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    L’était (en. Was)

    [le.tɛ]

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    verb
    Indicates a state or condition in the past
    Once upon a time there was a king.
    Il l'était une fois un roi.
    Used to describe a past situation
    Back then, life was simpler.
    À l'époque, la vie l'était plus simple.
    Used in conditional statements
    If I had known that, I would have stayed.
    Si j'avais su cela, je l'étais resté.

    Etymology

    From the verb être, a conjugated form in the imperfect indicative.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    It was better before
    Indicates nostalgia for the past or criticism of the present.
    c'était mieux avant
    Once upon a time
    Introduction of a tale or story.
    il était une fois
    What was, was
    Means that the past cannot be changed.
    ce qui était était

    Related Words

    to be
    Verb that means 'to exist' or 'to be located'
    être
    state
    Condition or situation in which something is found.
    état

    Slang Meanings

    He didn't go out
    He didn't go out in this weather.
    Il l’était pas sorti par ce temps.
    It was really great
    It was really great last night!
    L’était trop bien hier soir !