French Conversation · Level 165
27 words
French word
affranchir
Pronunciation
IPA/afʁɑ̃ʃiʁ/
Meaning
- verbstamp
Example
N'oublie pas d'affranchir l'enveloppe.
Don't forget to stamp the envelope.
More examples
Il veut s'affranchir de ses dettes.
He wants to free himself from his debts.
Core concept
An envelope released to travel because its postage is covered, extending to a person released from a burden.
Common phrases
affranchir une lettre
stamp a letter
s'affranchir de
free oneself from
Similar words
mettre: Attach a stamp to an envelope or postcard.
poster: Mail a letter or package through a post office or mailbox.
envoyer: Dispatch an item or letter to its intended recipient.
Definition in French
Mettre un timbre ou acquitter le port d'un envoi; par extension, libérer quelqu'un d'une charge ou d'une obligation.
Word origin
Affranchir derives from Old French enfranchir, formed from franc, meaning free, and originally meant to set free before gaining its postal sense.
Usage tips
- Affranchir takes a direct object, as in affranchir l'enveloppe, while English learners may expect a construction with a preposition.