Not able to understand the meaning of this adjective in certain sentences.

Question

Look at the example below:Ce métier requiert un vrai sens de l'empathie.This translates into 'This job requires a true sense of empathy'. Here the adjective comes before the noun phrase. Why does this mean 'true sens if...' ?Can anyone explain me this?

Cécile Janty-Davies · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Xabi,
Take a look at the following lesson, which will answer your query -
Vrai = real/true (French Adjectives that change meaning according to position)
Bonne Continuation !

Jim Jones · Answer

Bonjour xabi,This type of query has been discussed on the forum before:-https://french.kwiziq.com/questions/view/adjective-positionIn the particular example you refer to:-"vrai" before the noun expresses an "abstract" meaning whereas after the noun a more "descriptive" meaning."This job requires a true sense of empathy" --> abstract sense, otherwise a more concrete or descriptive sense with an alternative placement.Eg. un vrai ami --> a true / real friend            une histoire vrai --> true story (factual)Hope this helps.Bonne journéeJim