d'avenant
Extremely rare / ArchaicObsolete formal / Historical legal
Definition
Meaning
Following or matching what has been previously said or done; in accordance with a prior agreement, statement, or action.
A phrase used to signify that something is in accord with, or serves as a continuation or confirmation of, a previous communication or arrangement. It is most commonly encountered in the idiomatic phrase "bon d'avenant" meaning 'good as agreed' or 'as per our understanding.'
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term is now almost exclusively found in historical or archaic legal texts, particularly those influenced by Norman French. It is not used in modern English. Its function was akin to 'in accordance with,' 'as per,' or 'following from.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No modern difference; the term is equally obsolete in both varieties. It might appear marginally more in historical British texts due to the Norman French influence on English Common Law.
Connotations
Historical, legalistic, formal, archaic.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in contemporary corpora for both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Used postpositively, typically after an adjective (especially 'bon') or verb to modify a preceding noun phrase.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bon d'avenant (good as agreed)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used in modern business English.
Academic
Only found in historical or philological studies of legal language.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Archaic legal term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The contract, bon d'avenant, was signed by both parties.
American English
- He provided the sum, bon d'avenant, to the specified account.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The term 'd'avenant' is an archaic legal phrase you might find in old documents.
- In the 14th-century charter, the obligations were listed as 'bon d'avenant,' confirming the prior oral agreement.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'D'AVEnant' sounds like 'The AVEnue ANT' follows the path laid out before it.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE/AGREEMENT IS A PATH (to follow along the path of what was said).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with modern French 'avenant' (amiable, pleasant). It is a fossilized legal term meaning 'in agreement with.' There is no direct Russian equivalent; translate as 'в соответствии с'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in modern writing.
- Treating it as a standalone noun or verb.
- Mispronouncing it as 'day-ven-ant'.
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you be most likely to encounter the word 'd'avenant'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete term found only in historical texts, primarily those related to old English law.
It functions as an adjective or adverb in a postpositive position, meaning 'in accordance with.'
Approximately /ˌdævəˈnɒ̃/ in British English and /ˌdɑvəˈnɑnt/ in American English, reflecting its French origin.
They wouldn't for active use. It might be encountered in advanced historical or philological studies as an example of Norman French influence on English legal terminology.