tout à fait

Tout à fait: Meaning, Uses, and Examples

The French phrase “tout à fait” is a versatile expression that can mean “exactly,” “absolutely,” “quite so,” or “indeed,” along with a few other possible translations.


Literal Meaning of “Tout à fait”

Literally, “tout à fait” translates to “entirely” or “completely.” It’s composed of three words:

  • tout (meaning “all” or “entirely”)
  • à (meaning “to” or “at”)
  • fait (meaning “done” or “fact”)

Together, it conveys the idea of something being fully accomplished or completely true. In this literal sense, it emphasizes totality or completeness.

Example:

  • Son explication est tout à fait claire.
    His explanation is entirely clear.

Here, “tout à fait” reinforces the idea that the explanation is not just clear, but entirely clear.


Figurative Meanings of “Tout à fait”

In everyday conversation, “tout à fait” is more commonly used in a figurative sense. It can express agreement, confirmation, or affirmation. Depending on the context, it can be translated as:

  • “Exactly”
  • “Absolutely”
  • “Quite so”
  • “Indeed”

It’s often used to agree with someone’s statement or to confirm information.

Example:

  • – Il fait froid aujourd’hui, n’est-ce pas ?
    – It’s cold today, isn’t it?
  • – Tout à fait !
    – Absolutely!

Here, “tout à fait” is used to agree with the statement about the weather.


Using “Tout à fait” to Express Agreement or Confirmation

  1. Confirming a Fact:
    • C’est tout à fait vrai.
      That’s absolutely true.
  2. Agreeing with an Opinion:
    • – Ce film est vraiment émouvant.
      – This movie is really moving.
    • – Tout à fait.
      – Exactly.
  3. Emphasizing an Affirmation:
    • C’est tout à fait normal.
      That’s completely normal.

This usage emphasizes or reinforces a statement, giving it a sense of completeness or certainty.


Other Contexts and Nuances

  1. Politeness and Formality
    In formal settings, “tout à fait” can be used to politely agree or show respect for someone’s opinion. For example, in a professional meeting:
    • – Je pense que cette stratégie est la plus efficace.
      – I think this strategy is the most effective.
    • – Tout à fait, vous avez raison.
      – Absolutely, you’re right.
  2. Contradiction (Ironically)
    In informal contexts, especially with a sarcastic tone, “tout à fait” can be used ironically to disagree or to highlight the opposite of what is being said. For example:
    • – Il est toujours à l’heure, n’est-ce pas ?
      – He’s always on time, isn’t he?
    • – Tout à fait… (said sarcastically)
      – Oh, absolutely… (implying that he’s never on time)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t confuse “tout à fait” with “tout fait” (which means “ready-made” or “pre-made”).

Quick Recap:

  • Literal meaning: Entirely, completely
  • Figurative meanings: Exactly, absolutely, quite so, indeed
  • Usage contexts: Agreement, confirmation, politeness, or irony

Practice Exercise

Translate the following sentences into French using “tout à fait” correctly:

  1. That’s absolutely right.
  2. I completely understand.
  3. Exactly, that’s what I meant.

(Answers: 1. C’est tout à fait exact. 2. Je comprends tout à fait. 3. Tout à fait, c’est ce que je voulais dire.)

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