contenter

to satisfy, to content

verb kohn-tahn-TAY Less Common

Usage Note

Contenter is typically used reflexively as se contenter de meaning 'to make do with' or 'to be satisfied with' — il se contente de peu means 'he makes do with very little'. The transitive form contenter quelqu'un means 'to satisfy someone'. The related adjective content means 'happy' or 'pleased'.

Examples

"Elle se contente d'un sourire."

Natural Translation

She makes do with a smile.

Literal Translation

She contents herself with a smile.

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