devoir: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “devoir” mean?
A duty, responsibility, or formal expression of courtesy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A duty, responsibility, or formal expression of courtesy.
In modern usage, a formal acknowledgment of gratitude or respect; historically, a task or duty owed to someone in a position of authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both variants. Its primary modern occurrence is in historical or highly formal literary texts.
Connotations
Connotes extreme formality, historical setting, or an affectedly refined tone.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora; less than 0.1 occurrences per million words.
Grammar
How to Use “devoir” in a Sentence
[Subject] + pay + [Possessive] + devoir(s) + to + [Recipient]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, found in historical or literary analysis discussing 18th-19th century texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “devoir”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “devoir”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devoir”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈdiːvɔɪər/ or /dɛˈvwɑː/
- Using it in contemporary, informal contexts where 'duty' or 'thanks' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic and is only found in very formal or historical contexts.
No, in English 'devoir' is only used as a noun. The related French verb 'devoir' is not used as an English verb.
The fixed phrase 'to pay one's devoirs (to someone)', meaning to show respect or fulfill a duty of courtesy.
Learners should recognize it as a passive/receptive item for reading historical or literary texts. It is not recommended for active use in speech or writing.
A duty, responsibility, or formal expression of courtesy.
Devoir is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Devoir: in British English it is pronounced /dəˈvwɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /dəˈvwɑr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pay one's devoirs (to somebody)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the French word 'devoir' meaning 'must' or 'to have to'. In English, it's the formal 'must-do' you owe someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL RESPECT IS A DEBT (to be paid).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of 'devoir' be most appropriate?