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    Pouvaient (en. Could)

    /puvɛ/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    verb
    Indicates a possibility or ability in the past.
    They could play football every Saturday.
    Ils pouvaient jouer au football tous les samedis.
    Expresses permission in the past.
    At that time, children could go out without worry.
    À cette époque, les enfants pouvaient sortir sans inquiétude.
    Indicates a hypothesis in the past.
    They could be late due to traffic.
    Ils pouvaient être en retard à cause de la circulation.

    Etymology

    From the verb pouvoir in Old French, derived from the Latin 'posse'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    They could do it.
    They had the capacity to accomplish that.
    Ils pouvaient le faire
    They could be worried.
    They had the right to care.
    Ils pouvaient s'inquiéter

    Related Words

    to be able
    Having the capacity or permission to do something.
    pouvoir
    ability
    The ability to accomplish something.
    capacité
    to allow
    To give permission to do something.
    permettre

    Slang Meanings

    Capable of
    He is good at math.
    Il est pouvaient en maths.
    It's possible
    It's possible if you get to it.
    C'est pouvaient si tu t'y mets.