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certes

certainly, admittedly

adverb SEHRT Less Common
Grammar & Structure Adverbs

Usage Note

Certes is a formal or literary adverb used to concede a point before introducing a contrasting statement, similar to 'admittedly' or 'granted'. It almost always precedes a mais ('but') clause: certes, il a raison, mais…. It is more emphatic than bien sûr and carries a slightly bookish register.

Examples

"Certes, ce n'est pas facile."

Natural Translation

Admittedly, it is not easy.

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