French word

dessein

Pronunciation

IPA/desɛ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpurpose

Example

Il a le dessein de changer de métier.

His purpose is to change careers.

Illustration for dessein (purpose)

More examples

Cela s'inscrivait dans son dessein.

It was part of his plan.

Core concept

A defined aim that gives a planned action its direction.

Similar words

but: The final goal that effort or action seeks to attain.
objectif: A concrete goal whose achievement can be clearly assessed.
intention: A wish or resolve to take a particular action.
projet: A plan designed for future implementation.

Definition in French

Intention ou but précis qui guide une action ou un projet.

Word origin

Dessein comes from Old French desseing, borrowed from Italian disegno and ultimately linked to Latin designare.

Usage tips

  • The phrase avoir le dessein de takes de before an infinitive, as in avoir le dessein de changer de métier.

Other meanings

  • intentionnoun
  • plannoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word