verb

durer

last

C’est rester dans le temps sans finir rapidement.

Definition & meaning

The verb durer primarily means to last or to continue to exist over a period of time. It describes the duration of an event, a state, or the lifespan of an object.

There are two main nuances to its usage:

To continue in time: It refers to the time elapsed during an action or state. For example, "Le film dure deux heures" (The movie lasts two hours).
To persist or remain: It describes something that remains effective, stable, or in good condition over time. For example, "Cette amitié va durer" (This friendship will last).

In a more informal sense, it can also imply that something is taking too long or is becoming tedious, often used in the exclamation "Ça dure !" (This is taking forever!).

Grammar & Word origin

Durer is a regular verb of the first group, ending in -er. It is conjugated similarly to other common verbs like parler.

The word originates from the Latin verb durare, which initially meant "to make hard" or "to become hard" (derived from durus, meaning hard). Evolutionarily, the meaning shifted from the physical hardness of a material to the metaphorical "hardness" or "solidity" of time—meaning something that is solid enough to withstand the passage of time without breaking or ending.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

continuer: to continue or keep going.
persister: to persist, often used for a situation that remains the same.
subsister: to subsist or remain in existence.
perdurer: to endure or last for a very long time (often used for traditions or habits).
rester: to remain.