How to Pronounce Lafayette

Meaning and Context

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette, was a French aristocrat and military officer whose pivotal role in the American Revolution earned him the enduring title "The Hero of Two Worlds." Born in 1757, the young Lafayette defied his king's orders to sail to America in 1777, where he developed a profound father-son bond with General George Washington and secured a commission as a major general in the Continental Army. His military and diplomatic contributions, including his instrumental efforts in securing critical French support and his command at the decisive Siege of Yorktown in 1781, were fundamental to American victory. Returning to France, Lafayette became a central figure in the early phases of the French Revolution, authoring the first draft of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in 1789. His legacy as a champion of liberal ideals, constitutional government, and transatlantic alliance continues to be commemorated in numerous cities, counties, and monuments named in his honor across the United States and France.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name presents several common variations and frequent errors due to its French origin and Anglicization. The most accurate and formal French spelling is "La Fayette," which includes the space and definite article "La." However, the most common and accepted modern English rendering is the single-word "Lafayette." A frequent typo or misspelling is "Lafayatte," with an extra 't'. Other common errors include omitting the silent 'e' at the end, resulting in "Lafayett," or misspelling the middle as "Laffayette" with a double 'f'. When referring to the historical figure, it is also correct to use his full title, "Marquis de La Fayette." It is important to note that the many places named for him in the United States, such as Lafayette, Indiana or Lafayette, Louisiana, almost universally use the single-word, Anglicized spelling without the space.

Example Sentences

The city of Lafayette, Colorado, was named in honor of the French general who fought for American independence.

During a visit to the United States in 1824, Lafayette was greeted with parades and adulation, a testament to his lasting popularity as a revolutionary hero.

Historians often cite Lafayette's unwavering commitment to liberty, which he demonstrated in both the American and French revolutions.

The Marquis de La Fayette's influence is so deeply woven into American culture that his name graces streets, schools, and public squares from coast to coast.

A key figure in securing French military aid, Lafayette's efforts were crucial to the Continental Army's ultimate success at Yorktown.

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