émouvoir

The verb émouvoir is a slightly formal French verb that means to move emotionally or to stir feelings. It is derived from the same root as the English word emotion. While not as commonly used in casual conversation as other verbs, it is highly expressive and often appears in literature, speeches, and formal settings.

1. Conjugation Basics

Émouvoir is an irregular verb that follows a unique conjugation pattern similar to mouvoir. Here are some key forms of the verb:

• Infinitive: émouvoir
• Present participle: émouvant
• Past participle: ému (m), émue (f)

Present Tense Conjugation:

Pronoun	Conjugation
je	émeus
tu	émeus
il/elle/on	émeut
nous	émouvons
vous	émouvez
ils/elles	émeuvent

Example:

• Elle m’émeut.
  (She moves me emotionally.)

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2. Meanings of “Émouvoir”

A. To stir or move emotionally

The most common meaning of émouvoir is to affect someone’s emotions deeply, often in a positive or poignant way.

• Ce film m’a ému.
  (This movie moved me.)
• Les paroles du chanteur ont ému le public.
  (The singer’s words moved the audience.)

B. To cause concern or agitation

In some contexts, émouvoir can refer to causing worry, anxiety, or unrest.

• La nouvelle a ému toute la communauté.
  (The news stirred the whole community.)

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3. Reflexive (Pronominal) Usage: “S’émouvoir”

When used reflexively as s’émouvoir, the verb means to become emotionally moved or to be affected. It can also imply becoming upset or stirred in a more neutral or negative sense.

A. To become emotionally moved:

• Elle s’est émue en voyant les photos.
  (She was moved when she saw the photos.)
• Je ne peux m’empêcher de m’émouvoir devant une telle gentillesse.
  (I can’t help but be moved by such kindness.)

B. To become upset or agitated:

• Il s’émeut facilement quand on parle de ce sujet.
  (He gets upset easily when we talk about this subject.)

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4. Related Expressions

• Être ému(e): To be moved (emotionally).
  • J’étais très ému(e) à la fin du concert.
    (I was very moved at the end of the concert.)
• Émouvant(e): Moving, touching (adjective).
  • C’était un discours très émouvant.
    (It was a very moving speech.)

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5. Tips for Using “Émouvoir”

• Context is key: Since émouvoir can have both positive and negative connotations, make sure the surrounding words and tone clarify your meaning.
• Reflexive usage: When you want to describe how you feel, use the reflexive form s’émouvoir or the related adjective ému(e).

Summary Table:

Form	Meaning	Example
émouvoir	To move emotionally	Ce livre m’a ému. (This book moved me.)
s’émouvoir	To become emotionally moved/upset	Je me suis ému(e). (I was moved.)
être ému(e)	To be moved	Elle était très émue. (She was moved.)
émouvant(e)	Moving, touching (adjective)	Une scène émouvante. (A touching scene.)