la foudre
lightning
C'est une lumière très forte qui descend du ciel pendant un orage et qui peut faire du bruit et des dégâts.
The French word "foudre" primarily means "lightning" or "thunderbolt." It refers to the natural electrical discharge that occurs during a storm.
Meanings:
- Lightning / Thunderbolt: The sudden flash or strike seen during a thunderstorm.
- Figurative use: It can be used metaphorically to describe something very sudden, powerful, or impactful, e.g., "tomber en foudre" meaning "fall struck like lightning" (fall in love suddenly).
Synonyms and differences:
- Éclair: Also means "lightning," but is often used for the visible flash of light in the sky. It is more commonly used in everyday language.
- Foudre: Focuses more on the powerful, destructive electric bolt itself; sometimes emphasizes the force aspect.
- Tonnerre: Means "thunder," the noise that follows lightning. It is distinct from "foudre" which refers to the visible flash or strike.
In summary, "foudre" is a somewhat more formal or literary word for lightning, emphasizing the raw power or destructive ability of the strike compared to the more general "éclair."
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Examples
Parfois, la foudre provoque des coupures d'électricité.noun
Sometimes, lightning causes power outages.
La foudre a frappé un arbre pendant l’orage.noun
Lightning struck a tree during the storm.
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