When you say something is dégagé, you mean it's clear or unobstructed. Think about a beautiful, cloudless sky – that's a perfect example. You might also hear it used to describe a path or a view that's free from obstacles. It really just means there's nothing getting in the way.
§ Don't confuse 'dégagé' with similar-sounding words
The French language has many words that sound a bit alike, and 'dégagé' is no exception. Learners sometimes mix it up with words that share some letters or a similar sound, leading to misunderstandings. Let's look at some common culprits.
- 'Dégager' (verb): This is the verb form, meaning 'to clear, to release, to free.' While related, it's not the same as the adjective 'dégagé.' You wouldn't say 'Le ciel est dégager' (The sky is to clear), but 'Le ciel est dégagé' (The sky is clear).
- 'Dégringoler' (verb): This means 'to tumble down, to fall rapidly.' Completely different meaning, but the 'dégr-' start can sometimes trick the ear.
- 'Engagé' (adjective): This means 'committed' or 'involved.' It's the opposite of 'dégagé' in some contexts, especially when talking about a relaxed or uncommitted attitude.
§ Using 'dégagé' for things other than 'clear' or 'unobstructed'
While 'dégagé' primarily means 'clear' or 'unobstructed' (especially for the sky), learners sometimes try to apply it to situations where a different word would be more appropriate. Think of 'dégagé' as having a very specific, almost literal, sense of physical clarity or openness.
For example, you might want to say that a path is clear of obstacles, but 'dégagé' isn't the best fit for 'clear' in the sense of 'easy to understand' or 'obvious.' For those, you'd use words like 'clair' or 'évident.'
- WRONG
- C'est une explication dégagée. (It's a clear explanation.)
- RIGHT
- C'est une explication claire. (It's a clear explanation.)
Similarly, if you want to say someone has a 'clear conscience,' 'dégagé' isn't the word. You'd use 'la conscience tranquille' (a clear/peaceful conscience).
§ Incorrect gender or number agreement
Remember, 'dégagé' is an adjective, which means it has to agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This is a common mistake for all French adjectives, but it's worth highlighting for 'dégagé' because it's so often used with 'le ciel' (masculine singular), which can lead learners to forget the other forms.
- Masculine singular: dégagé (e.g., Le ciel est dégagé.)
- Feminine singular: dégagée (e.g., La vue est dégagée. - The view is unobstructed.)
- Masculine plural: dégagés (e.g., Les passages sont dégagés. - The passages are clear.)
- Feminine plural: dégagées (e.g., Les routes sont dégagées. - The roads are clear.)
La plage est dégagée. (The beach is clear/unobstructed.)
Always double-check the gender and number of the noun before using 'dégagé' to avoid these common errors. It's a fundamental rule of French grammar that takes practice to master.
كيفية الاستخدام
Dégagé is most often used to describe the weather, specifically a clear sky. For example, you might hear a weather report say "Le ciel sera dégagé." (The sky will be clear.) It can also be used more broadly to mean unobstructed or open, like a path or a view. Think of it as meaning 'unimpeded.'
A common mistake is trying to use dégagé to mean 'released' or 'detached' in a general sense. While it comes from the verb 'dégager' (to clear, to release), the adjective itself is very specific in its common usage. For 'released' in a general context, you'd use something like 'libéré'. Don't confuse it with other words that sound similar but have different meanings, like 'engagé' (committed).
اختبر نفسك 6 أسئلة
This sentence describes the clear sky today.
This sentence expresses hope for clear weather for a picnic.
This sentence describes the sky becoming clear after the rain.
/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات weather
abondant
B1Abundant; plentiful, e.g., heavy rain or snow.
annuel
A2Occurring once every year; annual.
approcher
A1To come near or nearer to someone or something.
aube
B1The first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
aurore
B1The time in the morning when twilight first appears; dawn.
averse
A1A brief, heavy fall of rain or snow; shower.
bise
C1A cold, dry north or northeast wind.
bourrasque
B1A sudden, brief gust of wind or squall.
brièvement
B1For a short time; briefly.
brise
A1A gentle wind.
