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éprendre

to fall in love (with)

verb eh-PRAHN-druh Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Origin: Old French 'esprendre', from 'prendre'

Usage Note

Éprendre is always used reflexively as s'éprendre de, meaning to become enamoured of someone or something. It is literary and formal in register; tomber amoureux de is the everyday equivalent. The past participle épris is common — il est épris d'elle means 'he is smitten with her'.

Examples

"Il s'est épris d'elle dès leur première rencontre."

Natural Translation

He fell in love with her at their first meeting.

Literal Translation

He became enamoured of her from their first meeting.

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