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- C'est-à-dire - meaning & definition
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Translate Files C'est-à-dire (en. That's to say)
[sɛt a diʁ]
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
noun
Indicates a clarification or explanation.
You need to be there at 6 PM, that is to say at the time of the appointment.
Il faut que tu sois là à 18h, c'est-à-dire à l'heure du rendez-vous.
Used to reformulate something.
She went to the cinema, that is to say she didn't return home.
Elle est allée au cinéma, c'est-à-dire qu'elle n'est pas rentrée à la maison.
To introduce an example or a precision.
He was promoted, that is to say he received a raise.
Il a été promu, c'est-à-dire qu'il a reçu une augmentation.
Etymology
The expression comes from French, literally 'that is to say', used to introduce an explanation.
Common Phrases and Expressions
that is to say that
to introduce an explanation or a clarification.
c'est-à-dire que
that is to say well
a reformulation of the meaning of a sentence with emphasis.
c'est-à-dire bien
which means
to clarify what has been said previously.
ce qui veut dire
Related Words
clarification
action of making something clearer.
clarification
explanation
development to explain something.
explication
Slang Meanings
to say simply.
He decided to cancel, that is to say he is not coming.
Il a décidé d'annuler, c'est-à-dire qu'il ne vient pas.
to quickly reformulate.
It’s going to rain, that is to say take your umbrella.
Il va pleuvoir, c'est-à-dire prends ton parapluie.