Meaning of "ladder" in English

A ladder is a tool used for climbing up or down, consisting of two sidepieces joined at intervals by crosspieces on which a person may step. Ladders are often portable and used in various settings, such as homes, construction sites, and industrial environments. Types include step ladders, extension ladders, and multi-position ladders, each designed with specific purposes in mind, such as reaching high places or supporting substantial weight. The concept of a "ladder" can also be metaphorically extended to refer to one's career progression or success ladder in life.

Meaning of "échelle" in French

In French, "échelle" refers to an apparatus used for climbing or descending, similar to its English counterpart. It consists of parallel bars connected by rungs and is used in domestic, industrial, and emergency situations. Additionally, "échelle" extends beyond its literal meaning to describe a hierarchical scale or level, such as a scale in maps (échelle de carte) or a grading scale. This dual usage—both physical and metaphorical—illustrates its versatility in the French language, much like in English.

Pronunciation of "ladder" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈlædər/

Pronunciation Variations: In American English, "ladder" typically sounds like "lad-er" with a distinct "d" sound. In British English, it might sound more like "lad-uh" with a softer schwa sound in place of the "e," showing subtle regional differences.

Pronunciation of "échelle" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /e.ʃɛl/

Pronunciation Variations: "Échelle" is generally pronounced consistently across different regions of France. However, regional accents might slightly influence the sound, with some variances in the articulation of the "é" or "l" sounds based on dialectical differences.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. She climbed the ladder to reach the top shelf.
    (Elle a grimpé l'échelle pour atteindre l'étagère du haut.)

  2. The fireman used a ladder to save the cat from the tree.
    (Le pompier a utilisé une échelle pour sauver le chat de l'arbre.)

  3. He fell from the ladder while painting the house.
    (Il est tombé de l'échelle en peignant la maison.)

  4. A ladder is essential for cleaning high windows.
    (Une échelle est essentielle pour nettoyer les fenêtres hautes.)

  5. The ladder was too short to reach the roof.
    (L'échelle était trop courte pour atteindre le toit.)

  6. Extend the ladder before climbing.
    (Déployez l'échelle avant de grimper.)

  7. She stabilized the ladder while he climbed.
    (Elle a stabilisé l'échelle pendant qu'il grimpait.)

  8. A wooden ladder was used centuries ago.
    (Une échelle en bois était utilisée il y a des siècles.)

  9. The ladder symbolized his rise in the company.
    (L'échelle symbolisait son ascension dans l'entreprise.)

  10. He bought a new ladder for the renovation.
    (Il a acheté une nouvelle échelle pour la rénovation.)

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

Synonyms: staircase, stepladder, scaffold, rung, steps, stairway, ascent, rise, climb, escalator.

Antonyms: descent, decline, fall, drop, lower.

Similar Words: stair, stairway, elevation, rise, gradient.

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

Synonyms: escabeau, escalier, gradin, marche, palier, monture, montée, progression, ascension.

Antonyms: descente, chute, abaissement, déclin, décroissance.

Similar Words: étape, degré, niveau, prélèvement, proportion.

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