solliciter la totalité
to solliciter a totalité
Literally: to solicit the totality
Use this phrase when you want to emphasize that every single part of a resource is being engaged.
In 15 Seconds
- Using 100% of a resource or ability.
- Common in professional, physical, or technical contexts.
- Implies a thorough and complete engagement.
Meaning
It means to call upon or use every single part of something. It's like asking for 100% effort from a person or pushing a machine to its absolute limit.
Key Examples
3 of 6Describing a difficult workout
Ce mouvement permet de solliciter la totalité des muscles du dos.
This movement allows you to engage all of the back muscles.
In a high-stakes business meeting
Ce projet va solliciter la totalité de nos ressources financières.
This project will require all of our financial resources.
Texting a friend about a long exam
L'examen a sollicité la totalité de mes neurones, je suis HS !
The exam used every single one of my neurons, I'm wiped out!
Cultural Background
The verb 'solliciter' comes from Latin 'sollicitare', meaning to agitate or move. In modern French, it has evolved into a term of formal request or engagement, reflecting the French administrative and intellectual tradition of being exhaustive and precise in one's actions.
The '100%' Rule
Only use this when you mean 100%. If you only use most of something, use 'la majeure partie' instead.
Don't be a Robot
Avoid using this in a bar or with kids. It sounds like a technical manual if used in casual conversation.
In 15 Seconds
- Using 100% of a resource or ability.
- Common in professional, physical, or technical contexts.
- Implies a thorough and complete engagement.
What It Means
Think of this as the 'all-in' phrase. When you solliciter la totalité, you aren't just dipping your toes in. You are engaging every single resource, muscle, or brain cell available. It sounds a bit fancy because of the word solliciter. However, it basically means you are putting the whole system to work. If you're running a marathon, you're using your whole body. If you're solving a complex puzzle, you're using your entire brain.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to sound precise. It often appears in technical, medical, or professional contexts. You can use it to talk about physical effort. For example, 'This exercise uses every muscle.' You can also use it for abstract things like attention or memory. It follows a simple pattern: [Subject] + [Verb] + la totalité de + [Noun]. It’s a great way to show you are a sophisticated speaker. Just don't use it for small things like eating a whole cookie.
When To Use It
Use it when the stakes are high. It’s perfect for a performance review at work. You might say you used all your skills for a project. It’s great at the gym when talking to a trainer about a workout. Use it when you want to emphasize that nothing was left behind. It works well in academic writing or when giving a presentation. It adds a layer of 'seriousness' to your French that simple words like utiliser just can't reach.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in super casual settings. If you’re asking a friend for a bite of their pizza, don't say you want to solliciter la totalité of their slice. They will think you’ve turned into a robot. Also, avoid it for negative things. You wouldn't 'solicit the totality' of a bad smell. It implies a purposeful engagement of resources. If you use it while hungover to describe your headache, people might laugh at your dramatic flair.
Cultural Background
French culture values precision in language. Using a word like solliciter instead of demander shows you have a good education. It feels very 'Cartesian'—logical and complete. In France, there is a certain respect for the 'whole.' Whether it's a five-course meal or a legal contract, the French appreciate when every part is acknowledged. This phrase reflects that desire for completeness and formal rigor.
Common Variations
You might hear solliciter l'ensemble which means almost the same thing. Another variation is faire appel à la totalité. If you want to be even more intense, you can say solliciter l'intégralité. All of these focus on that '100%' feeling. If you are talking about people, you might say mobiliser tout le monde. But solliciter la totalité remains the most elegant way to describe using every bit of a resource.
Usage Notes
This is a high-level B2/C1 collocation. It belongs in formal writing, professional environments, or technical descriptions. Using it correctly will make you sound very fluent and precise.
The '100%' Rule
Only use this when you mean 100%. If you only use most of something, use 'la majeure partie' instead.
Don't be a Robot
Avoid using this in a bar or with kids. It sounds like a technical manual if used in casual conversation.
The French 'Pudeur'
Using formal language like this can actually be a way to express intense effort without sounding like you're complaining too much.
Examples
6Ce mouvement permet de solliciter la totalité des muscles du dos.
This movement allows you to engage all of the back muscles.
Common in fitness to describe full-body engagement.
Ce projet va solliciter la totalité de nos ressources financières.
This project will require all of our financial resources.
Emphasizes the scale and seriousness of the investment.
L'examen a sollicité la totalité de mes neurones, je suis HS !
The exam used every single one of my neurons, I'm wiped out!
A slightly hyperbolic and humorous way to use a formal phrase.
L'avocat a dû solliciter la totalité des preuves disponibles.
The lawyer had to call upon all the available evidence.
Fits perfectly in a legal or serious investigative context.
Ce logiciel sollicite la totalité de la mémoire vive, c'est l'enfer !
This software is using all the RAM, it's hell!
Technical use regarding computer performance.
Votre aide a sollicité la totalité de ma reconnaissance.
Your help has called upon the full extent of my gratitude.
Very formal and deeply emotional way to thank someone.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase about a demanding task.
Pour réussir ce défi, il faut ___ la totalité de son énergie.
You 'solicit' or engage energy; you don't eat or watch it in this context.
Complete the sentence regarding a full-body workout.
La natation est parfaite pour solliciter la ___ des muscles.
Swimming is famous for using 'all' (la totalité) of the muscles.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Solliciter'
Using 'utiliser tout'
J'utilise tout mon argent.
Using 'se servir de tout'
Il se sert de toute sa force.
Using 'solliciter la totalité'
L'effort sollicite la totalité du corps.
Where to use 'Solliciter la totalité'
Medical/Anatomy
Engaging all muscle groups
IT/Tech
Using 100% CPU/RAM
Professional
Using all company resources
Academic
Calling upon all known research
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMostly, yes, but in French, it's used more broadly for 'engaging' or 'putting to work' a resource, like solliciter un muscle.
Yes, but it sounds very formal. You might say solliciter la totalité de l'équipe in a corporate memo.
It is always solliciter la totalité. No 'de' is needed after the verb because it takes a direct object.
Using it to describe making a sandwich is too formal. Keep it for work, health, or complex tasks.
The opposite would be effleurer (to touch lightly) or utiliser partiellement (to use partially).
Yes, like solliciter la totalité de ma patience. It implies your patience is being tested to its limit.
Not old-fashioned, just educated and precise. It's very common in written French and news reports.
Only if you are being ironic or talking about something serious like a workout or a difficult project.
They are interchangeable, but intégralité feels even more 'complete' and slightly more formal.
It's pronounced 'so-lee-see-tay'. Make sure to emphasize the 'L' sound clearly.
Related Phrases
Mobiliser l'ensemble
Mettre à contribution
Exploiter pleinement
Faire appel à l'intégralité
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