attelle
/a.tɛl/
The French word for brace is attelle.
In formal contexts, a brace or support belt for the lower back or abdomen is called a Ceinture de soutènement.
Meaning: intransitive: to prepare for something bad (verb)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/a.tɛl/
Did you know?
- While attelle refers to a medical brace, the French word for 'braces' on teeth is bagues, which literally means 'rings'.
- In a nautical context, to 'brace' a yard is described as brasser, a verb that also means to 'brew' beer.
- While attelle refers to a physical support, if you are bracing yourself mentally for a shock, a French speaker might use the phrase se préparer au pire instead.
Examples in context
- Je vais avoir un appareil dentaire la semaine prochaine.I'm getting braces next week.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are waiting for a difficult performance review.
- ManonLe patron a l'air très fâché aujourd'hui.The boss looks very angry today.
- GabrielJe pense qu'on doit s'atteller à une critique.I think we should brace ourselves for a critique.
- ManonTu as raison, Gabriel, c'est probable.You are right, Gabriel, it is likely.
- GabrielRestons calmes malgré tout.Let's stay calm despite everything.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry attelle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
