French word

recourir

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁəkuʁiʁ/

Meaning

  • verbuse

Example

J'ai dû recourir à un interprète.

I had to use an interpreter.

Illustration for recourir (use)

More examples

Pour régler le conflit, ils ont préféré recourir à la médiation.

To resolve the conflict, they preferred to resort to mediation.

Core concept

A difficult task is met by calling on a person, tool, or method that can provide a solution.

Common phrases

  • recourir à des spécialistes

    resort to specialists

  • recourir à la médiation

    resort to mediation

Similar words

utiliser: To use an object or method to achieve a specific purpose.
compter sur: To rely on a person or thing for help or support.
faire appel à: To seek help or services from a specific person or organization.
se tourner vers: To turn to a person or organization for help or advice.

Definition in French

S'en remettre à une personne, un moyen ou une méthode comme solution pour surmonter une difficulté ; s'emploie généralement avec la préposition « à ».

Word origin

French recourir developed from Latin recurrere through Old French, shifting from the idea of running back to that of seeking assistance.

Usage tips

  • Recourir is more formal than faire appel à or compter sur, so the latter expressions are often more natural in everyday speech.

Other meanings

  • rely on ___verb
  • resort to ___verb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word