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    Traînaient (en. Were dragging)

    /tʁɛ.nɛ/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    verb
    Moving slowly, with little enthusiasm.
    They were hanging around in the park, enjoying the nice days.
    Ils traînaient dans le parc, profitant des beaux jours.
    Being late, being sluggish.
    They took their time so we missed the start of the movie.
    Ils traînaient tant que nous avons manqué le début du film.
    Prolonging something that should be done quickly.
    She was dragging her feet to finish her homework.
    Elle traînait des pieds pour finir ses devoirs.

    Etymology

    From the verb 'traîner', of Latin origin 'trahere' meaning 'to pull, to drag'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    Dragging one's feet
    Acting slowly and reluctantly.
    Traîner les pieds
    Hanging around
    Being present somewhere without a particular purpose.
    Traîner dans le coin
    Dragging on
    Prolonging a situation longer than necessary.
    Traîner en longueur

    Related Words

    drag
    A verb that means to move something or to move slowly.
    traîner
    strolling
    The act of wandering, walking without a goal.
    flânerie
    delay
    The state of being late with respect to an obligation.
    retard

    Slang Meanings

    Being slow to act.
    He is always dragging his feet.
    Il est toujours en train de traîner.
    Not rushing.
    Stop dragging and get your work done.
    Arrête de traîner et fais ton travail.