French word

surmonter

Pronunciation

IPA/syʁmɔ̃te/

Meaning

  • verbovercome

Example

Tu peux surmonter cette difficulté.

You can overcome this difficulty.

Illustration for surmonter (overcome)

More examples

Il faut surmonter la peur pour avancer.

You have to overcome fear to move forward.

Core concept

A climber rises above a steep barrier and can continue on the other side.

Common phrases

  • surmonter une difficulté

    overcome a difficulty

  • surmonter un obstacle

    overcome an obstacle

  • surmonter la peur

    overcome fear

Similar words

dépasser: Go beyond an obstacle or limit so progress can continue.
résoudre: Solve a problem or challenge and bring the situation to a resolution.
gérer: Handle a situation or problem so its impact is reduced.
affronter: Face a difficulty or conflict and stand up to it.

Definition in French

Indique l'action de maîtriser ou de franchir une difficulté, une épreuve ou une inquiétude pour aller de l'avant.

Word origin

French surmonter combines sur- ('above') with monter ('to climb'), creating the literal idea of climbing above something.

Usage tips

  • Surmonter is transitive and takes a direct object, as in surmonter une difficulté, une peur, or une épreuve.

Other meanings

  • get throughverb

Opposites

Related words

  • surmontableable to be overcomeadjective
  • surmontésurmountedadjective

Word lists with this word