B2 noun #7,000 le plus courant 3 min de lecture

conductor

A conductor has a few meanings, so it's good to understand the context.

Primarily, it refers to a person who leads an orchestra or choir, making sure all the musicians play together correctly. Another common meaning is someone who works on a train or bus and is responsible for tickets and passengers.

In science, a conductor is a material that easily lets things like electricity, heat, or sound pass through it.

For example, copper is a good conductor of electricity.

conductor en 30 secondes

  • Person who directs an orchestra or choir.
  • An official in charge of a train or bus.
  • A material that allows electricity, heat, or sound to pass through it easily.

§ In the Workplace

The word "conductor" frequently appears in discussions about various professions and industries. Depending on the context, its meaning can shift significantly.

Performing Arts
In the world of music, a conductor is the individual who leads an orchestra, choir, or other musical ensemble. They are responsible for guiding the musicians through a piece, ensuring synchronization, tempo, and artistic interpretation.

The conductor raised his baton, and a hush fell over the audience.

Transportation
In public transport, particularly trains and buses, a conductor is a staff member responsible for various duties, including collecting tickets or fares, assisting passengers, and ensuring the smooth operation of the vehicle. This role is more prevalent in some regions than others.

The train conductor announced the next stop over the intercom.

§ In Academic and Scientific Settings

The word "conductor" takes on a completely different meaning in scientific and academic discussions, especially in physics and engineering.

Physics and Engineering
In these fields, a conductor refers to any material that allows for the easy transmission of energy, such as electricity, heat, or sound. This is a fundamental concept in understanding how various technologies and natural phenomena work.

Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, which is why it's commonly used in wiring.

§ In Everyday News and Media

You'll often encounter the word "conductor" in news reports and articles covering a range of topics.

  • Arts and Culture: News about classical music concerts, opera performances, or a new artistic director taking over an orchestra will frequently mention the conductor.
  • Travel and Transportation: Reports on train services, updates on public transport infrastructure, or historical pieces about railways may feature the role of a conductor.
  • Science and Technology: Articles discussing new materials, advancements in electronics, or scientific discoveries about energy transfer will use "conductor" to describe materials with specific properties.

Understanding the various contexts in which "conductor" is used is key to comprehending its precise meaning. The surrounding words and the general topic of discussion will always provide clues to help you interpret it correctly.

Exemples par niveau

1

The renowned conductor raised his baton, and the orchestra began to play a magnificent symphony.

Famous leader of an orchestra.

Here, 'conductor' refers to a person who directs music.

2

As the train pulled into the station, the conductor announced the next stop over the intercom.

Train official.

In this context, 'conductor' is a person working on a train.

3

Copper is an excellent electrical conductor, which is why it's used in so many wires.

Material that transmits electricity well.

Here, 'conductor' is a material that allows electricity to pass.

4

The bus conductor politely asked the passengers to have their tickets ready.

Bus official collecting fares.

This refers to a person working on a bus who collects fares.

5

The young conductor made her debut with the philharmonic orchestra, receiving a standing ovation.

New orchestra director.

Again, 'conductor' as a person directing music.

6

Heat conductors are essential in cooking, allowing pans to heat food efficiently.

Materials that transmit heat.

Here, 'conductor' refers to a material that allows heat to pass.

7

Before the show, the conductor met with the musicians to discuss the final arrangements.

Orchestra leader.

This usage is about the person directing an orchestra.

8

Certain metals are known to be good conductors of sound, making them useful in acoustic devices.

Materials that transmit sound.

In this sentence, 'conductor' is a material that allows sound to pass.

Synonymes

maestro director leader transmitter guide controller

Antonymes

insulator follower

Collocations courantes

orchestra conductor
train conductor
bus conductor
music conductor
guest conductor
assistant conductor
electrical conductor
thermal conductor
good conductor
poor conductor

Phrases Courantes

the conductor raises his baton

the conductor takes a bow

a conductor of electricity

a conductor of heat

the conductor punched my ticket

the conductor announced the next stop

under the baton of the conductor

the conductor led the orchestra

copper is a good conductor

glass is a poor conductor

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

An orchestra conductor leading a symphony.

  • The conductor raised his baton.
  • The orchestra followed the conductor's lead.
  • A renowned conductor.

A train conductor checking tickets.

  • The train conductor announced the next stop.
  • He showed his ticket to the conductor.
  • The conductor walked through the carriages.

Discussing electrical materials.

  • Copper is a good electrical conductor.
  • Some materials are better conductors than others.
  • A semiconductor is not as efficient a conductor as a metal.

A choir conductor guiding a performance.

  • The choir conductor brought out the best in the singers.
  • She aspired to be a choir conductor.
  • The conductor's passion was evident.

A bus conductor collecting fares.

  • The bus conductor gave him a ticket.
  • She paid the conductor her fare.
  • The conductor called out the stops.

Amorces de conversation

"Have you ever seen a live orchestra with a conductor?"

"What do you think is the most challenging part of being a train conductor?"

"Can you name some common electrical conductors?"

"If you were a conductor, would you prefer to lead an orchestra or a choir, and why?"

"Have you ever had an interesting interaction with a bus or train conductor?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time you witnessed a conductor (of any type) in action. What did you observe about their role and responsibilities?

Imagine you are a conductor. Which type of conductor would you be, and what would a typical day in your life involve?

Reflect on the concept of 'conduction' in a metaphorical sense. What in your life acts as a conductor for ideas, emotions, or opportunities?

Write a short story about a conductor who faces an unexpected challenge during a performance or journey.

Consider the qualities needed to be an effective conductor. Which of these qualities do you possess, and which would you like to develop further?

Teste-toi 48 questions

listening A1

A person who directs an orchestra.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The conductor leads the music.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening A1

A person who works on a train.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The train conductor helps people.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening A1

A material that lets electricity pass.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Copper is a good conductor of electricity.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

Say: The conductor is very busy.

Focus: conductor

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

Say: I see the train conductor.

Focus: train conductor

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

Say: Metal is a conductor.

Focus: conductor

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
sentence order A1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The train conductor helps passengers.

This sentence describes the role of a train conductor.

sentence order A1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : She is a music conductor.

This sentence identifies someone as a music conductor.

sentence order A1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : A good conductor can direct an orchestra.

This sentence explains what a conductor does in music.

writing B1

Imagine you are a train conductor for a day. Describe your duties and what you enjoy most about your job.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

As a train conductor, I would check tickets and help passengers find their seats. I would make announcements about the stops. The best part would be seeing new places and making sure everyone has a good trip.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing B1

Explain what a musical conductor does during a performance. What skills do you think they need?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

A musical conductor leads the orchestra or choir. They use their hands and a baton to show the musicians how to play. They need to understand music well and be able to keep everyone playing together in time.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing B1

Describe a material that is a good electrical conductor and explain why it's used in everyday objects.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Copper is a very good electrical conductor. This means electricity can pass through it easily. That's why it's used for electric wires in homes and in many electronic devices. It helps us use power safely.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
reading B1

What is the conductor's role in this passage?

Read this passage:

The famous orchestra was preparing for its biggest concert of the year. The conductor, a small woman with bright eyes, stepped onto the podium. With a graceful movement of her hands, she brought the music to life. The audience was captivated by the beautiful sounds.

What is the conductor's role in this passage?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : She directs the orchestra's performance.

The passage states, 'With a graceful movement of her hands, she brought the music to life,' indicating she is directing the orchestra.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : She directs the orchestra's performance.

The passage states, 'With a graceful movement of her hands, she brought the music to life,' indicating she is directing the orchestra.

reading B1

What was one of the conductor's duties on the train?

Read this passage:

On a busy Monday morning, the train conductor announced the next station. He walked through the carriages, checking tickets and answering questions from passengers. His job was important for ensuring everyone traveled safely and on time.

What was one of the conductor's duties on the train?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : He checked passenger tickets.

The passage mentions that he was 'checking tickets and answering questions from passengers,' clearly stating one of his duties.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : He checked passenger tickets.

The passage mentions that he was 'checking tickets and answering questions from passengers,' clearly stating one of his duties.

reading B1

Why is copper used in electrical devices according to the passage?

Read this passage:

Many electrical devices use materials that are good conductors. For example, the wires inside your phone or computer are often made of copper. This metal allows electricity to flow easily, which is essential for these devices to work properly. Without good conductors, our modern technology wouldn't exist.

Why is copper used in electrical devices according to the passage?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Because it allows electricity to flow easily.

The passage states, 'This metal allows electricity to flow easily, which is essential for these devices to work properly.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Because it allows electricity to flow easily.

The passage states, 'This metal allows electricity to flow easily, which is essential for these devices to work properly.'

sentence order B1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The orchestra conductor raised his baton.

This sentence describes the action of an orchestra conductor.

sentence order B1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The bus conductor collected the fares.

This sentence describes the role of a bus conductor.

sentence order B1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Copper is a good conductor of electricity.

This sentence refers to the scientific meaning of 'conductor'.

writing B2

Imagine you are a renowned orchestra conductor. Describe a typical day in your life, including rehearsals, performances, and the challenges you face.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

As an orchestra conductor, my day often begins with individual score study, delving into the nuances of each piece we're preparing. Rehearsals are intense, guiding musicians through dynamics and tempo, ensuring a cohesive sound. In the evenings, performances are exhilarating, translating months of work into a captivating experience for the audience. The main challenge is to convey my artistic vision effectively to a large group of talented individuals.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing B2

Write a short paragraph explaining the difference between an electrical conductor and an insulator, providing examples of each.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

An electrical conductor is a material that allows electricity to flow through it easily, like copper in wires or metals such as silver and gold. In contrast, an insulator is a material that resists the flow of electricity, preventing it from passing through. Common examples of insulators include rubber, plastic, and glass, which are often used to protect us from electrical currents.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing B2

You are a train conductor. Write a brief announcement you might make to passengers during a journey, providing important information.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This is your conductor speaking. We are currently approaching [Station Name], our next scheduled stop. Please ensure you have all your personal belongings with you when alighting. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we anticipate a slight delay of approximately ten minutes upon arrival. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding. Enjoy the rest of your journey.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
reading B2

What is the primary role of the conductor described in the passage?

Read this passage:

The esteemed conductor raised his baton, and a hush fell over the audience. With a flick of his wrist, the orchestra erupted into a powerful symphony, their instruments weaving a tapestry of sound. His expressive movements guided each section, ensuring perfect synchronization and emotional depth.

What is the primary role of the conductor described in the passage?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : To direct and guide the musicians during a performance.

The passage clearly states the conductor 'raised his baton' and 'his expressive movements guided each section,' indicating his role in directing the orchestra.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : To direct and guide the musicians during a performance.

The passage clearly states the conductor 'raised his baton' and 'his expressive movements guided each section,' indicating his role in directing the orchestra.

reading B2

According to the passage, what property makes copper suitable for electrical wiring?

Read this passage:

Copper is an excellent electrical conductor, which is why it is widely used in wiring for homes and electronic devices. Its atomic structure allows electrons to move freely, facilitating the transmission of electrical currents with minimal resistance.

According to the passage, what property makes copper suitable for electrical wiring?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Its capacity to allow electrons to move freely.

The passage states that copper's 'atomic structure allows electrons to move freely, facilitating the transmission of electrical currents,' which is key to its conductivity.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Its capacity to allow electrons to move freely.

The passage states that copper's 'atomic structure allows electrons to move freely, facilitating the transmission of electrical currents,' which is key to its conductivity.

reading B2

What responsibilities did the train conductor have during the journey?

Read this passage:

The train conductor meticulously checked each passenger's ticket before the journey began. Throughout the trip, he walked through the carriages, ensuring everyone was comfortable and addressing any inquiries. His calm demeanor helped to reassure passengers during an unexpected brief stop.

What responsibilities did the train conductor have during the journey?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Collecting and verifying tickets, and attending to passenger comfort.

The passage mentions the conductor 'checked each passenger's ticket' and 'walked through the carriages, ensuring everyone was comfortable and addressing any inquiries.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Collecting and verifying tickets, and attending to passenger comfort.

The passage mentions the conductor 'checked each passenger's ticket' and 'walked through the carriages, ensuring everyone was comfortable and addressing any inquiries.'

sentence order B2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The orchestra conductor raised his baton to begin the symphony.

This sentence describes the action of an orchestra conductor. The word order follows a standard subject-verb-object structure.

sentence order B2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The train conductor checked tickets as passengers boarded.

This sentence refers to a train conductor's duty. The structure is clear, with 'The train conductor' as the subject.

sentence order B2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Copper is a good conductor of electricity.

This sentence uses 'conductor' in its scientific sense. The phrase 'good conductor of electricity' is a common collocation.

multiple choice C1

The renowned ______ raised his baton, and a symphony of harmonious sounds filled the concert hall.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : conductor

A conductor directs an orchestra. The other options refer to different roles in music.

multiple choice C1

During the tumultuous journey, the train ______ diligently checked tickets and assisted passengers with their luggage.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : conductor

A train conductor is responsible for checking tickets and assisting passengers. An engineer drives the train, a steward serves passengers, and a guard has security duties.

multiple choice C1

Copper is an excellent ______ of electricity, making it ideal for wiring in electronic devices.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : conductor

In a scientific context, a conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily. An insulator blocks electricity, an amplifier increases signal strength, and a capacitor stores electrical energy.

true false C1

A conductor of a choir is primarily responsible for tuning the instruments.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

A choir conductor directs the singing, while an instrumentalist or technician is typically responsible for tuning instruments.

true false C1

In physics, a semiconductor is a material that always blocks the flow of electricity completely.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

A semiconductor allows electricity to flow under certain conditions, unlike an insulator which completely blocks it.

true false C1

A bus conductor's main duty is to drive the bus and navigate the routes.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

A bus conductor collects fares and assists passengers, while the bus driver operates the vehicle.

listening C1

Focus on the role of a conductor in an orchestra.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The renowned conductor raised his baton, and a hush fell over the orchestra.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening C1

Consider the conductor's responsibility on a train.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Upon boarding the train, I handed my ticket to the conductor, who then punched it and directed me to my seat.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening C1

Think about materials that allow electricity to pass through.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, making it ideal for wiring.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

Can you explain the various roles a 'conductor' might have in different contexts?

Focus: various roles, different contexts

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

Describe a situation where a good conductor of heat would be essential.

Focus: good conductor, essential

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

Imagine you are a train conductor. What announcements would you typically make to passengers?

Focus: train conductor, announcements, passengers

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 48 correct

Perfect score!

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