noun

le effort

effort

C'est l'action de faire de son mieux pour réussir quelque chose, même si cela demande de l'énergie ou du travail.

Definition & meaning

Effort is a masculine French noun meaning effort, exertion, or the energy used to achieve something.

Its main meanings include:

Physical or mental exertion: the energy required to do something difficult.
Cet exercice demande beaucoup d’effort. — “This exercise requires a lot of effort.”
An attempt or act of trying: an intentional attempt to improve a situation or achieve a goal.
Il a fait un effort pour comprendre. — “He made an effort to understand.”
A contribution or sacrifice: something done for the benefit of a group or a shared objective.
Les efforts de chacun ont permis de réussir. — “Everyone’s efforts made it possible to succeed.”
An improvement or deliberate change in behavior: often used when someone tries to do better.
Elle fait des efforts en français. — “She is making an effort in French.”

Grammar & Word origin

Gender: masculine
Singular: un effort
Plural: des efforts
Pronunciation: approximately eh-fɔʀ
Common constructions:
- faire un effort — to make an effort
- faire des efforts — to make efforts / to try harder
- demander un effort — to require an effort
- déployer des efforts — to put forth considerable effort

The word comes from Old French esfort, from the verb esforcier, meaning “to strengthen” or “to exert oneself.” It is related to the Latin-based idea of applying force or strength.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

— an attempt; emphasizes the act of trying rather than the energy involved.
— exertion; stresses the use of physical or mental energy.
— diligence or sustained concentration, especially in work or study.
— energy; refers to the available force or vitality, not necessarily to a specific attempt.
— work; focuses on the work performed rather than the effort behind it.
— sacrifice; emphasizes giving something up in order to achieve a goal.