batterie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, but technical in artillery/legal contexts
Quick answer
What does “batterie” mean?
A device containing one or more cells that produces electrical energy, or a series of connected artillery guns.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device containing one or more cells that produces electrical energy, or a series of connected artillery guns.
A set of similar units or devices connected or used together (e.g., a battery of tests), or the illegal act of physically assaulting someone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. The 'assault' meaning ('assault and battery') is common in both legal systems but more frequent in general AmE reporting. The 'artillery' meaning is more common in BrE historical/military contexts.
Connotations
In both, 'battery' suggests systematic power (electrical) or a systematic grouping. In legal contexts, it carries a strong negative connotation of violence.
Frequency
The electrical meaning is by far the most frequent in everyday usage for both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “batterie” in a Sentence
The battery needs [VERB-ing] (replacing/charging).They faced a battery of [PLURAL NOUN] (questions/tests).He was charged with assault and battery.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “batterie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They attempted to battery the old fort.
- He was arrested for batterying a police officer.
American English
- The legal charge was for batterying the victim.
- The troops did not battery the position.
adjective
British English
- It's a battery-operated toy.
- They live near a battery chicken farm.
American English
- Make sure you have a battery-powered radio.
- The battery compartment is on the back.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to products (rechargeable batteries), technology (battery life as a product feature), or metaphorically ('a battery of new regulations').
Academic
Used in engineering (battery chemistry), psychology/medicine ('a battery of cognitive tests'), and military history.
Everyday
Almost exclusively refers to electrical cells for devices, toys, or vehicles.
Technical
Specific types (lithium-ion battery), artillery unit configurations, or the legal charge of battery.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “batterie”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “batterie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “batterie”
- Using 'battery' for a single gun (it's a group).
- Misspelling as 'batery'.
- Using the legal term 'battery' in casual contexts instead of 'fight' or 'attack'.
- Saying 'the battery is empty' (prefer 'flat' in BrE, 'dead' in AmE).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In legal terms, 'assault' is the threat or attempt to inflict harm, creating a reasonable fear in the victim. 'Battery' is the actual, intentional physical contact or harmful/offensive touching. They are often charged together as 'assault and battery'.
Yes, but it is rare, formal, and almost exclusively used in legal contexts (e.g., 'He was accused of batterying the officer'). In everyday language, the noun form is standard.
Both are correct, but 'flat' is more common in British English, while 'dead' is more common in American English. 'The battery is low' is also used when it has some charge left.
It means a series or set of tests, often administered one after the other, designed to assess different aspects or skills comprehensively (e.g., for a job, medical diagnosis, or psychological evaluation).
A device containing one or more cells that produces electrical energy, or a series of connected artillery guns.
Batterie is usually neutral, but technical in artillery/legal contexts in register.
Batterie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbæt(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbætəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Recharge your batteries (rest to regain energy)”
- “A battery of questions (a lot of questions asked quickly)”
- “To face the full battery of something (to endure the whole series)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A BATtery powers a device like a bat powers through the air—both provide the energy for action. A BATtery of guns fires repeatedly, like a bat hitting a ball again and again.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENERGY/ACTION IS STORED IN A CONTAINER (a battery stores power). A SERIES/ATTACK IS A MECHANICAL UNIT (a battery of questions fires at you).
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, 'battery' specifically refers to: