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A2 verb 12 min read

revêtir

Examples revêtir in 30 Seconds
Explanation revêtir in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn the basic words for daily life. You probably know the word 'vêtement' for clothes and 'mettre' for 'to put on.' The verb 'revêtir' is a bit more advanced, but it's good to recognize it. Think of it as a special version of 'mettre.' Imagine a king putting on his crown or a superhero putting on a cape. That special feeling of 'getting ready for something big' is what 'revêtir' is all about. You won't use it to talk about your socks, but you might see it in a picture book about knights. It's like 'dressing up' in a very official way. Even at A1, you can remember that it looks like 'vêtement' (clothes), which makes it easy to spot! Just remember: 'revêtir' = special dressing.
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At the A2 level, you are expanding your vocabulary to describe things in more detail. 'Revêtir' is a great word to know because it's used for uniforms and official clothes. In France, many professions have special clothes, like doctors, lawyers, or police officers. When they put on their work clothes, you can say they 'revêtent leur uniforme.' It sounds much more professional than just saying they 'put on' clothes. You also start to see this word when talking about buildings. If a house is covered in beautiful stones or wood, we say it is 'revêtue de pierre.' It's like the house is 'wearing' a beautiful coat. At this level, focus on these two uses: formal uniforms and the outer layers of buildings. It's an irregular verb, so pay attention to 'je revêts' and 'il revêt.'
At the B1 level, you are moving into more abstract and metaphorical language. This is where 'revêtir' becomes very useful. You will hear it in the news or read it in articles. Instead of just physical clothes, people use it to describe how a situation 'takes on' a certain feeling. For example, 'cette décision revêt une grande importance' means 'this decision is very important.' It's as if the decision is 'putting on' the quality of importance. This is a very common way to sound more fluent and sophisticated in French. You should also be comfortable with the past participle 'revêtu' and using it as an adjective. A 'mur revêtu' is a 'covered wall.' Start trying to use 'revêtir' in your writing when you want to emphasize that something is becoming serious or official.
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At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'revêtir' with precision in both formal writing and technical contexts. You'll understand its role in legal and administrative French—for instance, how a document 'revêt la forme authentique' (takes on an authentic form). You should also be aware of the nuance it provides in literature. When an author writes 'la forêt revêt son manteau d'hiver,' you understand the poetic imagery of the forest being covered in snow. At this level, you should be careful with the register; you know not to use 'revêtir' for casual clothes, but you use it confidently when discussing politics, law, or high-end architecture. Your conjugation should be perfect, including the traditional circumflex in 'il revêt.'
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At the C1 level, you appreciate the subtle stylistic choices that 'revêtir' offers. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'endosser,' 'arborer,' or 'se parer de.' You use 'revêtir' to describe the multi-layered nature of reality—how an event can 'revêtir plusieurs significations' (take on several meanings). You are familiar with technical jargon in construction where 'revêtement' is the noun form for flooring or cladding. In your own essays, you use the verb to elevate your style, choosing it over 'avoir' or 'prendre' to give your arguments more weight and formality. You also recognize archaic or highly literary uses in classical French texts, where 'se revêtir' might appear in a reflexive, poetic sense. Your mastery of the verb reflects a deep understanding of French socio-linguistic registers.
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At the C2 level, 'revêtir' is a tool for nuance and rhetorical power. You understand its etymological roots in Latin 're-vestire' and how that history informs its current use in legal 'vesting' of authority. You can analyze how a writer uses the verb to create a specific atmosphere, perhaps using it to describe a character 'revêtant une nouvelle identité' (assuming a new identity) in a psychological novel. You are comfortable with all its forms, including rare tenses like the passé simple ('il revêtit') or the subjonctif imparfait. You can discuss the evolution of its spelling and its role in the 'langue soutenue.' For you, 'revêtir' is not just a verb; it's a marker of the formal, the structural, and the transformative power of language.
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Examples

revêtir in 30 Seconds

  • Revêtir is a formal French verb meaning to put on official clothing or uniforms.
  • It is also used technically to describe covering surfaces like walls or roads.
  • Metaphorically, it means 'to take on' a quality, such as importance or a specific character.
  • It is an irregular verb following the 'vêtir' pattern, not the 'finir' pattern.
The French verb revêtir is a multi-faceted word that English speakers often encounter as they move from basic to intermediate French. At its most fundamental level, it means 'to put on' or 'to dress,' but it carries a much more formal and significant weight than the common verb 'mettre.' While you might 'mettre' a t-shirt to go to the grocery store, a judge might revêtir his robes for a trial. This distinction in register is crucial for learners to grasp. The word implies a sense of ceremony, officiality, or a complete change in appearance.
Formal Clothing
Used when discussing uniforms, ceremonial dress, or armor. It suggests a transformation into a specific role.

Le chevalier doit revêtir son armure avant la bataille.

Beyond the physical act of dressing, revêtir is frequently used in a metaphorical sense. It describes when an object, a situation, or an abstract concept takes on a particular quality or appearance. For instance, a project might 'revêtir une importance capitale' (take on capital importance). In this context, the word acts as a sophisticated synonym for 'prendre' or 'avoir.' This usage is very common in journalism, legal documents, and academic writing. In the world of construction and materials, revêtir refers to the act of surfacing or coating. A wall might be 'revêtu de marbre' (clad in marble), or a road might be 'revêtue de bitume' (paved with bitumen). Here, the 'clothing' is the outer layer of the structure.
Technical Surfacing
The application of a protective or decorative layer to a surface, such as tiling or paving.

Les ouvriers vont revêtir le sol de dalles en granit.

Furthermore, in legal contexts, one often hears about a document that must 'revêtir la forme exécutoire' (take on the enforceable form). This means the document is being given the official power to be carried out. This highlights the word's connection to authority and formality. For an A2 learner, understanding that this word exists allows you to recognize it in more formal texts, even if you continue to use 's'habiller' in your daily conversation. It adds a layer of sophistication to your vocabulary that distinguishes a beginner from someone who understands the nuances of French style.
Abstract Quality
When a situation or event begins to show a specific characteristic, such as urgency or gravity.

Cette affaire commence à revêtir un aspect inquiétant.

Historically, the word comes from the Latin 're-vestire', meaning to clothe again. This 're-' prefix in French often suggests a formalization or a repetitive, deliberate action. In literature, authors use it to create vivid imagery of nature, such as the earth 'revêtant son manteau blanc' (putting on its white coat) when it snows. It is a word of beauty and precision, bridging the gap between the mundane act of dressing and the poetic act of transformation.
Using revêtir correctly requires attention to both its conjugation and its grammatical structure. It is an irregular verb that follows the pattern of 'vêtir.' This means the singular present forms end in -s, -s, -t: 'je revêts', 'tu revêts', 'il revêt'. Notice the circumflex on the 'e' in the third person singular (in traditional spelling), which is a key marker for learners. In the plural, it becomes 'nous revêtons', 'vous revêtez', 'ils revêtent'.
Direct Object Usage
The most common structure is [Subject] + [revêtir] + [Noun]. The noun is the thing being put on or the quality being assumed.

L'avocat doit revêtir sa robe avant d'entrer dans la salle d'audience.

When using the verb to describe surfaces, the structure often shifts to a passive or participial form: 'un mur revêtu de...' (a wall covered with...). Here, 'revêtu' acts as the past participle. It must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'des routes revêtues de goudron' (roads surfaced with tar). In metaphorical contexts, you will see it paired with abstract nouns like 'caractère,' 'forme,' or 'aspect.' For example, 'La manifestation a revêtu un caractère pacifique' (The protest took on a peaceful character). Note that in English, we often translate this as 'took on' or 'assumed,' but in French, revêtir adds a touch of elegance.
Pronominal Form
While 'se revêtir' exists, it is much less common than the simple 'revêtir' or the standard 's'habiller'. It is reserved for highly poetic or archaic contexts.

Le paysage se revêt de ses plus belles couleurs en automne.

One of the trickiest parts for learners is the past tense. The passé composé uses the auxiliary 'avoir': 'J'ai revêtu.' The past participle 'revêtu' is irregular but easy to remember if you think of 'vêtement' (clothing).
The 'De' Construction
When describing the material used to coat something, always use 'de' or 'd''.

Elle a revêtu son enfant d'un manteau chaud.

Finally, consider the imperative. If you were directing a play and told an actor to put on their costume, you might say, 'Revêtez votre costume !' It sounds much more professional and theatrical than 'Mettez votre costume.' This nuance allows you to control the tone of your French effectively. Whether you are writing a formal essay or describing a beautiful landscape, revêtir provides a level of precision that basic verbs lack. It allows the speaker to convey not just the action, but the significance of the action. As you practice, try replacing 'mettre' with revêtir in sentences involving uniforms or formal wear to see how it changes the 'feel' of the sentence.
In daily life in France, you might not hear revêtir at a casual dinner party, but it is ubiquitous in other specific domains. If you watch the French news (like TF1 or France 2), you will frequently hear reporters say things like 'L'événement revêt une dimension internationale' (The event is taking on an international dimension). This is the word of choice for media professionals who want to emphasize the importance or the changing nature of a news story.
Journalism and Media
Commonly used to describe the significance or the shifting 'look' of political and social issues.

La visite du président revêt une importance symbolique majeure.

Another place you will encounter this word is in museums and historical sites. Descriptions of knights, kings, or clergy will almost always use revêtir to describe their attire. It fits the historical and grand atmosphere of such places. For example, a plaque might explain how a king would revêtir his coronation robes. In the world of architecture and urban planning, revêtir is the technical term for finishing surfaces. If you are reading a brochure for a new apartment building, it might boast that the facade is 'revêtue de pierre naturelle' (clad in natural stone). This sounds much more luxurious and high-end than simply saying the wall is 'made of' stone.
Architecture and Real Estate
Used to describe high-quality finishes and materials applied to buildings and interiors.

Le hall d'entrée est revêtu de boiseries élégantes.

Literature, of course, is a prime location for this verb. Classic French authors like Victor Hugo or Gustave Flaubert used revêtir to create rich, atmospheric descriptions. It allows for personification, where the dawn 'revêt le ciel de pourpre' (clothes the sky in crimson). When you read French novels, seeing this word should signal to you that the author is being particularly descriptive or evocative.
Literary Personification
Authors use the verb to give human-like qualities to nature or abstract ideas, as if they are getting dressed.

La forêt se revêt de mystère à la tombée de la nuit.

Finally, in legal and administrative French, 'revêtir' is essential. A contract that 'revêt la signature des deux parties' is a formal way of saying it has been signed. It sounds official and binding. Understanding this word helps you navigate the bureaucratic side of French life, from reading lease agreements to understanding government announcements. It is a word that signals 'this is important, this is official, and this is formal.'
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with revêtir is using it in contexts that are too casual. If you tell a friend, 'Je vais revêtir mon jean,' it will sound quite strange—almost like you are treating your jeans as a royal robe. For everyday clothing, always stick to 'mettre' or 's'habiller.' Use revêtir only when the clothing is special, formal, or symbolic.
Register Errors
Confusing the formal 'revêtir' with the everyday 'mettre'.

Incorrect: Je vais revêtir un pyjama pour dormir. (Too formal for pajamas!)

Another common pitfall is the conjugation. Because it ends in -ir, many students try to conjugate it like 'finir' (e.g., *nous revêtissons*). This is incorrect. It follows the 'vêtir' pattern, which is much shorter: 'nous revêtons.' Remembering that it's related to 'vêtement' can help you avoid the '-iss' forms of the second conjugation group. Confusion also arises with the preposition 'de.' When you are saying something is covered in a material, you must use 'de,' not 'avec.' For example, 'revêtu de soie' (covered in silk), not 'revêtu avec soie.' In French, 'de' is the standard preposition for materials and qualities associated with revêtir.
Preposition Pitfall
Using 'avec' instead of 'de' when describing materials or characteristics.

Correct: Le sol est revêtu de carrelage. (The floor is covered in tiling.)

Learners also struggle with the circumflex in 'il revêt.' While the 1990 spelling reform allows 'il revet' without the accent, most formal publications and exams still prefer the traditional 'revêt.' It's safer for a learner to keep the accent to show they understand the traditional conjugation.
Metaphorical Misuse
Using 'revêtir' for simple physical actions when 'prendre' or 'porter' is more appropriate.

Avoid: Il revêt son sac à dos. (Better: Il met son sac à dos.)

Finally, ensure you don't confuse revêtir with 'revenir' (to come back). They look somewhat similar at a glance, but their meanings and conjugations are entirely different. 'Revêtir' is about 'vesting' or 'clothing,' while 'revenir' is about movement. Pay close attention to the 't' in 'revêtir' to distinguish it.
To truly master revêtir, it helps to compare it with its synonyms and alternatives. The most obvious alternative is 'mettre.' While 'mettre' is the workhorse of French clothing verbs, revêtir is its elegant, formal cousin. Use 'mettre' for shoes, hats, and daily clothes. Use revêtir for robes, uniforms, and armor.
revêtir vs mettre
'Mettre' is casual and general; 'revêtir' is formal and implies importance.

On met ses baskets, mais on revêt son habit de cérémonie.

Another close synonym is 'endosser.' This verb literally means 'to put on one's back' (from 'dos'). It is often used for coats or jackets, but like revêtir, it has a strong metaphorical side, particularly for 'endosser une responsabilité' (taking on a responsibility). While revêtir is about the 'appearance' or 'form,' 'endosser' is more about the 'burden' or 'role.' When discussing surfaces, 'recouvrir' (to cover) or 'parer' (to adorn) are useful. 'Recouvrir' is more neutral—you can 'recouvrir' a table with a cloth. revêtir suggests a more permanent or structural coating, like tiling or paving. 'Parer' suggests decoration, like 'parer une salle de fleurs' (decorating a room with flowers).
revêtir vs recouvrir
'Recouvrir' is a general act of covering; 'revêtir' is a specific, often technical or formal, act of surfacing.

On recouvre un plat, mais on revêt une façade de briques.

In the metaphorical sense, 'arborer' is an interesting alternative. It means to wear something proudly or conspicuously, like 'arborer un sourire' (wearing a big smile) or 'arborer une médaille' (wearing a medal). revêtir is more about the intrinsic change in the situation's nature, whereas 'arborer' is about the outward display.
revêtir vs arborer
'Arborer' emphasizes display and pride; 'revêtir' emphasizes the formal adoption of a form or quality.

Il arbore sa légion d'honneur, tandis que le juge revêt sa dignité.

Finally, for abstract qualities, you might use 'prendre.' 'La situation prend une tournure tragique' is common. However, saying 'La situation revêt un caractère tragique' is more literary and precise. By choosing revêtir, you signal a higher level of linguistic mastery and a better grasp of French stylistic nuances.
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Examples by Level

1

Le roi doit revêtir sa couronne.

The king must put on his crown.

Simple direct object usage.

2

Il va revêtir son costume de super-héros.

He is going to put on his superhero costume.

Future proche with 'aller' + infinitive.

3

Le chevalier revêt son armure.

The knight puts on his armor.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

4

Elle veut revêtir une belle robe pour le bal.

She wants to put on a beautiful dress for the ball.

Infinitive after 'vouloir'.

5

Je revêts mon manteau car il fait froid.

I put on my coat because it is cold.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

6

L'enfant revêt son pyjama.

The child puts on his pajamas.

Simple present tense.

7

Tu revêts ton uniforme pour l'école ?

Are you putting on your uniform for school?

Interrogative sentence.

8

Le Père Noël revêt ses vêtements rouges.

Santa Claus puts on his red clothes.

Plural noun object.

1

Le médecin doit revêtir sa blouse blanche.

The doctor must put on his white coat.

Professional context.

2

Le mur est revêtu de briques rouges.

The wall is covered with red bricks.

Passive form with 'de'.

3

Les policiers revêtent leur gilet pare-balles.

The police officers put on their bulletproof vests.

3rd person plural present.

4

Cette maison est revêtue de bois.

This house is clad in wood.

Past participle as adjective.

5

Il a revêtu son habit de cuisinier.

He put on his chef's outfit.

Passé composé.

6

La route est revêtue de nouveau goudron.

The road is surfaced with new tar.

Technical usage.

7

Elle revêt son uniforme de travail tous les matins.

She puts on her work uniform every morning.

Habitual action.

8

Nous revêtons nos gants pour jardiner.

We put on our gloves to garden.

1st person plural present.

1

Cette question revêt une importance particulière.

This question takes on a particular importance.

Metaphorical usage (taking on a quality).

2

Le projet a revêtu un caractère urgent.

The project took on an urgent character.

Passé composé with abstract noun.

3

Le paysage revêt ses couleurs d'automne.

The landscape takes on its autumn colors.

Literary/nature description.

4

L'accord doit revêtir la forme d'un contrat.

The agreement must take the form of a contract.

Formal/Legal context.

5

Il a revêtu l'identité d'un détective.

He took on the identity of a detective.

Figurative 'clothing'.

6

La cérémonie revêt un aspect solennel.

The ceremony takes on a solemn aspect.

Describing the 'feel' of an event.

7

Le sol de la cuisine est revêtu de carrelage.

The kitchen floor is covered in tiles.

Technical surfacing.

8

Elle a revêtu son fils d'un pull en laine.

She dressed her son in a wool sweater.

Transitive use: dressing someone else.

1

Le discours du ministre revêt une dimension politique.

The minister's speech takes on a political dimension.

Journalistic style.

2

Le bâtiment est revêtu de panneaux solaires.

The building is covered with solar panels.

Modern technical context.

3

L'acte notarié doit revêtir le sceau officiel.

The notarized act must bear the official seal.

Administrative/Legal precision.

4

Ses paroles ont revêtu un ton menaçant.

His words took on a threatening tone.

Describing tone/abstract qualities.

5

La ville se revêt de lumières pour Noël.

The city dresses itself in lights for Christmas.

Reflexive poetic usage.

6

Le suspect avait revêtu un déguisement.

The suspect had put on a disguise.

Plus-que-parfait.

7

Ce problème revêt un aspect technique complexe.

This problem takes on a complex technical aspect.

Professional analysis.

8

Il est important de revêtir les parois de l'isolant.

It is important to coat the walls with insulation.

Technical infinitive.

1

L'œuvre revêt une portée philosophique profonde.

The work takes on a profound philosophical significance.

High-level academic analysis.

2

Le poète revêt la nature d'une âme humaine.

The poet clothes nature with a human soul.

Literary personification.

3

La décision de justice doit revêtir la formule exécutoire.

The court decision must take on the enforceable formula.

Legal terminology.

4

Le métal est revêtu d'une couche anticorrosion.

The metal is coated with an anti-corrosion layer.

Industrial/Scientific usage.

5

L'événement a revêtu les allures d'une tragédie grecque.

The event took on the appearance of a Greek tragedy.

Sophisticated comparison.

6

Il convient de revêtir cette demande de la plus grande discrétion.

This request should be treated with the utmost discretion.

Formal administrative request.

7

La plaine se revêtit bientôt d'une brume épaisse.

The plain was soon covered in a thick mist.

Passé simple (literary past).

8

Le concept revêt une forme nouvelle dans ce chapitre.

The concept takes on a new form in this chapter.

Abstract structural analysis.

1

L'allégorie revêt ici une fonction didactique.

The allegory here takes on a didactic function.

Literary criticism.

2

Le souverain revêtit les ornements pontificaux.

The sovereign put on the pontifical ornaments.

Archaic/Historical register.

3

Cette revendication revêt un caractère éminemment social.

This demand takes on an eminently social character.

Sociopolitical analysis.

4

Le mur pignon est revêtu d'un enduit à la chaux.

The gable wall is coated with a lime plaster.

Specialized architecture.

5

L'espace urbain revêt une symbolique de pouvoir.

The urban space takes on a symbolism of power.

Sociological theory.

6

Il importe que l'acte revête la signature du greffier.

It is important that the act bears the clerk's signature.

Subjunctive mood ('revête').

7

La réalité revêt parfois des masques trompeurs.

Reality sometimes puts on deceptive masks.

Philosophical metaphor.

8

Le texte revêtit une importance cruciale lors des négociations.

The text took on crucial importance during the negotiations.

Historical narrative past.

Common Collocations

revêtir une importance
revêtir un caractère
revêtir l'uniforme
revêtir la forme de
revêtir de marbre
revêtir son habit
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