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French Level 2 adjective

fier

/fjɛʁ/

Definition

Feeling pleased and satisfied about something you or someone close to you has done well.

Example

Elle est fière de ses enfants.

Show translation

She is proud of her children.

Etymology

From Latin *ferus* ("wild, fierce"), which in Old French evolved into *fier* meaning "brave, noble, proud." The sense shifted from fierce boldness to dignified pride by the medieval period — pride being seen as the natural companion of courage.

Cultural note

French speakers distinguish *être fier de* (to be proud of something/someone) from the somewhat negative *fierté mal placée* (misplaced pride). Unlike English, where "proud" can sometimes sound arrogant, *fier/fière* in everyday French is almost always warm and positive. Note the feminine form: *fière* (with a grave accent and an extra -e), which also changes the pronunciation slightly — the final /ʁ/ is audible in both genders.

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