French Conversation · Level 123
59 words
French word
stérile
Pronunciation
IPA/steʁil/
Meaning
- adjectivefutile
Example
C'est un débat stérile.
It's a futile debate.
More examples
Ses efforts sont stériles.
His efforts are futile.
Core concept
A process that cannot generate an outcome: no harvest from land, no progress from discussion, or no offspring from a body.
Common phrases
débat stérile
futile debate
argument stérile
futile argument
Similar words
inutile: Providing no useful effect or benefit when used.
inefficace: Failing to produce the desired effect.
Definition in French
Qui est inutile ou sans effet pratique, employé pour une action, une discussion ou une tentative; en médecine ou en agriculture, peut aussi signifier sans germes ou infertile.
Word origin
French stérile comes from Latin sterilis, meaning unfruitful; the notion of failing to bear fruit broadened to actions and discussions that yield nothing.
Usage tips
- Stérile has the same spelling for masculine and feminine singular forms, as in un débat stérile and une terre stérile; the plural is stériles.