French Conversation · Level 54
73 words
French word
relever
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁələve/
Meaning
- verbraise
Example
Il relève la tête.
He raises his head.
More examples
Elle relève le numéro du client sur le formulaire.
She writes down the customer's number on the form.
Core concept
A lowered head, object, or position rises again to regain height or importance.
Common phrases
relève une erreur
points out an error
relève un numéro
writes down a number
Similar words
soulever: To lift an object from below using force.
lever: To move something from a lower position to a higher one.
remonter: To bring something back up after it has fallen or been lowered.
Definition in French
Élever ou soulever quelque chose ou une partie du corps ; au figuré, retrouver ou rendre plus haute une position ou une importance.
Word origin
The verb developed from Old French relever, formed with re- and lever, whose Latin source levare expressed raising or lightening.
Usage tips
- Relever la tête commonly has a figurative sense of recovering confidence, not only the physical act of lifting the head.