What does avant in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word avant in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use avant in French.

The word avant in French means before, before, before, before, just before, first, front, front, before + [indicative], best before, best before, at the front, avant-gardiste, at the forefront of, move forward, forge ahead, go ahead, print preview, BC, B.C., BC, B.C., before nightfall, before dark, before the Flood, before long, very soon, before, first, firstly, first, firstly, forearm, centre forward, centre forward, preliminary contract, forecourt, precursory, second to last, last but one, second to last, front line, vanguard, advance guard, vanguard, reconnaissance team, avant-garde, avant-gardism, avant-garde, avant-gardist, foretaste, prewar period, the day before yesterday, morning, outer harbour, outport, outpost, outpost, preview, trailer, pilot, draft, foreword, preface, foreword, forestage, downstage, the day before yesterday, two days ago, two days before, have protruding teeth, leap forward, This is the calm before the storm, above, avant-garde, pre-war, give a taster of, forward, Forward!, in front of, OK, let's go!, all set for, Forward ho! Onward ho!, preview showing, Forward march!, forward pass, put before, make a leap forward, take a step forward, make a step forward, zoom in, forward lunge, dodge, dodging, carry on regardless, a huge step forward, think before you act, Don't count your chickens before they're hatched, play centre forward, just before, just before, just before + [indicative], two days before, forward gear, highlight, put in the spotlight, make yourself noticed, get yourself noticed, put the cart before the horse, emphasis, be born prematurely, premature, jump the gun, jump the gun, not for + [period of time], come before, shortly before, just before, not long before, more, foredeck, front door, front wheel, forward roll, somersault, front seat, forerunner, portent, think twice before speaking, think twice before you speak. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word avant

before

préposition (plus tôt que)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Nous arriverons avant vous.

We will get there before you.

before

(plus près que)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

D'ici, la boulangerie est avant la pharmacie.

From here, the bakery is before the pharmacy.

before

préposition (plus important) (figurative)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Ma famille passe avant ma carrière.

My family comes before my career.

before

adverbe (plus tôt)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

C'est une vieille dame maintenant, mais avant, elle était splendide. // Avant, on s'entraidait plus dans les villages.

In the past, people helped each other more in villages.

just before

adverbe (plus près)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

La pharmacie est au bout de la rue et la boulangerie est juste avant.

The chemist's is at the end of the street and the bakery is just before it.

first

adverbe (plus important)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Ma carrière est importante mais ma famille passe avant.

My career is important, but my family comes first.

front

nom masculin (partie de devant)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

L'avant de sa voiture a touché l'arrière du bus. Certains passagers allèrent à l'avant du bateau pour voir les côtes anglaises.

Some passengers went to the bow to see the English coast.

front

adjectif invariable (situé à l'avant)

(noun as adjective: Describes another noun--for example, "boat race," "dogfood.")

Il faudra changer les pneus avant de la voiture.

The front tyres of the car need changing.

before + [indicative]

locution conjonction (plus tôt que)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Le train est parti avant que je n'aie eu le temps d'acheter un billet.

The train left before I had the time to buy a ticket.

best before

(recommandation sur produits alimentaires)

best before

(date limite optimale)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

at the front

locution adverbiale (sur, dans la partie avant de [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

avant-gardiste

locution adverbiale (précurseur, à la pointe de)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Cette entreprise a toujours été à l'avant-garde dans son domaine.

at the forefront of

(à la pointe de [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

move forward, forge ahead, go ahead

locution verbale (avancer malgré les difficultés)

Je sais que tu viens de perdre ton boulot, mais tu dois aller de l'avant !

I know that you have just lost your job but you have to move forward!

print preview

nom masculin (vision de ce qu'on veut imprimer)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

BC, B.C.

locution adverbiale (abr, courant (avant notre ère) (initialism)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

César est mort en 44 avant J.-C.

BC, B.C.

locution adverbiale (avant l’ère chrétienne) (initialism)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

César a été assassiné en 44 avant Jésus-Christ.

before nightfall, before dark

locution adverbiale (avant qu'il fasse nuit)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Les enfants, rentrez avant la tombée de la nuit.

before the Flood

locution adverbiale (il y a très longtemps) (figurative)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

before long

locution adverbiale (rapidement, dans un court moment)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

very soon

locution adverbiale (très bientôt)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Ils se retrouveront avant peu pour une semaine de vacances à la mer.

before

locution conjonction (antérieurement à [qch])

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Nous devons avoir fini de dresser la table avant que les invités n'arrivent.

We have to finish laying the table before the guests arrive.

first, firstly

locution adverbiale (en priorité)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Avant tout, rangeons nos affaires dans la chambre d’hôtel.

First, let's put our things in the hotel room.

first, firstly

(en priorité)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Avant toute chose, nous comparerons le plan et les pièces de montage.

First, we will compare the diagram and the assembly parts.

forearm

nom masculin (radius-cubitus)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Il s'est cassé l'avant-bras en tombant.

He fell and broke his forearm.

centre forward

nom masculin et féminin (Sports : attaquant) (UK, Sport)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Michel Platini était un avant-centre.

centre forward

adjectif (Sports : au poste d'attaquant) (UK, Sport)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Le joueur avant-centre a marqué les deux seuls buts du match.

preliminary contract

nom masculin (contrat préparatoire à un autre)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Cet industriel constitue un avant-contrat et impose certaines obligations aux parties.

forecourt

nom féminin (cour précédant la cour principale)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Le cortège passa par l'avant-cour avant de rejoindre la cour d'honneur.

precursory

adjectif (précurseur, annonciateur)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Ces coups de vent sont des signes avant-coureurs de l'orage.

second to last, last but one

adjectif (avant le dernier)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Elle est classée avant-dernière au concours d'entrée de l'école.

She was ranked second to last in the exam's entry exam.

second to last

(avant le dernier)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Il est l'avant-dernier mais il a terminé la course.

He's second to last, but he finished the race.

front line, vanguard

nom féminin (Militaire : première ligne) (military)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Cette offensive ne mobilisera que l'avant-garde des troupes.

This offensive will only mobilize the troops on the front line.

advance guard, vanguard, reconnaissance team

nom féminin (Militaire : éclaireurs) (military)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

L'avant-garde vérifie le terrain pour le reste des troupes.

The vanguard is examining the terrain for the rest of the troops.

avant-garde

nom féminin (nouvelle mode)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Ce couturier incarne l'avant-garde de la mode française.

This designer represents the avant-garde of French fashion.

avant-gardism

nom masculin (volonté d'être à la pointe de [qch])

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

L'avant-gardisme de mon frère convient mal au conformisme de mon père.

avant-garde

adjectif (en avance sur son temps)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Ce sont des artistes avant-gardistes.

These are avant-garde artists.

avant-gardist

nom masculin et féminin (en avance sur son temps)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Cette avant-gardiste a su fasciner sans choquer.

This avant-gardist knew how to fascinate without shocking.

foretaste

nom masculin (première impression)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Ce séjour vous donnera un avant-goût de votre vie dans notre pays.

This stay will give you a taster of what your life will be like in our country.

prewar period

nom masculin et féminin (période avant une guerre)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

L'avant-guerre n'est jamais une période insouciante.

the day before yesterday

adverbe (le jour avant hier)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Elle est rentrée avant-hier de vacances.

morning

nom masculin et féminin (matinée)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Demain, avant-midi, je vais chez le dentiste.

outer harbour

nom masculin (port annexe pour gros navires)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

La construction de cet avant-port valorise la baie.

outport

nom masculin (port en aval)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

outpost

nom masculin (armée: poste avancé) (Military: position)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Cet avant-poste n'est qu'à 200 mètres des lignes ennemies.

outpost

nom masculin (armée: troupe en avant) (Military: troops)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Cet avant-poste est chargé de surveiller les mouvements de troupe de l'ennemi.

preview

nom féminin (représentation préalable)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

En tant que critique, il assiste à toutes les avant-premières théâtrales.

As a critic, he attends all the theatrical previews.

trailer

nom féminin (morceaux choisis)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

La télévision présente des avant-premières des films qui sortent.

Trailers for films that are coming out are shown on TV.

pilot, draft

nom masculin (étude préliminaire)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

L'avant-projet a fait apparaître des difficultés techniques insoupçonnées.

foreword, preface

nom masculin (introduction écrite)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Dans l'avant-propos du livre, l'auteur explique ses motivations.

foreword

nom masculin (introduction parlée)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Avant de raconter son histoire, il fit un avant-propos sans intérêt.

forestage, downstage

nom féminin (partie de la scène)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Les souffleurs se trouvent dans l'avant-scène.

the day before yesterday, two days ago

nom féminin (jour avant la veille) (at the moment of speaking)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

La fête avait eu lieu l'avant-veille, mais on sentait encore le tabac dans la maison.

The party had taken place two days earlier, but you could still smell smoke in the house.

two days before

nom féminin (deux jours avant)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Pascal avait pourtant signalé le problème l'avant-veille de l'accident.

have protruding teeth

locution verbale (être prognathe)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

leap forward

nom masculin (progrès rapide)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

This is the calm before the storm

(figuré (exprime une phase de répit)

above

locution adverbiale (précédemment dans le texte) (text)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

avant-garde

locution adjectivale (novateur)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Notre entreprise utilise toujours des technologies d'avant-garde.

pre-war

locution adjectivale (antérieur à une guerre)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

C'est un film typique du cinéma d'avant-guerre.

give a taster of

locution verbale (donner une première impression à [qqn]) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Les bandes-annonces donnent un avant-goût des films aux futurs spectateurs.

forward

locution adverbiale (vers l'avant)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Fais deux pas en avant, puis trois sur le côté et finalement, un en arrière.

Take two steps forward, then three to the side, and finally one step back.

Forward!

interjection (avançons !)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

« En avant », cria le capitaine à ses hommes.

"Forward!" cried the captain to his men.

in front of

locution adverbiale (devant, sur la partie antérieure)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il y a une flaque d'eau en avant du perron.

OK, let's go!

(C'est parti !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

all set for

interjection (formule d'encouragement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Forward ho! Onward ho!

(avançons à vitesse maximale)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

preview showing

locution adverbiale (avant la sortie officielle)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Les journalistes verront le film en avant-première. // La styliste a dévoilé en avant-première certaines de ses créations.

The journalists will see the film at a preview showing. // The stylist unveiled some of her creations at a preview showing.

Forward march!

(commandement militaire d'avancer) (military)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

Le sergent mit sa section en route en criant : « En avant, marche ! ».

forward pass

nom masculin (Rugby : passe vers l'avant)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

L'arbitre a refusé l'essai à cause d'un en-avant.

put before

locution verbale (mettre en priorité [qqn])

Je ferai toujours passer le bien-être de mes enfants avant mes propres désirs.

I will always put my children's welfare before my own desires.

make a leap forward

locution verbale (technologie : faire un grand progrès) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take a step forward

locution verbale (avancer d'un pas)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

make a step forward

locution verbale (figuré (obtenir un avantage supplémentaire) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

zoom in

locution verbale (se rapprocher d'une vue)

Il a fait un zoom avant pour observer les détails.

forward lunge

nom féminin (mouvement d'échauffement) (exercise)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

dodge, dodging

nom féminin (dérobade devant les problèmes)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

La fuite en avant ne fait que retarder la confrontation aux problèmes.

carry on regardless

nom féminin (entêtement sans soucis des conséquences)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Plutôt que d'admettre l'échec du projet, la direction s'obstine dans une fuite en avant en continuant de recommander ce logiciel.

Rather than admit the project is a failure, management are carrying on regardless and continuing to push this software.

a huge step forward

nom masculin (avancée significative)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

think before you act

(Il ne faut pas se précipiter)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Don't count your chickens before they're hatched

(proverbe (il ne faut pas se réjouir trop vite) (proverb)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

play centre forward

locution verbale (Sports : avoir un poste d'avant-centre) (Soccer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

just before

locution adverbiale (peu de temps avant)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

J'ai entendu un coup de tonnerre, et juste avant, j'ai vu un éclair s'abattre sur le grand chêne du jardin.

just before

(peu de temps avant [qch])

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Marc me salua juste avant son départ.

just before + [indicative]

(peu de temps avant de faire [qch])

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Ma voisine est passée me voir juste avant que je ne parte.

My neighbour came to see me just before I left.

two days before

nom féminin (jour qui précède la veille)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

forward gear

nom féminin (vitesse faisant avancer un véhicule) (transmission)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Les voitures ont souvent 5 marches avant et une marche arrière.

highlight

locution verbale (proposer, promouvoir [qch])

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Les nouveaux produits sont mis en avant dans la vitrine.

put in the spotlight

locution verbale (exposer [qqn]) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

L’entraîneur met son poulain en avant.

make yourself noticed, get yourself noticed

(se valoriser)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Robert se met toujours en avant quand la directrice assiste à ses réunions.

put the cart before the horse

locution verbale (attaquer un problème à l'envers) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

emphasis

nom féminin (promotion de [qch/qqn])

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

La mise en avant de ce produit fut bénéfique.

be born prematurely

locution verbale (naître à moins de 9 mois)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Les jumeaux sont nés avant terme, 3 semaines avant la date prévue.

premature

adjectif (prématuré)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Né avant terme, le nourrisson doit rester en couveuse.

jump the gun

locution verbale (figuré (débuter [qch] trop tôt) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Si ces soldats partent avant le signal, cela créera un incident diplomatique.

jump the gun

locution verbale (sports : partir trop tôt) (Sports)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

not for + [period of time]

locution adverbiale (au plus tôt dans)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

L'ophtalmologiste peut vous recevoir, mais pas avant 2 mois.

The ophthalmologist can see you, but not for two months.

come before

locution verbale (être d'importance supérieure)

shortly before, just before, not long before

locution adverbiale (peu de temps avant)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Il arrivera peu avant Noël.

locution adverbiale (davantage)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Il faut travailler plus avant pour progresser.

foredeck

nom masculin (partie antérieure de bateau) (bow of ship)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Le capitaine scrute l'horizon sur le pont avant.

front door

nom féminin (véhicule : porte à l'avant)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

front wheel

nom féminin (véhicule : roue de l'avant) (of a vehicle)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

forward roll

nom féminin (mouvement de gymnastique)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

La roulade avant est la première figure de gymnastique que l'on apprend.

somersault

nom masculin (Gymnastique : saut périlleux)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

front seat

nom masculin (place conducteur ou passager)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

forerunner, portent

nom masculin (indice, prémices)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

think twice before speaking, think twice before you speak

locution verbale (familier (réfléchir avant de parler)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Let's learn French

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