French word

prenant

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁənɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveengrossing

Example

Ce jeu est prenant, on n'a pas envie d'arrêter.

This game is engrossing; you do not feel like stopping.

Illustration for prenant (engrossing)

More examples

Le film était prenant du début à la fin.

The film was gripping from beginning to end.

Core concept

A sustained grip on attention that makes stopping feel difficult.

Common phrases

  • film prenant

    gripping film

  • livre prenant

    gripping book

Similar words

entraînant: Having a lively rhythm or flow that makes people want to join in.
captivant: Holding attention and making people want to watch or read to the end.
passionnant: Creating excitement or curiosity that draws people into the subject.
intéressant: Attracting attention and encouraging interest in the subject.

Definition in French

Qui captive et provoque une forte immersion, donnant envie de continuer une activité ou une histoire.

Word origin

Prendre developed from Old French prendre and ultimately Latin prehendere, and its present participle prenant became an adjective with this sense.

Usage tips

  • The final t in prenant is silent, and the ending -ant has a nasal vowel rather than an English "ant" sound.

Other meanings

  • captivatingverb

Opposites

  • ennuyeuxboringadjective
  • inintéressantuninterestingadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word