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envol

takeoff

noun ahn-VOL Rare
Travel & Places Transportation

Also means

flight

Usage Note

Envol refers to the moment of taking flight, whether of a bird or an aircraft (prendre son envol — to take flight). Figuratively, prendre son envol means to spread one's wings and become independent, a common metaphor for young people leaving home or a career taking off.

Examples

"L'oiseau prend son envol au lever du soleil."

Natural Translation

The bird takes flight at sunrise.

Literal Translation

The bird takes its flight at the rising of the sun.

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