French Conversation · Level 122
60 words
French word
redresser
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁədʁese/
Meaning
- verbstraighten
Example
Peux-tu redresser la photo sur le mur ?
Can you straighten the picture on the wall?
More examples
Il faut redresser la barre avant la fin de l'année.
It is necessary to right the ship before the end of the year.
Core concept
A tilted object or person being set upright again, with its alignment or order put right.
Common phrases
redresser la barre
right the ship
redresser une situation
turn a situation around
Similar words
remettre: To return a displaced object to its proper position or orientation.
ajuster: To fine-tune a position or angle so that it fits exactly.
aligner: To arrange several objects or people neatly along one line or direction.
Definition in French
Remettre dans une position droite un objet ou une personne; s'emploie aussi au figuré pour corriger l'alignement ou l'ordre d'une chose.
Word origin
Redresser combines re- with dresser, from Old French drecier and ultimately linked to Latin directus, meaning straight or directed.
Usage tips
- Transitive redresser takes a direct object, while se redresser describes a person or thing becoming upright again.
Other meanings
- correctverb
- repairverb
Opposites
- empirerworsenverb
- détériorerdamageverb
Related words
- redresséstraightenedadjective
- redressementturnaroundnoun