French word

séant

Pronunciation

IPA/seɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveappropriate

Example

Ce comportement est séant en société.

This behavior is appropriate in society.

Illustration for séant (appropriate)

More examples

Parler aussi fort à table n'est pas séant.

Speaking so loudly at the table is not proper.

Core concept

A person, outfit, or manner that sits naturally within a setting and its accepted conventions.

Similar words

approprié: Appropriate for the situation or intended purpose.
convenable: In keeping with social customs and good manners.
décent: Modest and respectable enough for public settings.
adéquat: Exactly suited to the required conditions or purpose.

Definition in French

Indique qu'une personne, une tenue ou un comportement est adapté au contexte et conforme aux usages.

Word origin

Séant comes from Old French seant, the present participle of seoir, which derives from Latin sedēre, meaning 'to sit'.

Usage tips

  • Séant is relatively formal or literary, while everyday French more often uses convenable or approprié.

Other meanings

  • becomingadjective

Opposites

  • inconvenantimproperadjective
  • indécentindecentadjective

Word lists with this word