subit
sudden, abrupt
adjective soo-BEE Rare
Origin: Latin subitus (unexpected)
Usage Note
Subit describes something that occurs without warning — une mort subite, un changement subit. The final 't' is silent. The feminine form is subite. The adverb subitement (suddenly) is a useful synonym for soudainement. In sports, mort subite is the French term for 'sudden death' in overtime play.
Examples
"Il a ressenti une douleur subite au bras."
Natural Translation
He felt a sudden pain in his arm.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
FrenchNow
5 min read