Download
Translate Files
search close
    https://lingvanex.com/translate/ Translate Text https://app.lingvanex.com/ Translate Files

    Était-ce (en. Was it)

    [e.tɛ.t‿sə]

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    noun
    Used to ask a question about a past situation.
    Was it really necessary to interrupt the meeting?
    Était-ce vraiment nécessaire d'interrompre la réunion ?
    Used to evoke a situation that took place.
    Was it in 1995 that the concert took place?
    Était-ce en 1995 que le concert a eu lieu ?
    A form of question that makes explicit the nature of the verb 'être' in the past.
    Was it him who had decided?
    Était-ce lui qui avait décidé ?

    Etymology

    Derived from 'était', a form of the verb 'être' in the past, and 'ce', a demonstrative pronoun.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    Was it a good idea?
    A question to assess the quality of a past idea.
    Était-ce une bonne idée ?
    Was it really necessary?
    A question about the necessity of a prior action.
    Était-ce vraiment nécessaire ?
    Was it the first time?
    Inquiry about the novelty of a past experience.
    Était-ce la première fois ?

    Related Words

    was
    Third person singular of the imperfect tense of 'être'.
    était
    it
    Demonstrative pronoun used to refer to something.
    ce
    to be
    Essential verb of being or existence.
    être

    Slang Meanings

    Used in an informal context to signify regret.
    Why was I there? Was it really necessary?
    Pourquoi étais-je là ? Était-ce vraiment nécessaire ?
    Can be used sarcastically to criticize a past decision.
    Ah, that movie! Was it really a masterpiece?
    Ah, ce film ! Était-ce vraiment un chef-d'œuvre ?