verb

balayer

sweep

C’est enlever la poussière ou la saleté du sol avec un balai.

Word: balayer

Meaning

Balayer is a French verb meaning "to sweep." It typically refers to the action of cleaning a floor or surface by using a broom or similar tool to remove dirt, dust, or debris.

Parts / Conjugation

It is a regular -ER verb.
Example in present tense:
- Je balaye (I sweep)
- Tu balaies (You sweep)
- Il/Elle balaie (He/She sweeps)
- Nous balayons (We sweep)
- Vous balayez (You sweep)
- Ils/Elles balaient (They sweep)

Additional Meanings / Uses

Figurative sense: To "sweep away" or "wipe out" something non-physical, like problems, doubts, or opposition.

Example:
L'équipe a balayé ses adversaires — The team swept away their opponents (meaning they defeated them completely).
Can also be used in a broader sense of "to scan" or "to glance over" something quickly.

Synonyms

Passer le balai (to pass the broom/sweep)
Nettoyer (to clean) — more general
Asticoter (depending on region and context, but less formal)

Antonyms

Salir (to dirty, make dirty)
Encrasser (to make dirty/clog)
Tâcher (to stain)

Summary

"Balayer" is primarily used to describe the action of physically sweeping but can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of removing or erasing something intangible. It is a common, regular -ER verb and useful in both literal and figurative contexts.