Académie française

a French scholarly institution devoted to the study of language and literature and the establishment of linguistic and literary standards, especially through the creation of a dictionary of the French language (1694; 8th ed., 1931–35) and a grammar (1932); the academy also awards several literary prizes. The Académie Française is part of the Institut de France and comprises 40 members, known as the Immortals. Founded in 1635 on the initiative of Cardinal Richelieu, it was abolished by the National Convention in 1793 but was reestablished in 1803.

In the 17th century the academy sought to influence the development of literature, but during the 18th century, having become a purely honorary institution, its authority diminished. The academy is marked by traditionalism and a resistance to innovation.