French Conversation · Level 27
90 words
French word
envie
Pronunciation
IPA/ɑ̃vi/
Meaning
- feminine noundesire
Example
J'ai envie de manger du chocolat.
I feel like eating chocolate.
More examples
Cette chanson me donne envie de danser.
This song makes me want to dance.
Core concept
A small inner pull that leans toward an action or possession, whether it fades quickly or becomes a lasting wish.
Common phrases
avoir envie de
want to ___
donner envie de
make someone want to ___
une envie de
a desire to ___
Similar words
besoin: A sense that something is lacking and needs to be remedied.
désir: A strong desire, often accompanied by hope of fulfillment.
souhait: A heartfelt wish for something to come true.
caprice: A sudden, temporary urge or shift in preference.
Definition in French
Désigne une inclination intérieure à désirer posséder ou faire quelque chose, allant d'une impulsion passagère à une aspiration plus durable.
Word origin
French envie comes through Old French from Latin invidia, whose sense developed from hostile envy toward desire or longing.
Usage tips
- French commonly uses envie with avoir: avoir envie de + an infinitive or noun expresses wanting to do or have something.
Other meanings
- envynoun
Opposites
- indifférenceindifferencenoun
- désintérêtlack of interestnoun
Related words
- envierenvyverb
- envieuxenviousadjective