Dictionary
English - French
Wall
wɔl
Extremely common
600 - 700
600 - 700
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
mur, cloître, barrière, mur de soutènement, mur d'escalade, mur d'enceinte
Wall meanings in French
mur
Example:
The wall is painted blue.
Le mur est peint en bleu.
They built a wall around the garden.
Ils ont construit un mur autour du jardin.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in everyday conversation, architecture, and construction.
Note: The word 'mur' is used for physical walls, such as those of a building, and can also refer to metaphorical walls in discussions.
cloître
Example:
The monastery has a beautiful cloister wall.
Le monastère a un beau mur de cloître.
The cloister wall is adorned with sculptures.
Le mur du cloître est orné de sculptures.
Usage: formalContext: Used in religious or historical contexts, specifically related to monasteries or convents.
Note: 'Cloître' refers to a covered walk or corridor with walls, typically in a monastery.
barrière
Example:
We need a wall to keep the animals in.
Nous avons besoin d'une barrière pour garder les animaux.
The wall between the properties needs repairing.
La barrière entre les propriétés doit être réparée.
Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday conversation where a boundary or fence is required.
Note: 'Barrière' can refer to a wall but is more commonly used for fences or barriers that are not solid walls.
mur de soutènement
Example:
The retaining wall prevents soil erosion.
Le mur de soutènement empêche l'érosion du sol.
They installed a retaining wall in the garden.
Ils ont installé un mur de soutènement dans le jardin.
Usage: formalContext: Used in engineering and landscaping.
Note: A 'mur de soutènement' is specifically designed to hold back soil or water.
mur d'escalade
Example:
The climbing wall is very challenging.
Le mur d'escalade est très difficile.
He practices on the climbing wall every week.
Il s'entraîne sur le mur d'escalade chaque semaine.
Usage: informalContext: Used in sports and recreational contexts.
Note: 'Mur d'escalade' refers to artificial walls designed for climbing activities.
mur d'enceinte
Example:
The castle has a high outer wall.
Le château a un haut mur d'enceinte.
They preserved the old city wall.
Ils ont préservé l'ancien mur d'enceinte.
Usage: formalContext: Used in historical contexts and discussions about fortifications.
Note: 'Mur d'enceinte' refers to an enclosing wall, often around a fortress or city.
Wall's synonyms
barrier
A barrier is a structure that blocks or impedes movement or access.
Example: The barrier was erected to prevent unauthorized entry.
Note: A wall is a specific type of barrier that is typically solid and used to enclose or divide spaces.
partition
A partition is a dividing structure that separates areas within a larger space.
Example: The partition between the two offices provided privacy for each employee.
Note: While a wall can be a partition, a partition can also be a temporary or movable structure.
fence
A fence is a barrier made of posts and wire or wood, used to mark a boundary or for protection.
Example: The garden was enclosed by a wooden fence.
Note: Fences are typically more open and less solid than walls, often used for marking boundaries or keeping animals in or out.
boundary
A boundary is a line or physical structure that separates one area from another.
Example: The stone wall marked the boundary between the two properties.
Note: While a wall can serve as a boundary, a boundary can also be marked by other means such as a fence or natural features.
Wall expressions, common phrases
Hit a wall
To hit a wall means to reach a point where progress stops or becomes difficult.
Example: I've been working on this project for hours, but I've hit a wall and can't figure out the next step.
Note: The phrase uses 'wall' metaphorically to represent a barrier or obstacle in one's path.
Have one's back against the wall
When someone has their back against the wall, it means they are in a difficult situation with limited options or resources.
Example: The company is struggling financially, and we have our backs against the wall trying to find a solution.
Note: The phrase uses 'wall' to symbolize being in a tight or challenging position.
Talk to a brick wall
To talk to a brick wall means to speak to someone who is not listening or understanding.
Example: I've tried to explain the situation to him, but it's like talking to a brick wall; he just doesn't listen.
Note: This idiom uses 'brick wall' to emphasize the futility of communicating with someone unresponsive.
Climb the walls
When someone is climbing the walls, they are extremely restless, anxious, or bored.
Example: Being stuck indoors all day makes me feel like I'm climbing the walls with boredom.
Note: The phrase uses 'walls' as a metaphor for feeling confined or restricted.
Drive someone up the wall
To drive someone up the wall means to annoy or irritate them greatly.
Example: Her constant whining is really driving me up the wall!
Note: The phrase uses 'wall' to convey a sense of frustration or exasperation caused by someone's behavior.
Walls have ears
This phrase warns that private conversations can be overheard or secrets revealed.
Example: Be careful what you say, you never know who might be listening; walls have ears.
Note: The idiom uses 'walls' as a way to illustrate the idea that even in seemingly private spaces, information can be leaked.
Break down walls
To break down walls means to overcome barriers or prejudices that separate people.
Example: Music has the power to break down walls between people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Note: The phrase uses 'walls' metaphorically to represent divisions or obstacles that hinder understanding or communication.
Wall everyday (slang) expressions
Off the wall
This slang term means unconventional, crazy, or unexpected. It diverges from the original meaning of 'wall' by emphasizing something that is out of the ordinary or unusual.
Example: His ideas are completely off the wall, but sometimes they work out brilliantly.
Note:
The writing on the wall
This term refers to a sign or indication that something is going to happen in the future. It suggests a clear prediction or warning.
Example: The company's poor financial reports were the writing on the wall for its impending bankruptcy.
Note:
Bang one's head against a brick wall
To repeatedly try to accomplish something that is futile or challenging. It emphasizes the frustration and lack of progress.
Example: I feel like I'm banging my head against a brick wall trying to get my boss to listen to my suggestions.
Note:
Fly on the wall
Refers to being an unnoticed observer of a situation. It suggests the desire to witness or overhear something secretly.
Example: I wish I could be a fly on the wall during that meeting to learn what really happened.
Note:
Wallflower
Describes a shy or introverted person who tends to remain in the background. It diverges from the original meaning of 'wall' by alluding to someone who avoids the spotlight.
Example: She used to be a wallflower at parties, but now she's the life of the party.
Note:
Run into a brick wall
To encounter a difficult obstacle or challenge that hinders progress. It emphasizes a sense of being stuck or blocked.
Example: I've run into a brick wall with this project, I can't seem to make any progress.
Note:
Against the wall
In a challenging or difficult situation where there is little room for further setbacks. It suggests being in a tough position with limited options.
Example: Our team is against the wall in this competition, but we're not giving up.
Note:
Wall - Examples
The wall is made of bricks.
Le mur est fait de briques.
The castle had thick walls.
Le château avait de épais murs.
The village is surrounded by walls.
Le village est entouré de murs.
Wall grammar
Wall - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: wall
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): walls
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): wall
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): walled
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): walling
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): walls
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): wall
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): wall
Syllables, Separation and Stress
wall Contains 1 syllables: wall
Phonetic transcription: ˈwȯl
wall , ˈwȯl (The red syllable is stressed)
Wall - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
wall: 600 - 700 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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