presser
squeeze · press · hurry
C’est appliquer une force sur quelque chose pour le faire sortir ou changer de forme.
The French word presser is a verb with several related meanings in English, primarily centered around the idea of applying pressure or urging someone.
Meaning:
-
To press or squeeze
This is the physical action of applying pressure to something, such as pressing clothes, squeezing fruit for juice, or pressing buttons. -
To urge or hurry someone
It can also mean to push someone to do something quickly or without delay. For example, "Il me presse de finir" means "He is urging me to finish."
Word parts:
- press-: Root coming from Latin pressare, meaning to press repeatedly.
- -er: Typical French verb infinitive ending for the first conjugation verbs.
Synonyms:
- For the physical act: appuyer (to press/lean), serrer (to tighten, squeeze)
- For the urging meaning: hâter (to hasten), pousser (to push), presser quelqu’un (to push someone to do something)
Antonyms:
- For the physical meaning: relâcher (to release), détendre (to loosen)
- For the urging sense: retarder (to delay), calmer (to calm)
In summary, presser deals with applying physical pressure or exerting urgency. Understanding the context will help determine which meaning applies.
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Examples
Nous allons presser ce citron rapidement.verb
We are going to squeeze this lemon quickly.
Nous allons presser quelques citrons ce matin.verb
We are going to press some lemons this morning.
Tu devrais presser ce citron pour en faire du jus.verb
You should squeeze this lemon to make juice from it.
Si nous ne nous pressons pas, nous allons manquer le début du film.verb
If we do not hurry, we are going to miss the beginning of the movie.
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