French word

dépasser

Pronunciation

IPA/depase/

Meaning

  • verbexceed

Example

Le prix va dépasser mon budget.

The price will exceed my budget.

Illustration for dépasser (exceed)

More examples

Il a dépassé les attentes lors de la présentation.

He exceeded expectations at the presentation.

Core concept

A moving point crosses a marked boundary and continues beyond it, whether the boundary is a number, rule, or person ahead.

Common phrases

  • dépasser le budget

    exceed the budget

  • dépasser les limites

    exceed the limits

  • dépasser les attentes

    exceed expectations

Similar words

se dépasser: To push beyond personal limits and usual abilities.
surpasser: To surpass a record or expectation with a better result.
franchir: To cross a line or obstacle and move onward.

Definition in French

Aller au-delà d'une limite, d'une quantité ou d'une norme ; par extension, dépasser physiquement quelqu'un.

Word origin

The verb comes from Old French despasser, formed from des- for movement beyond and passer, from Late Latin passare, meaning to pass.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive form se dépasser means to surpass one's own limits and is common in everyday French.

Other meanings

  • overtakeverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word