French Conversation · Level 39
74 words
French word
contrainte
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔ̃tʁɛ̃t/
Meaning
- feminine nounconstraint
Example
La contrainte principale, c'est le temps.
The main constraint is time.
More examples
Le manque de matériel crée une contrainte technique.
The lack of equipment creates a technical constraint.
Core concept
A pressure that squeezes freedom of action until a choice or movement becomes limited.
Common phrases
contrainte technique
technical constraint
imposer une contrainte
impose a constraint
contrainte sociale
social constraint
Similar words
obligation: A duty or responsibility that must be fulfilled.
pression: Pressure from outside forces or expectations that feels overwhelming.
restriction: A rule or condition that confines activity or choice to a set range.
limitation: A limit that narrows the range allowed by ability or circumstances.
Definition in French
Désigne une limitation ou une obligation qui réduit la liberté d'agir.
Word origin
The noun contrainte is related to French contraindre and ultimately comes from Latin constringere, a verb meaning 'to bind tightly'.
Usage tips
- Contrainte is common in formal and administrative French, while everyday speech often uses être obligé when the focus is on a person's obligation.
Other meanings
- restrictionnoun
- coercionnoun
- pressurenoun
Related words
- contraindreconstrainverb
- contraignantcoerciveadjective
- contraintforcedadjective