French word

intervenir

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃tɛʁvəniʁ/

Meaning

  • verbhappen

Example

Un incident est intervenu hier pendant la réunion.

An incident happened yesterday during the meeting.

Illustration for intervenir (happen)

More examples

Une panne est intervenue sur la ligne ce matin.

A breakdown occurred on the line this morning.

Core concept

A person or event enters an ongoing course and changes what follows.

Common phrases

  • une panne intervient

    A breakdown occurs

  • un retard intervient

    A delay occurs

  • une erreur intervient

    An error occurs

Similar words

arriver: To happen.
se passer: To happen in ordinary situations or circumstances.
avoir lieu: To be held or take place.
se produire: To occur as a phenomenon or event.

Definition in French

Prendre la parole ou intervenir dans une discussion ou une action pour influencer le cours des choses; peut aussi signifier qu'un fait s'est produit.

Word origin

The French verb comes from Latin intervenire, formed from inter, "between," and venire, "to come," with senses of entering between and happening.

Usage tips

  • For an event, intervenir is relatively formal; everyday French often uses survenir or avoir lieu for simple occurrence.

Other meanings

  • interveneverb
  • speakverb

Related words

Word lists with this word