French Conversation · Level 32
90 words
French word
imposant
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛ̃pozɑ̃/
Meaning
- adjectiveimposing
Example
Le château est imposant.
The castle is imposing.
More examples
Son discours était imposant.
His speech was imposing.
Core concept
A large or commanding presence that immediately captures attention.
Common phrases
un bâtiment imposant
an imposing building
un homme imposant
an imposing man
Similar words
grand: Noticeably big or tall in appearance.
impressionnant: Causing strong surprise or admiration when seen or heard.
spectaculaire: Showy and dramatic in appearance, drawing the eye.
monumental: Exceptionally large and massive, with a lasting impact.
Definition in French
Qui fait une forte impression par sa grandeur, son aspect ou son allure.
Word origin
The adjective imposant comes from the present participle of imposer, ultimately from Latin imponere, formed from in- and ponere.
Usage tips
- Imposant agrees with the noun, giving forms such as imposante, imposants, and imposantes.
Other meanings
- impressiveadjective
- hugeadjective
- intimidatingadjective
Opposites
- modestemodestadjective
- insignifiantinsignificantadjective
Related words
- imposerimposeverb
- impositiontaxationnoun