faillir

The verb "faillir" in French means "to almost" or "to nearly" do something, indicating that an action was very close to happening but did not actually occur. It expresses a near event or failure to do something.

Meaning:

• It is used mainly with an infinitive verb following it.
• It implies that something was on the verge of occurring but ultimately didn't.

Example:

• J’ai failli tomber — "I almost fell."
• Elle a failli partir — "She nearly left."

Conjugation note:

• "Faillir" is used mostly in the past tense (passé composé or imparfait) or conditional, reflecting near past or hypothetical past actions.

Synonyms and differences:

• Presque: An adverb meaning "almost," used differently because it modifies verbs or quantities and not a verb by itself.

  • J’ai presque tombé — incorrect.
  • J’ai failli tomber — correct.

• Échouer (to fail): Indicates an actual failure or defeat, not a near occurrence.

  • J’ai échoué à l’examen — "I failed the exam."
  • J’ai failli échouer à l’examen — "I almost failed the exam."

• Manquer de + infinitive: Also means "to nearly do" something, similar to "faillir," but more formal or literary.

Summary:

• Faillir + infinitive = to almost do something (didn't actually happen).
• It is colloquial or neutral.
• Different from simply "failed," which implies the event did occur, but unsuccessfully.