Grossir refers to an increase in volume, weight, or size, distinct from growing in height.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To gain body weight or increase in physical size.
- Used to describe objects that appear larger through lenses.
- A regular second-group verb ending in -ir.
Aperçu
'Grossir' est un verbe régulier du deuxième groupe (terminaison en -ir, participe présent en -issant). Il exprime l'idée d'une augmentation de masse ou de taille. C'est un terme fondamental pour décrire des changements physiques chez les êtres vivants ou des variations de volume d'objets.
Modèles d'utilisation
Le verbe peut être transitif ou intransitif. Dans un usage intransitif, il indique le changement d'état d'un sujet (ex: 'Il a grossi pendant l'hiver'). Dans un usage transitif, il signifie rendre quelque chose plus gros (ex: 'Cette loupe grossit les détails').
Contextes courants
On l'utilise souvent dans le domaine de la santé et du bien-être pour parler du poids. Il est également fréquent dans le domaine technique ou optique pour parler d'agrandissement. Par exemple, une lentille grossit l'image d'un objet.
Comparaison de mots similaires
'Grandir' est souvent confondu avec 'grossir'. Tandis que 'grandir' se réfère à une augmentation de la taille (hauteur/longueur), 'grossir' se réfère exclusivement à une augmentation de la largeur, du poids ou du volume. 'Épaissir' est un autre synonyme, mais il est utilisé pour des objets ou des substances, là où 'grossir' reste plus général.
Examples
J'ai grossi de trois kilos pendant les vacances.
everydayI gained three kilos during the holidays.
Cette robe me grossit.
informalThis dress makes me look fat.
La lentille grossit l'image dix fois.
academicThe lens magnifies the image ten times.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Il ne faut pas grossir le trait
One should not exaggerate
Often Confused With
Grandir means to grow in height or age. Grossir refers to width, weight, or volume.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Grossir is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. When referring to people, it is direct and potentially sensitive. In technical contexts, it is the standard term for magnification.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is using 'être' instead of 'avoir' for the compound tenses. Another error is confusing it with 'grandir' when talking about physical growth. Beginners sometimes use it as an adjective, which is incorrect.
Tips
Use the correct auxiliary verb
Always use 'avoir' with grossir when describing weight gain. Never use 'être' as you would with verbs like 'aller' or 'venir'.
Be careful with personal comments
Telling someone they have gained weight is often considered impolite in French culture. Use the word carefully in social settings.
French perspective on weight
French conversation often avoids direct comments on physical appearance. Using 'grossir' directly can be seen as a lack of social grace.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'gros', coming from the Latin 'grossus' meaning thick or fat. It has maintained this meaning of 'becoming thick' throughout its history.
Cultural Context
Weight is a sensitive topic in French culture, and direct comments are often avoided. The language reflects this by having nuanced ways to describe body changes.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'gross' amount of food making you get bigger. The word sounds like 'gross', which helps associate it with gaining extra weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNon, c'est une erreur courante. Il faut utiliser l'auxiliaire 'avoir' : 'J'ai grossi'.
Grossir signifie prendre du poids ou du volume. Grandir signifie augmenter en taille ou en hauteur.
Utilisé pour une personne, il peut être perçu comme direct ou blessant. Il est préférable d'utiliser des euphémismes si nécessaire.
Je grossis, tu grossis, il grossit, nous grossissons, vous grossissez, ils grossissent.
Test Yourself
Depuis qu'il mange trop de chocolat, il a ___ beaucoup.
Le participe passé est requis après l'auxiliaire 'avoir'.
Score: /1
Summary
Grossir refers to an increase in volume, weight, or size, distinct from growing in height.
- To gain body weight or increase in physical size.
- Used to describe objects that appear larger through lenses.
- A regular second-group verb ending in -ir.
Use the correct auxiliary verb
Always use 'avoir' with grossir when describing weight gain. Never use 'être' as you would with verbs like 'aller' or 'venir'.
Be careful with personal comments
Telling someone they have gained weight is often considered impolite in French culture. Use the word carefully in social settings.
French perspective on weight
French conversation often avoids direct comments on physical appearance. Using 'grossir' directly can be seen as a lack of social grace.
Examples
3 of 3J'ai grossi de trois kilos pendant les vacances.
I gained three kilos during the holidays.
Cette robe me grossit.
This dress makes me look fat.
La lentille grossit l'image dix fois.
The lens magnifies the image ten times.
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