French word

batailler

Pronunciation

IPA/bataje/

Meaning

  • verbstruggle

Example

J'ai dû batailler pour obtenir ce visa.

I had to struggle to get this visa.

Illustration for batailler (struggle)

More examples

Elle a dû batailler contre de nombreux obstacles.

She had to struggle against many obstacles.

Core concept

A person pushes through a series of stubborn barriers in a long, demanding struggle.

Common phrases

  • batailler contre

    struggle against

  • batailler pour

    struggle for

Similar words

lutter: To fight hard against difficulties or problems.
se battre: To engage directly in a fight or struggle against an opponent or situation.
peiner: To struggle because things do not go smoothly despite making an effort.
galérer: To endure prolonged hardship in daily life or at work.

Definition in French

Se donner beaucoup de peine pour réussir quelque chose malgré des obstacles.

Word origin

Batailler is formed from bataille with the verb ending -er, extending the literal idea of battle to persistent effort against obstacles.

Usage tips

  • The pattern batailler pour + infinitive marks the goal being pursued, as in batailler pour obtenir un visa.

Other meanings

  • striveverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word