French Conversation · Level 120
57 words
French word
maîtriser
Pronunciation
IPA/metʁize/
Meaning
- verbmaster
Example
Elle maîtrise le piano.
She has mastered the piano.
More examples
Il faut maîtriser une langue pour voyager facilement.
You need to master a language to travel easily.
Core concept
A firm grip turns learned knowledge into reliable action and keeps a situation from escaping control.
Common phrases
maîtriser une langue
master a language
maîtriser ses émotions
control one's emotions
maîtriser le stress
manage stress
Similar words
savoir: To possess knowledge or understand how to do something.
se débrouiller: To cope with a difficulty using whatever means are available.
apprendre: To learn and develop knowledge or skill through study or practice.
connaître: To be acquainted with a person, place, or matter.
Definition in French
Acquérir et posséder une compétence au point de l'utiliser parfaitement, ou exercer un contrôle sur quelque chose ou quelqu'un.
Word origin
The verb was formed from maître, meaning a master or teacher, by adding -iser; maître ultimately derives from Latin magister.
Usage tips
- Se maîtriser means to control oneself, while the non-reflexive verb can refer to controlling a subject, situation, or skill.
Other meanings
- handleverb
- controlverb
Related words
- maîtrisemasterynoun
- maîtrisablecontrollableadjective
- maîtrisécontrolledadjective