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présente

present letter

noun adjective preh-ZAHNT Rare
Communication Writing

Origin: From Latin 'praesens' (being before, present).

Also means

present (adj.)

Usage Note

Présente as a noun appears in formal correspondence: par la présente means 'hereby' or 'by this letter', referring to the document itself. As an adjective it is the feminine form of présent — elle est présente (she is present). Learners most commonly encounter it in the legal or administrative phrase par la présente lettre.

Examples

"Par la présente, nous confirmons votre commande."

Natural Translation

By this letter, we confirm your order.

Literal Translation

Hereby, we confirm your order.

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