What does de in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word de in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use de in French.

The word de in French means [noun]'s, from, from, from, of, [noun]'s, with, -, of, for, of, about, -, de, die, cube, thimbleful, diced, cubed, thimble, in [number]s, made from, coffee-based, made from, on board , aboard, struggle to do , work hard to do, exhausted, completely exhausted, breathless, on your last legs, on its last legs, on its way out, because of, because of that, I owe you one, from, as from, as of, up to, on condition of doing, best before, best before, unlike, next to, next to, off track, off kilter, muddled, by way of , by means of, short of , short on, it's 's turn to do, it's down to to do, many times, in the absence of, if is not able to do , if cannot do, for want of anything better, far from, a long way from, bound for , going to, within an inch of, a stone's throw from, within [transport] distance, at a distance from, on [animal]back, on horseback, to the right of , to 's right, on the right-hand side of, up to her to do, up to them to do, equidistant from and, up to them to do, with the aim of, with a view to, [on] the side of, hypersensitive, at surface level, at ground level, flat out, at full tilt, thanks to, by dint of, with strong growth potential, destined for growth, to the left of, through a great deal of, with a lot of, of up to, in the area, safe from, for the attention of , for 's attention, at the age of, thanks to, on the corner, on the corner of the street, vertically aligned with, as approaches, as approaches, in support of, for the attention of, at the dawn of, in the light of , with regard to, at the other extreme of , at the other end of the scale, on the other side of town, at the other end of town, at the forefront of, to 's advantage, to the advantage of, sentimental, well away from, on the scale of , on a scale, like , just like, with regard to, against, against, towards , toward , regarding, around , near, in 's day, in 's time, proof, east of , to the east of, upon examination of , upon assessment of, except for, with the exception of , apart from , except for, following in the footsteps of , following in 's footsteps, outside, at the time of, at the idea of doing, like , just like, in the style of, on 's initiative, on the initiative of, like, at the request of , at 's request, unknown to, without your informed knowledge, for. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word de

[noun]'s

préposition (indique la possession) (possession)

Regarde la nouvelle voiture de ma mère. // L'année dernière, nous avons visité la vallée des rois. // C'est une amie de mon voisin.
Last year, we visited the Valley of the Kings. // She's a friend of my neighbour.

from

préposition (introduit une origine) (origin)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
C'est mon ami d'Italie. Un mot de toi et je me tairai.
This is my friend from Italy. One word from you and I will be quiet.

from

préposition (marque l'origine dans l'espace)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Mon collègue arrive de Paris. Nous en parlerons avec ta mère quand elle rentrera du travail.
My collegue is coming from Paris. We'll talk to your mother about it when she gets home from work.

from

préposition (donne un point de départ) (time, number)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Mon mari travaille de 6 h à 14 h. Le petit garçon compta de 1 à 100 avant de partir chercher ses camarades.
My husband works from 6 AM to 2 PM. The little boy counted from 1 to 100 before going to look for his friends.

of

préposition (introduit un complément du nom)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
J'ai trouvé la fin du film très triste. Mon arrière-grand-mère anglaise est née au temps de la Reine Victoria.
I found the film's ending very sad. My English great-grandmother was born during Queen Victoria's reign.

[noun]'s

préposition (écrit, réalisé par)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
J'ai lu tous les écrits de Baudelaire.

with

préposition (signale le moyen, la façon) (means)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Le garçon poussait le ballon du pied.
The boy pushed the ball along with his foot.

-

préposition (après un verbe transitif indirect)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Je n'arrête pas de penser à toi, mon amour. La petite fille rêvait de devenir astronaute.
The little girl dreamt about becoming an astronaut.

of

préposition (après un adjectif)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Les parents étaient très fiers de leur fils médecin.

for

préposition (signale une raison) (reason, cause)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
En voyant son excellente note, l'élève a sauté de joie.
When he saw his excellent mark, the student jumped for joy.

of

préposition (parmi)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
De nous deux, je pense que c'est toi le plus trouillard. Des trois frères, Tony est le plus grand.
Out of the three brothers, Tony is the tallest.

about

préposition (à propos)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

-

(partitif : un peu de [qch], quelques)

Nous aimons faire de grandes promenades le samedi après-midi.
We like going for long walks on Saturday afternoons.

de

préposition (particule nobiliaire)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Nous parlions à M. de Nemours.
We were talking to Mr de Nemours.

die

nom masculin (petit cube avec des points)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Il faut un dé pour jouer au Trivial Pursuit. C'est à toi de jouer : vas-y, lance les dés !
It's your turn. Roll the dice!

cube

nom masculin (figuré (chose de forme cubique) (food)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Nous avons ajouté des dés de fromage dans notre salade.
We have added diced (or: cubed) cheese to the salad.

thimbleful

nom masculin (familier (petite quantité de [qch]) (figurative: liquid)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ma grand-mère ajoutait toujours un dé de cognac dans sa jardinière de légumes.
My grandmother always added a thimbleful of brandy to her mixed vegetables.

diced, cubed

nom masculin (aliment coupé en cube) (food)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Le cuisinier ajouta les dés de lard fumé.
The cook added diced smoked bacon.

thimble

nom masculin (Couture : petit cône métallique)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
La couturière mettait toujours un dé pour coudre.
The dressmaker always wore a thimble for sewing.

in [number]s

locution adverbiale (tous les [nombre])

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Sais-tu compter de 3 en 3 ?
Can you count in threes?

made from

(fait à partir de [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cette boisson est à base de plantes.
This is a plant-based drink.

coffee-based

locution adjectivale (qui contient surtout du café)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Cette préparation instantanée est à base de café : c'est parfait pour le matin.

made from

locution adjectivale (réalisé à partir de plantes)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ces cosmétiques sont naturels : ils sont faits à base de plantes.
These cosmetics are natural. They are plant-based.

on board , aboard

(dans : un bateau, un avion)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

struggle to do , work hard to do

locution adverbiale (seul et avec difficuté)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Depuis le décès de son mari, c'est elle qui gère l'entreprise familiale à bout de bras.

exhausted

locution adverbiale (très fatigué, exténué)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Il est à bout de course : il souffre de surmenage.

completely exhausted

locution adverbiale (complètement épuisé)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Il a franchi la ligne d'arrivée à bout de forces.

breathless

locution adjectivale (très essouflé)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Il a passé la ligne d'arrivée à bout de souffle.

on your last legs

locution adjectivale (figuré (qui n'a plus d'énergie) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
La mononucléose laisse souvent les gens à bout de souffle.

on its last legs, on its way out

locution adjectivale (figuré (bientôt obsolète) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

because of

(souvent négatif (en raison de, dû à [qch])

La voiture a dérapé à cause du verglas. J'ai dû rentrer tôt à cause de mon petit frère. La végétation est en repos à cause des températures négatives.
The car skidded because of the black ice. I had to return early because of my brother. The plants are dormant because of the cold temperatures.

because of that

(pour cette raison)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il a plu à torrents et à cause de ça, nous n'avons pas pu faire notre pique-nique.

I owe you one

(en attente de la pareille) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Merci pour ton aide. À charge de revanche !
Thank you for your help. I owe you one!

from, as from, as of

(à partir de telle date)

Je serai en vacances à compter du 1er juillet.
I will be on holiday as of 1 July.

up to

(jusqu'à une limite)

on condition of doing

(si, dans le cas où)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

best before

(recommandation sur produits alimentaires)

best before

(date limite optimale)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

unlike

(contrairement à)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Ce produit se vend bien, a contrario de celui-là.

next to

(tout près de)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
La mairie est à côté de l'église.
The town hall is next to the church.

next to

(si l'on compare avec) (in comparison)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Je gagne 50 000 € à l'année mais à côté de mon patron qui gagne 100 000 €, je ne gagne pas grand-chose.
I earn €50,000 per year, but next to my boss's salary of €100,000, I don't earn much.

off track, off kilter, muddled

locution adverbiale (familier (qui ne répond pas à la question posée)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Sa réponse à côté de la plaque lui fit honte.

by way of , by means of

(à l'aide de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le patron voulait moderniser son usine à coup de mécanique et d'électronique.
The manager wanted to modernize his factory by way of mechanization and electronification.

short of , short on

(qui manque de [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's 's turn to do

(au tour de [qqn] de faire [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's down to to do

(cela ne dépend plus que de [qqn]) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

many times

locution adverbiale (plusieurs fois)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

in the absence of

(en cas d'absence de [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À défaut de cerises, j'ai pris des abricots pour mon clafoutis.
As there weren't any cherries, I got apricots for my clafoutis.

if is not able to do , if cannot do

(dans l'impossibilité de faire [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Nous nous appellerons à défaut de pouvoir nous voir.
We'll call each other if we can't see each another.

for want of anything better

locution adverbiale (sans meilleur choix)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

far from, a long way from

(très loin de [qch])

bound for , going to

(dont la destination est)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce courrier est à destination de l'Amérique du Sud.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. Flight N° 323 flying to Dubai is now boarding gate 23.

within an inch of

(figuré (très près de [qch])

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
I was this close to killing the guy.

a stone's throw from

(être très près de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
La piscine est à deux pas de chez nous. Après le déjeuner, nous irons visiter le château fort qui est à deux pas de chez moi.
After lunch, we're going to visit the fortified castle that's just up the road from my house.

within [transport] distance

(accessible via [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

at a distance from

(loin de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

on [animal]back

(sur le dos de) (horse)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Que penses-tu d'une balade à dos de poney ? // Dans les Andes, tout se portait à dos de lama.

on horseback

locution adverbiale (montant un cheval)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
On s'est promené à dos de cheval.

to the right of , to 's right, on the right-hand side of

(sur la droite de [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
La boulangerie se trouve à droite du café.
The bakery is to the right of the café.

up to her to do

(c'est à elle de voir)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

up to them to do

(c'est à elles de voir) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

equidistant from and

locution adverbiale (juste au milieu de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le parc se trouve à équidistance de l'école et de la maison.

up to them to do

(c'est à eux de voir)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

with the aim of, with a view to

(soutenu (dans le but de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

[on] the side of

(situé sur une pente)

hypersensitive

locution adjectivale (qui ne demande qu'à réagir)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

at surface level, at ground level

locution adverbiale (qui affleure le sol)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
La source se trouve presque à fleur de terre, on n'a pas besoin de creuser profondément.

flat out

locution adverbiale (très vite)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

at full tilt

locution adverbiale (très rapidement)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Les enfants sont sortis à fond de train.

thanks to

(grâce à l'utilisation de [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À force de cadeaux, Julien reconquit sa belle.
Thanks to the presents, Julian won back his girl.

by dint of

(en persévérant à)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À force de travailler, on s'améliore.
By dint of work you can improve.

with strong growth potential, destined for growth

locution adverbiale (voué à croître)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

to the left of

(sur la gauche de [qch/qqn])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le café se trouve à gauche de la boulangerie.
The café is to the left of the bakery.

through a great deal of

(en utilisant beaucoup de [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce producteur essaie de faire connaître ses produits à grand coup de publicité.

with a lot of

(en utilisant bcp de [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
L'ancienne star a fait son retour sur le devant de la scène à grand renfort de pubs télé et radio.

of up to

(jusqu'à un montant)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Une aide à la formation à hauteur de 2000 euros peut être octroyée par le Conseil Régional.
Training bursaries of up to two thousand euros can be granted by the Regional Council.

in the area

(dans les environs de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Un camion s'est renversé sur l'A13 à hauteur de Rouen.
A lorry has overturned in the Rouen area.

safe from

(protégé de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Dans ce coffre ignifugé, nos sauvegardes sont l'abri des incendies.
In this fireproof safe our valuables are safe from fire.

for the attention of , for 's attention

(soutenu (à l'attention de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cette candidature est à l'adresse du directeur.

at the age of

locution adverbiale (quand [qqn] avait tel âge)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À l'âge de 20 ans, Charlotte a tout quitté pour s'installer à Paris.

thanks to

(grâce à)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
J'ai réussi à débloquer l'agrafeuse à l'aide d'un couteau. Ils ont déménagé en une seule journée à l'aide de leurs amis.
They moved in a single day with the help of their friends.

on the corner, on the corner of the street

locution adverbiale (au coin de la rue)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il y a une boulangerie à l'angle de la rue.

vertically aligned with

(à la verticale de [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

as approaches

(quand vient [qqn])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À l'approche de la police, les voleurs se sont enfuis.

as approaches

(quand vient [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il faut penser à protéger les plantes gélives à l'approche de l'hiver.

in support of

(pour renforcer)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À l'appui de son contrat, il chercha à faire valoir ses droits.

for the attention of

locution adverbiale (à destination de) (written as part of address)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cette lettre est à l'attention de Charles.
This letter is for the attention of Charles.

at the dawn of

(au début de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

in the light of , with regard to

(à la mesure de, par rapport)

at the other extreme of , at the other end of the scale

locution adverbiale (à l'autre extrémité d'un processus)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Si les grands prédateurs se trouvent à une extrémité de la chaîne alimentaire, le phytoplancton se trouve à l'autre bout de la chaîne alimentaire.

on the other side of town, at the other end of town

locution adverbiale (à l'autre extrémité de la ville)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
L'école des enfants se trouve à l'autre bout de la ville, ce n'est vraiment pas pratique.

at the forefront of

(à la pointe de [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

to 's advantage, to the advantage of

(en faveur de [qqn])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cette situation tourne à l'avantage des citadins.

sentimental

locution adjectivale (sentimental, mièvre)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

well away from

(isolé de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
La cabane se trouve à l'écart des habitations.

on the scale of , on a scale

(par rapport à, comparé à)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À l'échelle de la France, les efforts concédés sont énormes.

like , just like

(comme, autant que)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
À l'égal de sa sœur, Olivia parle aussi bien français qu'anglais.

with regard to

(vis-à-vis de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce professeur est prévenant à l'égard de ses élèves.
This teacher is considerate with regard to his pupils.

against

(en opposition à)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Cette décision va à l'encontre de la logique. Je ne signerai pas cet accord car il va à l'encontre de mes principes.

against

(littéraire (à l'opposé de, contrairement à)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Marc a toujours agi à l'encontre des conseils de son oncle.

towards , toward , regarding

(soutenu, littéraire (envers [qqn])

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Ce patron éprouve beaucoup de respect à l'endroit de ses employés.

around , near

(littéraire (autour de, près de)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

in 's day, in 's time

(du temps de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À l'époque de tes parents, il y avait un terrain de sport ici.
In your parents' day, there was a sports field here.

proof

(pouvant résister à)

(suffix: Added to end of word stem--for example, friendless = friend+less.)
Cette vitre est à l'épreuve des balles.
This glass is bulletproof.

east of , to the east of

(du côté oriental de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À l'est de la France se trouvent l'Italie, la Suisse et l'Allemagne

upon examination of , upon assessment of

(après étude de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À l'examen de votre candidature, nous souhaiterions vous rencontrer, afin d'évoquer votre parcours et le poste que nous offrons.

except for

(sauf)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

with the exception of , apart from , except for

(sauf)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À l'exclusion de Laure et Fred, tout le monde sera là.

following in the footsteps of , following in 's footsteps

(comme, à l'instar de) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À l'exemple de son frère et de son père avant lui, il s'est engagé dans la marine.

outside

(hors de [qch])

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Finalement, Pascal a retrouvé ses clefs à l'extérieur de la maison.

at the time of

(au moment de, à l'époque de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

at the idea of doing

(en pensant à)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

like , just like

(comme, de la même façon)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Ce garçon progresse à l'image de sa grande sœur. Jules est devenu médecin, à l'image de son père.
This boy is turning out to be like his sister. Jules became a doctor, just like his father.

in the style of

(comme)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce faussaire peint à l'imitation de Van Gogh.

on 's initiative, on the initiative of

(par l'action de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le local fut libéré à l’initiative du maire.

like

(comme)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Olivier agit à l'instar de son grand frère.
Oliver acts like his older brother.

at the request of , at 's request

(à la demande de [qqn])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ces attentats ont été commis à l'instigation de la mafia locale.

unknown to

(sans avertir [qqn])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ces photos compromettantes ont été prises à leur insu. Suzanne voyait quelqu'un à Paris à l'insu de son mari.

without your informed knowledge

locution adverbiale (familier, ironique (sans sa volonté)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
On a choisi pour elle à l'insu de son plein gré.
We made an executive decision for her.

for

(pour [qqn], en l'honneur de [qqn])

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
These products are for children.

Let's learn French

So now that you know more about the meaning of de in French, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in French.

Do you know about French

French (le français) is a Romance language. Like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, it comes from popular Latin, once used in the Roman Empire. A French-speaking person or country can be called a "Francophone". French is the official language in 29 countries. French is the fourth most spoken native language in the European Union. French ranks third in the EU, after English and German, and is the second most widely taught language after English. The majority of the world's French-speaking population lives in Africa, with about 141 million Africans from 34 countries and territories who can speak French as a first or second language. French is the second most widely spoken language in Canada, after English, and both are official languages at the federal level. It is the first language of 9.5 million people or 29% and the second language of 2.07 million people or 6% of the entire population of Canada. In contrast to other continents, French has no popularity in Asia. Currently, no country in Asia recognizes French as an official language.