French word

appui

Pronunciation

IPA/apɥi/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsupport

Example

Je trouve mon appui dans ma famille.

I find support in my family.

Illustration for appui (support)

More examples

Elle m'a donné un appui moral pendant la maladie.

She gave me moral support during the illness.

Core concept

A hand or foothold that steadies a body and a reliable resource that steadies a person.

Common phrases

  • appui moral

    moral support

  • appui financier

    financial support

  • prendre appui sur

    lean on

Similar words

soutien: Encouragement or reassurance during difficult times.
aide: Help that addresses a problem or makes it easier to solve.
support: Something that bears weight and keeps an object stable.
secours: Immediate help or rescue in a difficult situation.

Definition in French

Action ou résultat de l'action de soutenir ; personne, chose ou point qui sert de soutien matériel ou moral.

Word origin

The noun appui is derived from appuyer, with Old French apui preserving the idea of placing weight on a support.

Usage tips

  • The fixed phrase prendre appui sur means to use something as a physical or figurative support, with sur marking the support.

Other meanings

  • backingnoun
  • assistancenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • appuyersupportverb
  • appuyésupportedadjective

Word lists with this word