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French Level 2 verb

vendre

/vɑ̃dʁ/

Definition

To give something to someone in exchange for money; to sell.

Example

Il vend des légumes frais au marché chaque matin.

Show translation

He sells fresh vegetables at the market every morning.

Etymology

From Latin *vendere*, a contraction of *venum dare* ("to give for sale"), combining *venum* ("sale, merchandise") and *dare* ("to give"). The same Latin root gives English "vendor" and "vend."

Cultural note

Markets (*marchés*) are a cornerstone of French daily life — virtually every town has a weekly outdoor market where locals buy and sell fresh produce, cheese, and clothing. The phrase *à vendre* ("for sale") is a common sight on signs across France, Belgium, and Quebec.

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