ouïr

to hear (archaic)

verb WEER Rare

Origin: From Latin 'audire' (to hear).

Usage Note

Ouïr is an archaic verb almost entirely replaced by entendre and écouter in modern French. It survives mainly in the legal formula ouï les parties ('having heard the parties') and in the noun ouïe (the sense of hearing, also a guitar's sound hole). You may encounter it in older literature or formal court language.

Examples

"J'ai ouï dire qu'il partait bientôt."

Natural Translation

I heard it said that he was leaving soon.

Literal Translation

I have heard say that he was leaving soon.

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