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tete-a-tete

tete-a-tete

8.7
A small sofa for two people to sit close together
  • noun
  • /ˌtɛt ə ˈtɛt/
translation icon : tete-a-tete
  • The couple sat on the tete-a-tete near the window, enjoying the view.

Examples

  • The elegant tete-a-tete made the formal parlor more inviting for intimate conversations.

  • She bought a vintage tete-a-tete for the reading nook in her living room.

  • They sat on the tete-a-tete in the garden.

  • Isn't that tete-a-tete perfect for two?

  • The couple sat close together on the tete-a-tete, sharing secrets in the cozy corner of the room.

  • During their meeting, they preferred to discuss the plans while seated on the tete-a-tete to ensure privacy.

  • She arranged the tete-a-tete in the garden to create a charming spot for conversation with her friend.

Synonyms

sofa
vstete-a-tete
257 1.0

A long comfortable seat with a back and arms for two or more people

is smaller and intended specifically for two people and private conversation
love seat
vstete-a-tete
  • US
10 2.7

A small sofa for two people to sit together

is arranged for private conversation and may seat occupants facing or side-by-side
settee
vstete-a-tete
9 3.9

A long seat with a back for two or more people, like a small sofa

is smaller and meant for just two people, often for private talk
vis-à-vis
vstete-a-tete
  • Archaic
9.5

A small sofa for two people who sit facing each other

allows seating either side-by-side or face-to-face for private conversation

How Intimate

tete-a-tete
8.7
loveseat
  • US
4 3.4
sofa
257 1.0
chair
1.0

Surface Forms

tete-a-tete singular
tete-a-tetes plural

Etymology

Tete-a-tete took its name from French tête 'head' and the idea of 'head-to-head', and the same name was given to a small sofa for two people facing each other. So a tete-a-tete is a little two-person sofa made for private talk.