French Conversation · Level 25
90 words
French word
forcé
Pronunciation
IPA/fɔʁse/
Meaning
- adjectiveforced
Example
Il a été forcé de partir.
He was forced to leave.
More examples
Elle a un sourire forcé.
She has a forced smile.
Core concept
Something made to happen from the outside instead of arising freely.
Common phrases
être forcé de
be forced to ___
sourire forcé
forced smile
Similar words
obligé: Having to act because duty or circumstances leave no alternative.
gêné: Self-conscious and awkward, with an unnatural expression or manner.
contraint: Forced by external conditions and unable to act freely.
artificiel: Made rather than natural, so it lacks a genuine appearance.
Definition in French
Qui paraît artificiel ou peu naturel parce qu'il est imposé plutôt que spontané.
Word origin
French formed forcé from forcer, an Old French verb related to Latin fortis, and the idea of applying strength developed into compelling an act or making a response seem unnatural.
Usage tips
- The pattern être forcé de plus an infinitive means being compelled to do something, as in être forcé de partir.
Other meanings
- strainedadjective
- unnaturaladjective
Opposites
- volontairevoluntaryadjective
- librefreeadjective