What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vitesse
Example
La vitesse de la voiture est de 120 kilomètres par heure. [vitesse: noun]
Example
Le conducteur a augmenté la vitesse pour rattraper le train. [vitesse: noun]
velocity
Example
The velocity of the rocket was measured at 5000 meters per second. [velocity: noun]
Example
The ball's velocity decreased as it encountered air resistance. [velocity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Velocity is a more common word in English than vitesse in French. Velocity is used in various scientific fields, including physics, engineering, and mathematics, while vitesse is more limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vitesse and velocity?
Velocity is a more formal term than vitesse. It is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts and may not be appropriate for casual conversation. Vitesse, on the other hand, may have a more casual connotation in French and can be used in everyday conversation.
