Usage Note
Dessein is a formal or literary term for a deliberate plan or intention. It is easily confused with dessin ('drawing') — both are pronounced identically. The phrase à dessein means 'on purpose' or 'deliberately', and is common in formal writing.
Examples
"Il agit à dessein pour troubler la réunion."
Natural Translation
He acted deliberately to disrupt the meeting.

Free starter pack
Building your French vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore French by topic