discipline
/di.si.plin/feminine
The English phrase discipline is discipline in French.
The noun discipline refers to controlled behaviour or self-control.
Meaning: controlled behaviour, self-control (noun)
Which one should you use?
discipline is the noun used to describe the concept of controlled behaviour, whereas the verb discipliner is used to describe the act of training someone or imposing discipline upon them.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun discipline is a feminine noun, often preceded by the article la (la discipline) to mean 'the discipline'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /di.si.plin/ and consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In a historical religious context, une discipline referred to a small whip used for self-flagellation. This physical object shares the exact same word as the abstract concept of self-control.
- The Latin root of discipline, 'disciplina', is closely linked to the word 'discere', which means 'to learn'. This suggests that, at its core, the concept of discipline is fundamentally about the process of acquiring knowledge.
- When talking about sports, French speakers often use la discipline to refer to the specific event itself, such as the '100-meter dash' being a discipline of athletics.
Examples in context
- Au-delà d'une saine discipline, ménage-toi.Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.This sentence shows how to use discipline when discussing self-care and healthy habits.Tatoeba #1491529 by sacredceltic, translation #1490954 by BraveSentry
- La traduction est une discipline académique.Translation is a scholarly discipline.This sentence illustrates using discipline to refer to a field of academic study.Tatoeba #1689458 by sacredceltic, translation #1689027 by shanghainese
- La discipline est l'élément le plus important du succès.Discipline is the most important component of success.This sentence demonstrates the use of discipline as a key component of success.Tatoeba #8418534 by Aiji, translation #7861973 by AlanF_US
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing their new fitness routine.
- ManonIl faut de la discipline pour courir tous les matins.It takes discipline to run every morning.
- HugoTu as raison, Manon, c'est difficile.You are right, Manon, it is difficult.
- ManonMais avec de la discipline, on y arrive.But with discipline, we can do it.
- HugoJe vais essayer d'être plus rigoureux.I will try to be more rigorous.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “discipline” translations and entries discipline, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries discipline, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
