Meaning of "knock" in English

In English, "knock" primarily refers to the action of striking a surface noisily to attract attention, often done with a knuckle on a door. It is a versatile verb that can also imply causing something to move or fall with a similar impact or sound. Metaphorically, "knock" can indicate criticizing or diminishing someone's confidence, as in "knocking someone down a peg."

Meaning of "knock" in French

In French, "knock" is used in similar contexts as in English, though the direct French translation is "toquer." It refers to knocking on a surface to signal one's presence or intention to enter. The meaning extends metaphorically, consistent with its English counterpart, to describe disturbing an object or figuratively diminishing someone's confidence.

Pronunciation of "knock" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /nɒk/

Pronunciation Variations: In the United States, "knock" is pronounced with a short 'o,' sounding like "nahk," while in the UK, it is slightly shorter but similar. The 'k' is silent, and the emphasis is on the 'o.'

Pronunciation of "knock" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /nɔk/ (Note: In French, "toquer" /tɔke/ is more commonly used)

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "knock" in a French context remains quite faithful to its English pronouncement, especially in formal settings, due to its Anglicism in French. However, "toquer" is often used instead in casual conversation.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. I heard a knock on the door. (J'ai entendu un coup à la porte.)
  2. Please knock before entering. (Veuillez frapper avant d'entrer.)
  3. The box fell with a knock. (La boîte est tombée avec un bruit sourd.)
  4. He gave a gentle knock on the wall. (Il a donné un coup léger sur le mur.)
  5. Don't knock it until you try it. (Ne critiquez pas avant d'avoir essayé.)
  6. The wind caused the shutters to knock. (Le vent a fait claquer les volets.)
  7. Someone knocked loudly at midnight. (Quelqu'un a frappé fort à minuit.)
  8. She knocked over the vase accidentally. (Elle a renversé le vase accidentellement.)
  9. The sound of knocking was persistent. (Le bruit des coups était persistant.)
  10. The system knocks out viruses effectively. (Le système élimine efficacement les virus.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "knock" in English

Synonyms: rap, tap, strike, hit, bang, pound, thump, bump, smack, pummel.

Antonyms: miss.

Similar Words: knock out, punch, beat, knock down, slam, crash, hammer.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "knock" in French

Synonyms: frapper, toquer, cogner, taper, heurter, choquer, bruit, coup.

Antonyms: -.

Similar Words: sonner, secouer, tambouriner, toucher, battre.

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