French Conversation · Level 94
58 words
French word
frottement
Pronunciation
IPA/fʁɔtəmɑ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounfriction
Example
Le frottement empêche la porte de se fermer facilement.
The friction prevents the door from closing easily.
More examples
Des frottements sont apparus après les changements organisationnels.
Friction arose after the organizational changes.
Core concept
Surfaces rubbing together create resistance or wear, and the same rubbing image describes minor tensions between people.
Common phrases
frottement dans l'équipe
friction within the team
frottement entre collègues
friction between colleagues
Similar words
friction: Resistance produced when two surfaces come into contact.
tension: A strained or awkward feeling in a relationship.
désaccord: A minor difference of opinion or understanding.
conflit: A serious clash or struggle between two sides.
Definition in French
Désigne l'effet du frottement physique entre surfaces — résistance ou usure — et, par extension, de petits conflits ou frottements entre personnes.
Word origin
Frottement derives from frotter, 'to rub,' with the noun-forming suffix -ment; frotter traces back to Latin fricare, 'to rub.'
Usage tips
- In figurative use, des frottements usually means minor tensions or disagreements, while a serious clash is more often called un conflit.