French Conversation · Level 140
30 words
French word
repli
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁəpli/
Meaning
- masculine nounwithdrawal
Example
On a ordonné le repli des troupes.
The withdrawal of the troops was ordered.
More examples
Après la rupture, elle a connu un repli sur soi.
After the breakup, she experienced withdrawal into herself.
Core concept
A controlled step back from a position into a more protected or withdrawn place.
Common phrases
repli sur soi
withdrawal into oneself
repli social
social withdrawal
Similar words
retraite: Withdrawal from a battlefront or from a competitive setting.
recul: A backward movement or decline in position or influence.
retrait: The act of withdrawing money from a bank account.
Definition in French
Retrait ou recul, concret ou figuré, désignant un abandon ou une mise en retrait accomplie de façon organisée.
Word origin
The noun repli comes from French replier, meaning to fold back, and ultimately from Latin plicare, meaning to fold.
Usage tips
- Repli is masculine, so the usual forms are un repli and le repli.
Other meanings
- retreatnoun
Opposites
- ouvertureopennessnoun
- engagementinvolvementnoun
Related words
- replierfoldverb
- repliéwithdrawnadjective