arrondi
/a.ʁɔ̃.di/
The phrase for rounding numbers in French is arrondi.
arrondi refers to the process of replacing a number with a simpler value that is approximately the same. In formal mathematical contexts, you can use specific phrases to describe the level of precision: arrondir au nombre entier le plus proche for rounding to the nearest whole number, arrondir à la première décimale for rounding to the nearest tenth and arrondir à la seconde décimale for rounding to the nearest hundredth.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun arrondi has a corresponding verb form, arrondir, which means to round. To specify the precision of the rounding, use the preposition à followed by the place value. For example, use arrondi à l'unité for rounded to the nearest whole number, arrondi à la dizaine for rounded to the nearest ten and arrondi à la centaine for rounded to the nearest hundred.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.ʁɔ̃.di/ (3 syllables)
Did you know?
- The verb arrondir can be used idiomatically in the phrase arrondir ses fins de mois, which means to supplement one's income to make ends meet.
- When a waiter or a customer decides to increase a bill to a whole number as a tip, they might use the expression arrondir la note. This turns a mathematical operation into a gesture of social generosity.
- When rounding up or down in French, speakers use the terms par excès for 'by excess' and par défaut for 'by default'.
Examples in context
- L'arrondi est nécessaire pour ce calcul.Rounding is necessary for this calculation.
- Vérifiez l'arrondi de ce montant.Check the rounding of this amount.
- L'arrondi à l'unité est obligatoire ici.Rounding to the nearest whole number is mandatory here.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are checking a budget report in an office.
- LucasChloé, il y a une erreur dans l'arrondi.Chloé, there is an error in the rounding.
- ChloéJe vais corriger l'arrondi tout de suite.I will correct the rounding right away.
- LucasMerci, c'est important pour le rapport.Thanks, it is important for the report.
- ChloéC'est fait, Lucas.It is done, Lucas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry arrondi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
