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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.

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