imparfait

imperfect, flawed

adjective noun am-par-FEH Rare

Also means

imperfect tense (grammar)

Usage Note

Imparfait functions both as an adjective meaning 'not perfect or complete' and as a noun — l'imparfait — denoting the imperfect past tense of French verbs, which expresses habitual or ongoing past actions. The final -t is silent. The antonym is parfait; the adverb is imparfaitement.

Examples

"L'imparfait exprime une action passée continue."

Natural Translation

The imperfect expresses a continuous past action.

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