French Conversation · Level 22
90 words
French word
magnitude
Pronunciation
IPA/maɲityd/
Meaning
- feminine nounmagnitude
Example
La magnitude du séisme a été mesurée à 6,2.
The earthquake's magnitude was measured at 6.2.
More examples
La magnitude du changement a surpris toute l'équipe.
The magnitude of the change surprised the whole team.
Core concept
A measured number that places a phenomenon's scale or force on a common range.
Common phrases
la magnitude d'un événement
the magnitude of an event
la magnitude d'un changement
the magnitude of a change
la magnitude d'un projet
the magnitude of a project
Similar words
ampleur: The extent or size of an event and its effects.
intensité: The level of force or strength shown by an event or phenomenon.
Definition in French
Mesure numérique qui indique l'ampleur ou la force d'un phénomène, souvent utilisée pour quantifier un séisme.
Word origin
The French noun magnitude is a learned borrowing from Latin magnitudo, 'greatness', based on magnus, 'great', with a noun-forming suffix.
Usage tips
- For earthquakes, magnitude measures the event's overall size, while intensité describes its effects at a particular place.
Related words
- magnifiermagnifyverb
- magnifiquemagnificentadjective