The 15 quiz questions
Question 1 : What is the gender of the French word "astérisque" (asterisk)?
Possible answers:
- Both are accepted
- Masculin
- Féminin
- Neutre
Explanation: "Astérisque" is MASCULINE in French. You say "un astérisque". The mistake often comes from the -que ending which suggests feminine.
Question 2 : What is the gender of the French word "échappatoire" (escape)?
Possible answers:
- Both are accepted
- Féminin
- Masculin
- Neutre
Explanation: "Échappatoire" is FEMININE in French. You say "une échappatoire". Many believe it is masculine because of the -oire suffix.
Question 3 : What is the gender of the French word "tentacule"?
Possible answers:
- It depends on the context
- Both are accepted
- Masculine
- Feminine
Explanation: Tentacule is MASCULINE in French. You say "un tentacule". The -ule ending often leads to mistakes.
Question 4 : What is the gender of the French word "oasis"?
Possible answers:
- Both are accepted
- It depends on the number
- Masculin
- Féminin
Explanation: "Oasis" is FEMININE in French. You say "une oasis". This word of Greek origin designating a fertile place in the desert is indeed feminine.
Question 5 : What is the gender of the French word "pétale" (petal)?
Possible answers:
- Masculin
- Both are accepted
- Neutre
- Féminin
Explanation: "Pétale" is MASCULINE in French. You say "un pétale de rose". The soft sound of the word often misleads.
Question 6 : What is the gender of the French word "amnistie" (amnesty)?
Possible answers:
- It depends on the context
- Masculin
- Both are accepted
- Féminin
Explanation: "Amnistie" is FEMININE in French. You say "une amnistie". This legal term meaning the erasure of convictions is indeed feminine.
Question 7 : What is the gender of the French word "effluve" (emanation)?
Possible answers:
- Féminin
- It depends on the register
- Masculin
- Both are accepted
Explanation: "Effluve" is MASCULINE in French. You say "un effluve". This word meaning a fragrant emanation is often mistakenly taken as feminine.
Question 8 : What is the gender of the French word "épithète" (epithet)?
Possible answers:
- Féminin
- Neutre
- Masculin
- Both are accepted
Explanation: "Épithète" is FEMININE in French. You say "une épithète". This grammatical term for a qualifying adjective is indeed feminine.
Question 9 : What is the gender of the French word "haltère" (dumbbell)?
Possible answers:
- Masculin
- Féminin
- Neutre
- Both are accepted
Explanation: "Haltère" is MASCULINE in French. You say "un haltère". The sound and sports context often cause confusion.
Question 10 : What is the gender of the French word "orbite" (orbit)?
Possible answers:
- Neutre
- Both depending on the field
- Masculin
- Féminin
Explanation: "Orbite" is FEMININE in French. You say "une orbite". Whether in astronomy or anatomy (eye socket), the word remains feminine.
Question 11 : What is the gender of the French word "agrume" (citrus)?
Possible answers:
- Masculin
- Both are accepted
- Féminin
- It depends on the fruit
Explanation: "Agrume" is MASCULINE in French. You say "un agrume". This term for oranges, lemons, etc. is masculine despite its sound.
Question 12 : What is the gender of the French word "anagramme" (anagram)?
Possible answers:
- Neutre
- Both are accepted
- Féminin
- Masculin
Explanation: "Anagramme" is FEMININE in French. You say "une anagramme". This word game where you rearrange letters of a word is indeed feminine.
Question 13 : What is the gender of the French word "alvéole" (alveolus)?
Possible answers:
- It depends on the meaning
- Féminin
- Both are accepted
- Masculin
Explanation: "Alvéole" is FEMININE in French. You say "une alvéole". The Académie française has ruled: it is feminine, even though masculine was long tolerated.
Question 14 : What is the gender of the French word "amiante" (asbestos)?
Possible answers:
- Neutre
- Masculin
- Both are accepted
- Féminin
Explanation: "Amiante" is MASCULINE in French. You say "un amiante". This dangerous fibrous mineral is indeed masculine despite its ending.
Question 15 : What is the gender of the French word "enzyme"?
Possible answers:
- Both are accepted
- It depends on the context
- Féminin
- Masculin
Explanation: "Enzyme" is FEMININE in French. You say "une enzyme". These proteins that catalyze biological reactions are feminine.




