French Conversation · Level 127
45 words
French word
ardu
Pronunciation
IPA/aʁdy/
Meaning
- adjectivehard
Example
La question est ardue.
The question is difficult.
More examples
C'était une tâche ardue.
It was an arduous task.
Core concept
A steep climb that demands sustained effort from start to finish.
Common phrases
tâche ardue
arduous task
travail ardu
arduous work
Similar words
difficile: Difficult to do successfully without much effort and care.
compliqué: Too intricate for simple handling because of its many elements or steps.
pénible: Causing discomfort or strain that makes persistence burdensome.
laborieux: Progressing only through prolonged, painstaking work.
Definition in French
Qualifie quelque chose de difficile à accomplir ou à résoudre, souvent appliqué à des tâches ou des questions exigeantes.
Word origin
French ardu comes from Latin arduus, meaning steep or difficult, through Old French, with the physical sense extending to demanding tasks and problems.
Usage tips
- Ardu is more formal than everyday difficile and often describes demanding tasks, questions, or undertakings.