French Conversation · Level 109
60 words
French word
étendre
Pronunciation
IPA/etɑ̃dʁ/
Meaning
- verbhang
Example
Je vais étendre le linge sur le balcon.
I am going to hang the laundry on the balcony.
More examples
Il faut étendre le linge dehors quand il fait beau.
You have to hang the laundry outside when the weather is nice.
Core concept
A fabric or other flexible object is opened outward, increasing the area exposed to the air.
Common phrases
étendre le linge
hang out the laundry
étendre les vêtements
hang out the clothes
Similar words
pendre: Suspend laundry from a hanger or washing line.
sécher: Dry wet items by removing their moisture.
Definition in French
Mettre quelque chose de manière à l'étirer ou à l'ouvrir pour augmenter sa surface, notamment pour le faire sécher (par ex. le linge).
Word origin
The French verb developed from Latin extendere through Old French estendre, retaining the basic idea of stretching something outward.
Usage tips
- Étendre is unrelated in meaning to éteindre, although their spellings look similar; étendre has the present forms j'étends and il étend.