devenu — meaning in English: become

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for become

cartes

internationales

regard

devenu

prochaine

Skip this question

🎓

Learn French for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'devenu' in conversations about personal growth or changes in status, such as during a discussion about career advancements or life transformations. For example, someone might say, 'Je suis devenu chef de projet,' when sharing their new job title with friends.

Synonyms & nuances

'Devenu' specifically emphasizes the process of becoming, highlighting a transformation over time, while synonyms like 'être' (to be) convey a state of being. You would use 'devenu' when discussing a change, such as 'Il est devenu célèbre' ('He has become famous'), while 'être' would not capture that transformational nuance.

Culture

'Devenu' is derived from the Old French term 'devenir,' which itself has roots in Latin 'devenire.' This evolution of the word illustrates how the concept of becoming is deeply embedded in French culture, reflecting the importance placed on personal and social transformations throughout history, such as the shift from feudalism to modernity in France.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 'devenu' in a sentence?

'Devenu' is typically used as a past participle with the auxiliary verb 'être' to describe a change. For example, you can say, 'Elle est devenue artiste,' meaning 'She has become an artist.'

Q.What is the feminine form of 'devenu'?

The feminine form of 'devenu' is 'devenue.' You would use 'devenue' when referring to a female subject, as in 'Elle est devenue avocate' ('She has become a lawyer').

Q.What are common mistakes when using 'devenu'?

A common mistake is to forget to use 'être' as the auxiliary verb when forming the perfect tense. Remember, 'devenu' requires 'être,' not 'avoir.' So, avoid saying 'J'ai devenu' and use 'Je suis devenu' instead.

Learn french with Maspeak →

2000 French Words