French word

or

Pronunciation

IPA/ɔʁ/

Meaning

  • conjunctionbut

Example

Je voulais sortir, or il pleut.

I wanted to go out, but it's raining.

Illustration for or (but)

More examples

Or, il faut que je parte maintenant.

However, I have to leave now.

Core concept

A speaker lays one fact beside the previous claim and redirects the discussion with a restrained objection.

Similar words

mais: A conjunction that links clauses to show a brief contrast or opposing fact.

Definition in French

Exprime une opposition nuancée ou une restriction par rapport à l'énoncé précédent, employée pour introduire une conséquence inattendue ou une objection légère.

Word origin

The conjunction or is unrelated to the noun or, 'gold': the noun comes from Latin aurum, while the conjunction descends through Old French from Latin hac hora.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English 'or', French or here does not present alternatives; it links clauses in a formal contrastive transition.

Other meanings

  • goldnoun

Word lists with this word