la heure
hour · time
C’est une unité de temps qui dure soixante minutes et sert à indiquer un moment précis dans la journée.
Definition & meaning
The French word heure generally refers to the measurement of time. Depending on the context, it can have several meanings:
- A unit of time: An hour, which consists of 60 minutes.
- A specific point in time: The time of day (e.g., "What time is it?").
- A specific moment or occasion: A designated or opportune moment for an event or action (e.g., "The hour of truth").
- Duration: Often used in the plural (heures) to describe the length of time something lasts.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a feminine noun (une heure).
- Origin: It comes from the Latin word hora, which itself is derived from the Ancient Greek hōra, meaning "any time or period, as an hour, day, or year."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- Moment (refers to a specific point in time)
- Durée (refers to the length of time)
- Temps (a general term for time)
- Époque (can refer to a historical hour or period)
Antonyms There are no direct antonyms for the word "heure," as it is a fundamental unit of measurement. However, in contexts implying a specific point vs. a long duration, one might contrast it with éternité (eternity).
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Examples
Nous devons arriver dans une heure.noun
We must arrive in an hour.
Elle attend depuis une heure.noun
She has been waiting for an hour.
Quelle heure est-il ?noun
What time is it?
On arrivera à l'heure.noun
We will arrive on time.
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