French word

prévenir

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁɛvəniʁ/

Meaning

  • verblet know

Example

Je te préviendrai demain.

I will let you know tomorrow.

Illustration for prévenir (let know)

More examples

Il m'a prévenu la veille.

He notified me the day before.

Core concept

Advance information reaches a person before an event, whether the response is practical or cautious.

Common phrases

  • prévenir quelqu'un que

    notify someone that

  • prévenir quelqu'un à l'avance

    notify someone in advance

  • prévenir un collègue

    notify a colleague

Similar words

informer: To communicate a fact or situation so it becomes known.
avertir: To warn about danger or a problem so preventive action can be taken.
annoncer: To make an event or decision known to people.
aviser: To notify someone and encourage a reply or response.

Definition in French

Avertir ou informer quelqu'un avant un événement, un changement ou un risque potentiel.

Word origin

Latin praevenire originally expressed coming ahead, and French prévenir developed from this idea into informing or warning someone beforehand.

Usage tips

  • Despite its resemblance to English "prevent," prévenir commonly means "notify" or "warn" in everyday French, while empêcher usually expresses stopping an action.

Other meanings

  • warnverb
  • preventverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word