polyvalent
/pɔ.li.va.lɑ̃/
The English phrase multipurpose can be translated into French using polyvalent, multi-usages or à usages multiples.
Meaning: having multiple uses (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| polyvalent | /pɔ.li.va.lɑ̃/ |
| multi-usages | |
| à usages multiples |
All these forms express the idea of having multiple uses.
Which one should you use?
While polyvalent is often used for people (meaning versatile) or scientific contexts (like vaccines), à usages multiples is more common for physical objects or tools.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective polyvalent changes its form depending on what it describes: use polyvalente for a feminine singular noun, polyvalents for a masculine plural noun and polyvalentes for a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
polyvalent is pronounced /pɔ.li.va.lɑ̃/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word polyvalent is a cognate of the English 'polyvalent', though the English word is used almost exclusively in technical or chemical contexts.
- In French sports terminology, a joueur polyvalent is an athlete who can play multiple positions on the field or court effectively.
- The word valent in polyvalent comes from the Latin 'valentia', which refers to strength or power.
Examples in context
- C'est un instrument polyvalent.It's a multipurpose instrument.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a multipurpose instrument using polyvalent.Tatoeba #8924972 by lbdx, translation #8819592 by HeyItsMark
- Ce produit est polyvalentThis product is multipurpose
- Ce système est adaptable à différentes utilisationsThis system is adaptable to different uses
- Ce téléphone est tout-en-un, il fait office de caméra, de lecteur audio, et bien plus encoreThis phone is all-in-one, it functions as a camera, audio player, and much more
- Cet outil est vraiment polyvalent.This tool is truly multipurpose.
- Elle cherche un meuble polyvalent pour son studio.She is looking for a multipurpose piece of furniture for her studio.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing a new kitchen tool.
- HugoRegarde ce robot culinaire, il est polyvalent.Look at this food processor, it is multipurpose.
- LéaQu'est-ce qu'il peut faire exactement ?What exactly can it do?
- HugoIl peut hacher, mixer et pétrir.It can chop, blend, and knead.
- LéaC'est parfait pour notre petite cuisine.That is perfect for our small kitchen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “multipurpose” translations and entries polyvalent, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries polyvalent, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
