lutter
To struggle or contend with an adversary or difficulty.
Lutter represents a determined and sustained effort to overcome an adversary or a difficult situation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To fight or struggle against an obstacle.
- Used for physical combat or abstract goals.
- Implies sustained effort and determination.
Summary
Lutter represents a determined and sustained effort to overcome an adversary or a difficult situation.
- To fight or struggle against an obstacle.
- Used for physical combat or abstract goals.
- Implies sustained effort and determination.
Use lutter for long-term goals
Think of 'lutter' as a marathon, not a sprint. Use it when describing a cause you support over time.
Avoid literal physical combat
For a simple fistfight, 'se battre' is more natural. Reserve 'lutter' for more serious or metaphorical struggles.
Social activism in France
French culture values 'la lutte' in social movements. You will often hear 'la lutte continue' in political contexts.
Examples
3 of 3Il lutte chaque jour pour nourrir sa famille.
He struggles every day to feed his family.
Le gouvernement lutte contre l'inflation.
The government is fighting against inflation.
Je lutte contre le sommeil en ce moment.
I am fighting sleep right now.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'L' in Lutter as 'Long-term'. You struggle for a long time when you 'lutter'.
Aperçu
'Lutter' est un verbe d'action qui exprime la persévérance et la résistance. Il ne s'agit pas seulement d'un conflit physique, mais souvent d'un engagement moral ou psychologique face à des épreuves. 2) Modèles d'utilisation : On utilise principalement la structure 'lutter contre + [nom]' pour désigner l'ennemi ou l'obstacle. Il peut être suivi d'un infinitif ('lutter pour faire quelque chose') pour exprimer un objectif noble. 3) Contextes courants : Le verbe est omniprésent dans les discours politiques, sportifs et sociaux. On lutte contre la pauvreté, contre le changement climatique, ou on lutte pour ses droits. Dans un cadre plus intime, on peut lutter contre la maladie ou la fatigue. 4) Comparaison : Contrairement à 'se battre' qui est très direct et souvent physique, 'lutter' porte une connotation de durée et de ténacité. 'Se défendre' est plus passif, tandis que 'lutter' implique une initiative volontaire et active de la part du sujet.
Usage Notes
Lutter is a versatile verb used in both formal and informal contexts. It is more sophisticated than 'se battre' when discussing abstract concepts. Ensure you use 'contre' for enemies and 'pour' for goals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'lutter avec' when they mean 'lutter contre'. 'Avec' implies cooperation, whereas 'contre' implies opposition. Remember that the struggle is usually directed at something negative.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'L' in Lutter as 'Long-term'. You struggle for a long time when you 'lutter'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'lucter', coming from the Latin 'luctari', which specifically meant to wrestle or struggle.
Cultural Context
The word is deeply tied to French labor history and the concept of 'lutte des classes'. It carries a sense of dignity and collective effort.
Examples
Il lutte chaque jour pour nourrir sa famille.
everydayHe struggles every day to feed his family.
Le gouvernement lutte contre l'inflation.
formalThe government is fighting against inflation.
Je lutte contre le sommeil en ce moment.
informalI am fighting sleep right now.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Lutter jusqu'au bout
To fight until the end
Une lutte acharnée
A fierce struggle
Often Confused With
Se battre is more physical and aggressive. Lutter is more about perseverance and effort.
Grammar Patterns
Use lutter for long-term goals
Think of 'lutter' as a marathon, not a sprint. Use it when describing a cause you support over time.
Avoid literal physical combat
For a simple fistfight, 'se battre' is more natural. Reserve 'lutter' for more serious or metaphorical struggles.
Social activism in France
French culture values 'la lutte' in social movements. You will often hear 'la lutte continue' in political contexts.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la bonne préposition.
Nous devons lutter ___ l'injustice sociale.
On lutte contre un obstacle ou une injustice.
Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsSe battre est souvent lié à une confrontation physique directe et immédiate. Lutter suggère un effort plus long, plus profond et souvent plus abstrait ou moral.
Oui, on dit souvent 'lutter contre ses émotions' ou 'lutter contre la tentation'. Cela souligne la difficulté de contrôler ses propres pulsions.
On utilise généralement 'contre' pour désigner l'obstacle (lutter contre le froid) ou 'pour' pour désigner un but ou une cause (lutter pour la liberté).
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.
absolument
A2Absolutely.
abstinence
B1The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something.
abstraction
B2Concept ou idée générale plutôt que quelque chose de concret ou particulier.
absurde
B2absurd, ridiculous
à cause de
A2Because of; on account of (a neutral or negative cause).
accompli
B2Successfully completed or achieved.
acheminer
B1To transport, convey, or send something to a destination.
acheté
B2Acquired by paying for it.
