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espérance

hope

noun es-peh-RAHNS Rare

Also means

life expectancy

Usage Note

espérance is a slightly more literary or religious synonym for espoir (hope); espoir is neutral and conversational while espérance carries a tone of sustained, virtuous hope. The fixed phrase espérance de vie (life expectancy) is the everyday statistical term found in demographics. In Christian theology, l'Espérance is one of the three theological virtues.

Examples

"L'espérance de vie a augmenté."

Natural Translation

Life expectancy has increased.

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