indelible mark as a prominent lexicographer, a dedicated freemason, and a distinguished philosopher. His enduring legacy is predominantly linked to his monumental work, the Dictionnaire de la langue française, which is universally recognized and often simply referred to as "le Littré."

The Legacy of "Le Littré": A Monumental Lexicographical Achievement

Littré's most significant contribution to French culture and scholarship is his seminal Dictionnaire de la langue française. This exhaustive and meticulously compiled work, published in four large volumes between 1863 and 1872, revolutionized French lexicography. It went far beyond a simple compilation of words, serving as a comprehensive historical and etymological resource.

Key Features and Enduring Impact of the Dictionnaire

• Unprecedented Scope: "Le Littré" meticulously defined over 78,000 words, encompassing not only common vocabulary but also a vast array of scientific, technical, and historical terms, reflecting the encyclopedic breadth of Littré's own knowledge.
• Historical and Etymological Depth: A hallmark of the dictionary was its rigorous focus on the etymology and historical evolution of each word. Littré painstakingly traced the origins of words, often back to Latin, Greek, and other sources, and documented their changing meanings and usage over centuries.
• Illustrative Quotations: To provide contextual understanding and demonstrate precise usage, the dictionary included tens of thousands of illustrative quotations drawn from classical and contemporary French literature, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the nuances of the language through its rich literary heritage.
• Methodological Rigor: Littré's scientific and analytical approach to language set a new standard. He employed a systematic methodology that influenced subsequent dictionary projects and solidified the dictionary's reputation as one of the most authoritative and reliable references for the French language.

Beyond Lexicography: Philosopher, Freemason, and Public Figure

While his dictionary secured his place in history, Émile Littré's intellectual pursuits extended broadly. He was a committed philosopher and a leading disciple of Auguste Comte, the founder of Positivism. Littré championed Comte's philosophy, which emphasized empirical observation and scientific method as the sole basis for knowledge, profoundly influencing his rational and systematic approach to all intellectual endeavors, including language.

As an active freemason, Littré was deeply involved in the intellectual and social reform movements prevalent in 19th-century France. His strong republican convictions also propelled him into public life; he was elected to the National Assembly in 1871 and subsequently served as a senator, advocating for secular education, scientific progress, and democratic ideals.

His intellectual eminence was further recognized by his election to the prestigious Académie française in 1871. However, this election was not without controversy, as his positivist and anti-clerical views sparked significant opposition from more traditional and religiously conservative members, most notably Mgr Dupanloup, highlighting the ideological conflicts of the era.

Frequently Asked Questions About Émile Littré

Who was Émile Littré?

Émile Maximilien Paul Littré (1801-1881) was a prominent French scholar, lexicographer, philosopher, and freemason, widely celebrated for his comprehensive Dictionnaire de la langue française and his significant contributions to Positivist philosophy.

What is "le Littré" and why is it important?

"Le Littré" is the commonly used informal name for Émile Littré's monumental Dictionnaire de la langue française. It is important because it set new standards for lexicography through its extensive scope, detailed etymologies, historical usage examples with literary quotations, and rigorous scientific methodology, becoming an indispensable reference for the French language.

What were Émile Littré's philosophical beliefs?

Émile Littré was a fervent proponent of Positivism, the philosophical system founded by Auguste Comte. This philosophy emphasized empirical scientific methods as the only valid means of acquiring knowledge, rejecting metaphysical and theological explanations.

When was the Dictionnaire de la langue française published?

The main edition of Émile Littré's Dictionnaire de la langue française was published in four volumes between 1863 and 1872.