verbverb

renvoyer

send back · return · fire

Faire partir quelqu’un d’un lieu ou d’un travail, ou retourner quelque chose à son expéditeur.

The French verb "renvoyer" has several related meanings, generally involving sending back or dismissing:

  1. To send back / return something:
    Example: renvoyer un colis — to send back a package. This use implies returning an object or document to its origin.

  2. To dismiss or fire someone from a job:
    Example: renvoyer un employé — to fire an employee. This is a common use in professional or institutional contexts when someone is made to leave their position.

  3. To refer back or defer:
    Example: renvoyer à une autre page — to refer to another page.

  4. To postpone or defer:
    Example: renvoyer une réunion — to postpone a meeting.

Synonyms and differences:

  • Licencier: Specifically means "to fire" an employee, often with formal or legal connotations. "Renvoyer" can be less formal or more general.
  • Rappeler: Means "to recall" or bring back, which is different from "renvoyer" (sending back).
  • Retourner/envoyer de nouveau: More specifically cover "to return something," similar to the "send back" sense of "renvoyer" but a bit more formal or specific.
  • Reporter: Means "to postpone," similar to that sense of "renvoyer."

In summary, "renvoyer" is a versatile verb meaning to send back, dismiss, refer, or postpone, depending on the context.

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Examples

Je dois renvoyer ce colis.verb

I have to send back this package.

Paul veut renvoyer ce produit défectueux.verb

Paul wants to return this defective product.

Le directeur a renvoyé plusieurs employés après la réunion.verb

The director fired several employees after the meeting.

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