French Conversation · Level 41
75 words
French word
abaisser
Pronunciation
IPA/abese/
Meaning
- verblower
Example
Peux-tu abaisser le volume, s'il te plaît ?
Can you lower the volume, please?
More examples
Il a fallu abaisser la voix pour ne pas déranger les voisins.
It was necessary to lower one's voice so as not to disturb the neighbors.
Core concept
Something being brought below its former level, whether it is a measurable height or a person's position in others' eyes.
Common phrases
abaisser le volume
lower the volume
abaisser la voix
lower one's voice
abaisser le prix
lower the price
Similar words
baisser: To lower the height, position, or volume of something.
diminuer: To decrease in amount, degree, numerical value, or strength.
réduire: To reduce the size, quantity, extent, or number of something.
rabaisser: To treat someone as inferior and damage their sense of dignity.
Definition in French
Faire passer quelque chose à un niveau plus bas, que ce soit matériellement (volume, hauteur) ou moralement (estime, statut).
Word origin
Abaisser is a French formation from a- and baisser, and baisser is related to bas, inherited through Old French from Latin bassus, low.
Usage tips
- Rabaisser is more usual for belittling a person, while abaisser more broadly describes lowering status, rank, or esteem.