convenir

/kɔ̃vəniʁ/

What does "convenir" mean in English?

to suit

Ce restaurant convient à toute la famille.

This restaurant suits the whole family.

How to use "convenir" correctly: definitions and examples in English?

neutral

to suit or be suitable for someone or something

Ce travail convient parfaitement à ses compétences.

This job suits his skills perfectly.

Ce délai convient à tout le monde.

This deadline suits everyone.

Often used with 'à' + indirect object (e.g., 'convenir à quelqu'un').

formal

to agree (on a decision or arrangement)

Les parties sont convenues d'un compromis.

The parties agreed on a compromise.

Used in legal or formal contexts. The past participle 'convenu' is common in expressions like 'comme convenu' (as agreed).

literary

to admit or acknowledge (literary/archaic)

Il convient que cette erreur est de sa faute.

He admits that this mistake is his fault.

Rare in modern speech; primarily found in classical literature.

to agree to do something

Pro Tip

Common Mistake: 'Convenir' vs. 'Convenir de'

'Convenir' alone means 'to suit,' while 'convenir de' means 'to agree on.' Do not use 'convenir' alone to express agreement in casual speech.

Gold Rule

Rule 1: Suitability

Use 'convenir' to say something suits someone or something (e.g., 'Ce temps convient à la randonnée' = 'This weather suits hiking').

Rule 2: Agreement

For agreement, use 'convenir de' in formal contexts (e.g., 'Nous sommes convenus d'un prix' = 'We agreed on a price').

Word Origin

From Old French 'convenir' (to agree), from Latin 'convenire' (to come together, agree), from 'com-' (together) + 'venire' (to come).

Usage Notes

In modern French, 'convenir' is most commonly used to express suitability ('to suit'). The sense of 'to agree' is formal or legal. Avoid using it in casual contexts for agreement; prefer 'être d'accord' instead.

Word Breakdown

con-

together

prefix

-venir

to come

root

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