nounadjective

l’imprévu

unexpected event · unexpected

The word imprévu generally refers to something that was not foreseen, anticipated, or planned for. It can be used as a noun or an adjective:

As an adjective: It describes an event, situation, or expense that happens unexpectedly. For example, "une dépense imprévue" is an unexpected expense.
As a noun: It refers to an unforeseen event or a complication that disrupts plans. In plural, "les imprévus" often refers to the set of minor setbacks or random occurrences that might interfere with a schedule.

Grammar: It functions as an adjective (which agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies) or as a masculine noun.
Word origin: It is formed by the negative prefix in- (meaning "not") and the past participle of the verb prévoir , which means "to foresee." Therefore, it literally translates to "unforeseen" or "not provided for in advance."

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

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Un imprévu peut changer nos plans.noun

An unexpected event can change our plans.

Nous avons dû modifier l'horaire à cause d'un imprévu ce matin.noun

We had to change the schedule because of an unexpected event this morning.

Ils ont raté le train à cause d'un imprévu de dernière minute.noun

They missed the train because of a last-minute unexpected event.

La réunion a été plus courte que prévu à cause de circonstances imprévues.adjective

The meeting was shorter than expected due to unexpected circumstances.

Aucun imprévu n’a perturbé la cérémonie hier.noun

No unexpected event disrupted the ceremony yesterday.

Les dépenses imprévues ont surpris tout le monde.adjective

The unexpected expenses surprised everyone.

Finalement, les voyageurs ont bien géré les imprévus du trajet.noun

In the end, the travelers handled the unexpected events of the trip well.

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