Bien sûr is a French phrase that is commonly used in English. It is often used to express agreement or to confirm that something is true. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and origin of bien sûr, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The phrase bien sûr is often translated as “of course” in English. It is used to express agreement, confirmation, or certainty. It can also be used to indicate that something is obvious or self-evident.
Origin
Bien sûr is a French phrase that literally means “well sure.” It is a combination of the words bien, meaning “well,” and sûr, meaning “sure.” The phrase has been used in French for centuries and has become a common expression in English as well.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the phrase bien sûr means “of course” or “certainly.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “certainly” or “without doubt.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “certainly” or “definitely.”
Associations
Bien sûr is often associated with the French language and culture. It is commonly used in French conversation and is often used by English speakers to add a touch of sophistication or elegance to their speech.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bien sûr include certainly, without a doubt, absolutely, positively, and definitely.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bien sûr include maybe, perhaps, possibly, and uncertain.
The same root words
The root words of bien sûr are bien, meaning “well,” and sûr, meaning “sure.” These words are also used in other French phrases, such as “bienvenue” (welcome) and “sûrement” (surely).
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using bien sûr:
- “Do you want to come to the party tonight?” “Bien sûr, I’d love to!”.
- “Is it going to rain tomorrow?” “Bien sûr, the forecast says so.”
- “Are you sure you want to quit your job?” “Bien sûr, I’ve been thinking about it for a while.”
Bien sûr is a French phrase that has become a common expression in English. It is often used to express agreement or certainty and is associated with French culture and sophistication. Knowing the meaning and usage of this phrase can help you communicate effectively in both French and English.