Fût-ce (en. Even if it was)

/fy.t.se/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Used to introduce a conditional proposition.

Even if it were for one night, I want to see him.

Fût-ce pour une seule nuit, je veux le voir.

Literary usage for a hypothetical situation.

Even if it were in a dream, I will go there.

Fût-ce dans un rêve, j'irai là-bas.

Used in formal formulations.

Even at his own expense, he succeeded.

Fût-ce à ses dépens, il réussit.

From the verb 'to be' in the past subjunctive, expressing a condition.

even if it were just once

Indicates that the action is not frequent, but it could take place.

fût-ce une fois

even if it were for fun

Sketches an action taken even if it seems unserious.

fût-ce pour rire

even if it were under duress

Expresses an obligatory action even in less than ideal circumstances.

fût-ce sous la contrainte

condition

A situation prior to an event.

condition

hypothesis

A supposition from which a conclusion is drawn.

hypothèse

subjunctive

A verbal mood often used in hypothetical contexts.

subjonctif

Expression used to signify an unlikely but conceivable thing.

I will do it, even if it means jumping through hoops of fire.

Je le ferai, fût-ce en sautant à travers des cerceaux de feu.

Refers to a duty to act despite circumstances.

I am ready to talk to him, even if it is at a bad time.

Je suis prêt à lui parler, fût-ce dans un mauvais moment.