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épier

spy on, watch secretly

verb eh-pee-EH Rare
Mind & Emotions Attitudes

Usage Note

Épier implies close, covert observation — stronger than surveiller (to monitor) and more deliberate than observer. It is conjugated like other -ier verbs with a double 'i' in the nous/vous subjunctive forms (que nous épiions), a pattern that trips up learners.

Examples

"Il épiait ses voisins depuis la fenêtre."

Natural Translation

He was spying on his neighbours from the window.

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