French Conversation · Level 71
60 words
French word
défi
Pronunciation
IPA/defi/
Meaning
- masculine nounchallenge
Example
Il a accepté le défi sans hésiter.
He accepted the challenge without hesitation.
More examples
Pour progresser, il s'est lancé un défi chaque mois.
To make progress, he set himself a challenge each month.
Core concept
A marked hurdle stands before someone as a goal that requires effort, skill, and eventual mastery.
Common phrases
lancer un défi à quelqu'un
issue someone a challenge
relever un défi
take on a challenge
se lancer un défi
set oneself a challenge
Similar words
objectif: A specific goal or purpose that someone aims to achieve.
challenge: A try-it challenge driven by trends or a game-like spirit.
difficulté: An obstacle or condition that makes an action or situation difficult.
Definition in French
Tâche difficile ou obstacle présenté comme un objectif à atteindre, visant à mesurer ou améliorer une compétence.
Word origin
Défi comes from the verb défier through Old French desfier and ultimately traces to Latin diffidere, 'to distrust'; its sense developed from defiance toward a challenge.
Usage tips
- Relever un défi is the standard French expression for taking on or meeting a challenge, while relever does not mean simply 'raise' in this phrase.