French Conversation · Level 39
74 words
French word
lancer
Pronunciation
IPA/lɑ̃se/
Meaning
- verbthrow
Example
Il a lancé la balle au chien.
He threw the ball to the dog.
More examples
Le fabricant va lancer le nouveau modèle demain.
The manufacturer will launch the new model tomorrow.
Core concept
A hand sends something beyond its starting point, or sets an activity moving into the world.
Common phrases
lancer la balle
throw the ball
lancer un ballon
throw a ball
lancer une pierre
throw a stone
Similar words
jeter: To hurl an object forcefully using the hand or arm.
envoyer: To send an object or message to a person or place.
commencer: To begin an activity or process.
Definition in French
Envoyer quelque chose vers l'avant, souvent à la main ou avec force; s'emploie aussi pour lancer un projet ou un produit sur le marché.
Word origin
Lancer is an Old French verb derived from lance, 'spear', itself descended from Latin lancea; the concrete act of throwing gave rise to broader uses for initiating and releasing.
Usage tips
- The construction se lancer dans means to embark on or throw oneself into an activity, while lancer quelque chose remains transitive.