French word

parrainer

Pronunciation

IPA/paʁɛne/

Meaning

  • verbsponsor

Example

La mairie parraine la fête du village.

The town hall sponsors the village festival.

Illustration for parrainer (sponsor)

More examples

L'entreprise parraine un projet culturel dans le quartier.

The company sponsors a cultural project in the neighborhood.

Core concept

A recognized patron stands behind a person, group, or project and helps it continue.

Common phrases

  • parrainer une association

    sponsor an association

  • parrainer un événement

    sponsor an event

  • parrainer un projet

    sponsor a project

Similar words

sponsoriser: Support an event or activity financially or materially in return for publicity.
financer: Pay the costs needed to carry out a project or activity.
soutenir: Give advice, effort, money, or other support to help someone or something continue.
aider: Give practical help or assistance so someone or something progresses successfully.

Definition in French

Donner un appui officiel, matériel ou symbolique à une initiative, une organisation ou une personne.

Word origin

The verb parrainer derives from French parrain, ultimately from Latin patrinus, and extends a godparent's protective role to formal support.

Usage tips

  • Parrainer takes a direct object, as in parrainer une initiative or parrainer une personne, without the preposition de.

Related words

  • parrainagesponsorshipnoun
  • parrainsponsornoun
  • parrainésponsoredadjective

Word lists with this word