French word

ainsi

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃si/

Meaning

  • adverblike this

Example

Regarde et fais ainsi.

Look and do it like this.

Illustration for ainsi (like this)

More examples

Fais ainsi pour que ce soit plus simple.

Do so to make it simpler.

Core concept

A demonstrated procedure whose exact manner is shown rather than merely described.

Common phrases

  • faire ainsi

    do so

  • dire ainsi

    say so

  • c'est ainsi

    That's how it is

Similar words

comme ça: Shows how something is done or appears in everyday speech.
comme ceci: Refers to a particular way or situation used as a concrete example.
de cette façon: Specifies the way in which a method or procedure is performed.

Definition in French

Indique la manière dont quelque chose se fait ou se passe.

Word origin

The Old French forms ainsi and ainsin continue a popular Latin expression built from in and sic, meaning in this way.

Usage tips

  • At the start of a sentence, Ainsi can introduce a result or conclusion as well as indicate the manner of an action.

Other meanings

  • like thatadverb
  • thereforeadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word