French Conversation · Level 21
89 words
French word
devenir
Pronunciation
IPA/dəvəniʁ/
Meaning
- verbbecome
Example
Il devient tard, rentrons.
It's getting late; let's go home.
More examples
Il devient nerveux avant les examens.
He becomes nervous before exams.
Core concept
A changing situation reaches a new condition, whether someone gains a role or the time of day grows later.
Common phrases
devenir fou
become insane
devenir adulte
become an adult
devenir célèbre
become famous
Similar words
changer: To make something different in its nature or condition.
passer: To pass from one situation or condition to another.
tomber: To suddenly end up in a particular condition.
évoluer: To change gradually through ongoing development.
Definition in French
Changer d'état, commencer à être quelque chose de nouveau en acquérant progressivement une qualité, un rôle ou une condition.
Word origin
The French verb devenir continues Old French devenir from Latin devenire, formed from de- and venire 'to come'.
Usage tips
- Its present stem changes: je deviens, il devient, nous devenons, and ils deviennent.