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    L'étais (en. Was)

    [le.tɛ]

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    verb
    Indicate a state or condition in the past.
    When I was young, I dreamed of traveling.
    Quand j'étais jeune, je rêvais de voyager.
    To be in a particular situation in the past.
    Once upon a time there was a king who lived in a castle.
    Il était une fois un roi qui vivait dans un château.
    To express a continuity of state in the past.
    They were very happy together.
    Ils étaient très heureux ensemble.

    Etymology

    Form of the verb 'to be' in Old French.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    It was time.
    It had been a long time since an action should have been taken.
    Il était temps
    Once upon a time.
    Introduction of a story or a tale.
    Il était une fois
    It was out of the question.
    It should not have happened for any reason whatsoever.
    Il était hors de question

    Related Words

    to be
    Verb meaning to exist or have an identity.
    être
    state
    Condition or situation of a person or thing.
    état
    ancient
    Who was in the past.
    ancien

    Slang Meanings

    To be in the know.
    He is always in the know, he was in the loop.
    Il est toujours au courant, il était dans le coup.
    To be lost.
    At that time, I was really lost.
    À cette époque, j'étais vraiment paumé.