French Conversation · Level 57
74 words
French word
bancal
Pronunciation
IPA/bɑ̃kal/
Meaning
- adjectivewobbly
Example
La chaise est bancale, fais attention.
The chair is wobbly, be careful.
More examples
La table est bancale et elle tremble quand on la touche.
The table is wobbly and it shakes when you touch it.
Core concept
A lopsided bench rests unevenly on the floor and threatens to tip when weight shifts.
Common phrases
chaise bancale
wobbly chair
table bancale
wobbly table
argument bancal
unsound argument
Similar words
instable: Lacking stability and easily tilted or moved by slight force.
branlant: Weakly supported and prone to wobbling when touched.
inégal: Uneven in height or surface, causing rocking or tilting.
Definition in French
Qui n'est pas stable, qui menace de basculer ou qui repose de travers, comme un meuble aux pieds inégaux.
Word origin
Bancal is formed from Old French banc, 'bench', and the adjectival suffix -al, with its meaning extending from an uneven seat to instability more generally.
Usage tips
- In figurative use, bancal can describe reasoning or an arrangement as poorly supported, without meaning that it is necessarily false.