verb
consigner
record
Definition & meaning
The French verb consigner has three primary meanings depending on the context:
- To record or write down: To formally enter information into a register, document, or report. This is often used in administrative or legal contexts to ensure a record of facts or statements is kept.
- To deposit as security: To place money, assets, or goods in the hands of a third party (such as a court or a bank) to guarantee the fulfillment of an obligation or as a safeguard during a legal dispute.
- To restrict/confine: To order someone to remain in a specific place, typically as a disciplinary measure. For example, a soldier might be confined to the barracks, or a student might be kept in detention at school.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a regular -er verb. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object.
- Word origin: It derives from the Latin word consignare, which is composed of com- (together) and signare (to sign or mark). Historically, it meant to seal or mark something to indicate ownership or to authenticate a document.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- For the sense of recording: enregistrer, noter, inscrire.
- For the sense of depositing: déposer, confier.
- For the sense of confining: enfermer, retenir, punir.
Antonyms:
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Examples
Pourquoi faut-il consigner les avis des participants avant la pause ?verb
Why is it necessary to record the participants' comments before the break?
S’ils n’avaient rien consigné, nous serions perdus.verb
If they had not recorded anything, we would be lost.
Elle consignait soigneusement ses idées dans un carnet.verb
She carefully recorded her ideas in a notebook.
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