parer

ByFast French

The French verb “parer” means “to ward off,” “to parry,” or “to fend off.”

It can also mean “to protect,” “to attribute” or “to adorn.” So many meanings for one verb!

  • Le gardien a réussi à parer le tir du joueur adverse. (The goalkeeper managed to ward off the opponent’s shot.)
  • Le maître d’escrime a enseigné à ses élèves comment parer les coups de leur adversaire. (The fencing master taught his students how to parry their opponent’s strikes.)
  • Le chien a paré l’intrus en aboyant et en montrant les dents. (The dog fended off the intruder by barking and showing its teeth.)
  • La crème solaire aide à parer la peau contre les effets nocifs du soleil. (Sunscreen helps protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun.)
  • La mariée se pare d’une robe blanche et de bijoux scintillants. (The bride adorns herself with a white dress and sparkling jewelry.)
  • On lui a toujours paré de qualités de leadership et de compassion. (He has always been attributed with qualities of leadership and compassion.)

Don’t miss new articles!

Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Similar Posts

  • Thing

    ByFast French

    In French, there are several words used to refer to “thing.” Each has its nuances and specific contexts where it’s most appropriate. Here’s a guide to the different French words for “thing.” Chose The most common word for “thing” is une chose. It is used broadly and can refer to just about any object or…

  • tenir la jambe

    ByFast French

    The French saying “tenir la jambe” means literally “to hold the leg.” What it means figuratively is “to hold someone back or to delay someone by saying lots of boring or irrelevant things to them.” This conjures up images of trying to get away from someone who insists on telling you something, even though you…

  • futur simple vs “will”

    ByFast French

    The French futur simple and the english will future both point to later events. But english uses will far more. French often avoids its own future tense, using the present tense instead. This happens when the future is already clear from context. The main difference is this: French needs a future tense less often because…

  • c pronunciation

    ByFast French

    The letter “c” can be pronounced in two different ways in French. It can be hard, like the first “c” in the word “coriace,” meaning “tough,” “leathery,” or “hard-headed,” pronounced [KOH REE AHSS]. Or it can be soft, like the last “c” in “coriace.” How do you know whether a “c” will be hard or…

  • Conjunctival Expressions

    ByFast French

    In French, certain expressions—called conjunctival expressions—are followed by verbs in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive is used to express doubt, uncertainty, desire, emotion, or a necessity. Below is a list of common conjunctival expressions that require the subjunctive, along with explanations and examples. 1. Il faut que… (It is necessary that…) This expression indicates necessity…