-elle

1. a noun suffix occurring in loanwords from French, where it originally formed diminutives, now often with a derivative sense in which the diminutive force is lost (bagatelle; prunelle; rondelle ); also in Anglicized forms of Latin words ending in -ella (organelle ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of -elle¹

< French < Latin -ella, feminine of -ellus, forming diminutives corresponding to stems ending in -ul- -ule, -r- ( castellum ), -n- ( patella )

Example Sentences

Elle is also facing eviction because the landlord wants the property back to move in a family member – a legal method through which tenants are allowed to be evicted.

From BBC

Elle, who uses they/them pronouns, is challenging the move and will remain in the flat while the case is heard by a first-tier tribunal.

From BBC

Elle has not been able to find another affordable flat and wants to secure a place in social housing instead.

From BBC

However, Elle - who is in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and receives disability benefits - has been on waiting lists for social housing for almost three years.

From BBC

Despite having 100 out of the 120 priority points needed, Elle has been told that because waiting lists are so long they would likely have to become homeless before being prioritised for a home.

From BBC