Passerelles ep. 1, Quiz 76: malgré

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despite

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What does “malgré” mean?

“Malgré” is a French preposition that translates to “despite” or “in spite of” in English. It is used to express a contrast or contradiction between two ideas or situations.

Examples:

• “Malgré la pluie, ils ont décidé de sortir.” (Despite the rain, they decided to go out.)
• “Il sourit, malgré la douleur.” (He smiles, in spite of the pain.)

Usage & Nuances:

“Malgré” is used to indicate that something happens or stands as it is even though there is a factor or situation that might have prevented it. It presents an element of surprise, contradiction, or adversity.

Related Phrases:

• “En dépit de” – Another way to say “despite” or “in spite of”
• “Bien que” – Although (this is followed by the subjunctive)

In Summary:

“Malgré” is a preposition that introduces a contradicting or contrasting element in a statement, equivalent to “despite” or “in spite of” in English. It adds nuance by highlighting an unexpected or surprising outcome given certain circumstances.

What does “la variété de nos devenirs” mean?

“La variété de nos devenirs” can be translated to English as “the variety of our futures” or “the diversity of our destinies.” It refers to the multiple possibilities, pathways, or outcomes that might unfold in our lives.

Examples:

• “La vie nous réserve la variété de nos devenirs.” (Life holds a variety of futures for us.)
• “Chaque choix que nous faisons contribue à la variété de nos devenirs.” (Every choice we make contributes to the diversity of our destinies.)

Usage & Nuances:

This phrase emphasizes the multitude of possibilities and outcomes that each individual can experience in their lifetime. It suggests that our futures are not predetermined, but rather, they are diverse and can take many forms based on our actions, choices, and circumstances.

Related Phrases:

• “Les chemins de la vie” – The paths of life
• “Destinée” – Destiny or fate

In Summary:

“La variété de nos devenirs” speaks to the myriad possibilities and outcomes that await us in the future, emphasizing the richness and unpredictability of life’s journey.

What does “les étapes des vies” mean?

The phrase “les étapes des vies” translates to “the stages of lives” in English. It signifies different phases or milestones that individuals go through during their lifetimes.

Examples:

• “Il est important de comprendre les étapes des vies pour mieux appréhender les défis à chaque âge.” (It’s important to understand the stages of lives to better grasp the challenges at each age.)
• “Les rites de passage marquent souvent les étapes des vies dans de nombreuses cultures.” (Rites of passage often mark the stages of lives in many cultures.)

Usage & Nuances:

While “les étapes des vies” and “les âges de la vie” can sometimes be used interchangeably, they have nuanced differences. “Les étapes des vies” leans more towards concrete milestones or phases individuals might experience, such as childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. On the other hand, “les âges de la vie” can also imply the physical and psychological changes one undergoes with age.

Related Phrases:

• “Les moments clés” – Key moments
• “Les périodes de la vie” – Periods of life

In Summary:

“Les étapes des vies” refers to the various significant stages or milestones in a person’s life, emphasizing key transitions or events. While it holds similarities to “les âges de la vie,” it focuses more on life’s concrete phases rather than the chronological or developmental aspects of aging.

What does “d’aujourd’hui” mean?

The term “d’aujourd’hui” translates to “of today” or “today’s” in English. It is used to emphasize the current state, condition, or version of something in the present time.

Examples:

• “La technologie d’aujourd’hui est très avancée par rapport à celle d’il y a dix ans.” (Today’s technology is very advanced compared to that of ten years ago.)
• “Les jeunes d’aujourd’hui ont des préoccupations différentes de celles de leurs parents.” (Today’s youth have different concerns than their parents did.)

Usage & Nuances:

“D’aujourd’hui” is used to underscore a comparison between the present and the past, emphasizing the modern or current aspect of something. It can be applied to a wide range of contexts, from technology and fashion to societal norms and values.

Related Phrases:

• “De nos jours” – Nowadays
• “À l’heure actuelle” – At the present time

Cultural or Additional Notes:

The term is often used in discussions that contrast historical traditions or practices with contemporary ones. For example, in debates about education, one might compare the teaching methods “d’aujourd’hui” (of today) with those used in the past.

In Summary:

“D’aujourd’hui” is a French phrase emphasizing the present-day aspect or version of something, often highlighting its modernity or relevance in the current context. It’s commonly utilized to contrast the now with the past.

What does “qu’hier” mean?

The term “qu’hier” translates to “than yesterday” in English. It’s often used in comparative structures to illustrate a difference between a past state and a present state, specifically referencing the day before the current one.

Examples:

• “Il fait plus chaud aujourd’hui qu’hier.” (It’s hotter today than yesterday.)
• “Je me sens mieux aujourd’hui qu’hier.” (I feel better today than I did yesterday.)

Usage & Nuances:

The phrase “qu’hier” is a temporal comparison, emphasizing a change or contrast between the conditions of yesterday and those of the present day. When using “qu’hier”, it’s usually in the context of noting differences or changes over a short period of time.

Related Phrases:

• “Qu’avant” – than before
• “Que la dernière fois” – than the last time

Cultural or Additional Notes:

“Qu’hier” is quite commonly used in everyday French conversations, especially when talking about changes in the weather, personal feelings, or other rapidly changing conditions. It’s a simple way to express day-to-day variations.

In Summary:

“Qu’hier” is a phrase used in French to compare the state of something today to its state the day before. It emphasizes differences or changes that have taken place in a 24-hour timeframe.

What does “est devenue plurielle” mean?

The phrase “est devenue plurielle” translates to “has become plural” or “has become diverse” in English. It emphasizes a shift from a singular, uniform nature to a more multifaceted or varied one.

Examples:

• “La vision du monde est devenue plurielle grâce à l’internet.” (The worldview has become diverse thanks to the internet.)
• “Avec l’arrivée de nouveaux styles, la musique pop est devenue plurielle.” (With the arrival of new styles, pop music has become diverse.)

Usage & Nuances:

The expression “est devenue plurielle” describes a transformation, often indicating an evolution towards greater diversity or inclusivity. The phrase is often used in sociological, cultural, or philosophical contexts to convey the concept of diversification or the broadening of perspectives.

Related Phrases:

• “Diversification” – Diversification
• “Multiplicité” – Multiplicity

Cultural or Additional Notes:

In discussions about societal or cultural changes, especially in a context like France which has seen significant shifts due to globalization and immigration, the phrase encapsulates the idea of embracing a range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

In Summary:

“Est devenue plurielle” is a descriptor of change, marking a transition from a singular or uniform state to a more varied and inclusive one. It highlights the evolution and embrace of diversity in various contexts.

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