Also means
start (of a race)
Usage Note
Départ covers both the act of leaving and the start of a race or competition — le départ d'une course ('the start of a race'). Au départ means 'initially' or 'at the outset'. It contrasts with arrivée ('arrival'). The final -t is silent.
Examples
"Le départ est prévu à huit heures."
Natural Translation
The departure is scheduled for eight o'clock.
Literal Translation
The departure is foreseen at eight hours

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