Definition:
Défendre is a French word that translates to "to defend" or "to protect" in English. It is a verb commonly used to express the action of defending or protecting someone or something.
Understanding the meaning and usage of "défendre" is essential for building vocabulary and communicating effectively in French.
Etymology:
The word "défendre" comes from the Latin word "defendere," which means "to ward off" or "to defend." Over time, it evolved into the French verb "défendre" with a similar protective connotation.
Part of Speech:
Défendre
verb /de.fɑ̃dʁ/
Usage and Examples:
Defending someone: "Je vais défendre mon ami contre les critiques." (I will defend my friend against the criticisms.)
Protecting something: "Il faut défendre l'environnement." (We must protect the environment.)
AI Fun Fact 😅 :
In French, the verb "défendre" can also be used in a legal context to mean "to forbid" or "to prohibit," adding a layer of complexity to its meanings.
FAQ:
- Q: Is "défendre" a reflexive verb?
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A: Yes, "défendre" can be used reflexively, as in "Je me défends" (I defend myself).
- Q: Can "défendre" also mean "to forbid"?
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A: Yes, "défendre" has a legal connotation of "forbidding" or "prohibiting" in certain contexts.
- Q: How is "défendre" conjugated in different tenses?
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A: The verb "défendre" is irregularly conjugated, with variations in different tenses such as "je défends" (I defend) and "nous défendrons" (we will defend).
- Q: Can "défendre" be used figuratively?
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A: Yes, "défendre" can be used figuratively to express defending or standing up for beliefs, rights, or values.
Expressions avec "Défendre" en anglais
- Défendre ses droits : Defend one's rights
- Défendre une cause : Defend a cause
- Défendre bec et ongles : Defend tooth and nail
- Défendre une position : Defend a position
- Défendre la liberté : Defend freedom
- Défendre ses convictions : Defend one's convictions
- Défendre la vérité : Defend the truth
- Défendre la justice : Defend justice
- Défendre un ami : Defend a friend
- Défendre ses intérêts : Defend one's interests
Conclusion:
"Défendre" is a versatile French verb that encompasses the actions of defending, protecting, forbidding, and standing up for various causes. By mastering its usage and conjugations, you can effectively communicate your defense or protection of people, ideas, and values in French conversations.