In this lively and accessible book, Hilary Wise provides a comprehensive overview of the vocabulary of contemporary French: its historical sources, formal organisation and social and stylistic functions. Topics covered include: * External influences on the language * Word formation * Semantic change * Style and register In addition, the author examines both the relation between social and lexical change, and attempts to intervene in the development of the French language. Each chapter is concluded by notes for further reading and suggestions for project work. These have been specifically designed to increase awareness of lexical phenomena, and enable the student-reader to use lexicographic databases of all kinds. A detailed index directs the reader to initial definitions of key concepts, and makes for ease of reference to recurring topics. The Vocabulary of Modern French will be a key text for all students of modern French.