French word

martial

Pronunciation

IPA/maʁsjal/

Meaning

  • adjectivemilitary

Example

On entend une marche martiale pendant la cérémonie.

A military march can be heard during the ceremony.

Illustration for martial (military)

More examples

Elle suit des cours d'arts martiaux.

She takes martial arts classes.

Core concept

A military bearing linked to war, armed forces, or trained combat.

Common phrases

  • les arts martiaux

    martial arts

  • un art martial

    a martial art

Similar words

militaire: Associated with soldiers, military service, or the activities of the armed forces.
discipliné: Well ordered and guided by strict self-discipline.
agressif: Showing a tendency to attack or confront others.

Definition in French

Qui se rapporte à la guerre, à l'armée ou à une attitude prête au combat, et s'emploie aussi pour désigner les disciplines de combat comme dans «arts martiaux».

Word origin

French martial comes from Latin martialis, meaning 'of Mars', the Roman god associated with war.

Usage tips

  • In ordinary military contexts, French usually uses militaire, while martial is more formal and common in arts martiaux.

Other meanings

  • warlikeadjective
  • martialadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word