French Conversation · Level 102
60 words
French word
soulever
Pronunciation
IPA/suləve/
Meaning
- verblift
Example
Peux-tu soulever cette valise ?
Can you lift this suitcase?
More examples
La remarque a soulevé une question importante.
The remark raised an important question.
Core concept
Hands get beneath an object and raise it, an image that also extends to raising a question or protest.
Common phrases
soulever un objet
lift an object
soulever une question
raise a question
soulever une inquiétude
cause concern
Similar words
lever: Lift something upward from underneath using the hands or arms.
porter: Carry something from one place to another while holding it.
ramasser: Pick something up by hand from the ground or floor.
enlever: Remove something from a place so it is no longer there.
Definition in French
Prendre un objet et le déplacer vers le haut en le portant depuis le dessous.
Word origin
The verb developed from Old French souslever, combining sous 'under' with lever 'to raise', from Latin sublevare.
Usage tips
- The reflexive form se soulever can mean 'to rise up' or 'to rebel', so the reflexive changes both the construction and meaning.
Other meanings
- bring upverb
- provokeverb
Opposites
- abaisserlowerverb
Related words
- soulèvementliftingnoun
- soulevéliftedadjective