Valaient (en. Were worth)

valɛ

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Third person plural of the imperfect tense of the verb 'valoir'. Indicates a value or importance in the past.

These paintings were worth a lot of money at the time.

Ces tableaux valaient beaucoup d'argent à l'époque.

Expresses an estimation of something in reference to its cost or worth.

The efforts he put in were worth it.

Les efforts qu'il a fournis valaient la peine.

Indicates a qualification, recognition, or merit.

The actions of these heroes were worth a reward.

Les actions de ces héros valaient une récompense.

Comes from the verb 'valoir', derived from the Latin 'valere' meaning 'to be strong, to be worth'.

were worth the effort

Means that something justifies the effort or cost.

valaient la peine

were worth their weight in gold

Indicates that something has great value.

valaient leur poids en or

it was worth the wait

Expresses that a certain delay was justified by the outcome.

cela valait l'attente

valoir

To have a certain value.

valoir

valeur

The quality of something that gives it importance.

valeur

valable

That has value or is acceptable.

valable

Worth it

That outing was worth it; we had a great time.

Cette sortie valait le coup, on a passé un bon moment.

Cost an arm

That car costs an arm; I can't afford it.

Cette voiture vaut un bras, je ne peux pas me le permettre.