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étendre

to extend, to spread out

verb eh-TAHN-druh Less Common
Body & Health Movement

Origin: Latin 'extendere'

Also means

to lie down, to stretch

Usage Note

Étendre can mean to spread something flat (étendre du linge = to hang out washing), to stretch a limb, or to extend a concept. The reflexive s'étendre means 'to lie down', 'to stretch out', or 'to go on at length'. The past participle étendu used as an adjective means 'vast' or 'extensive'.

Examples

"Elle étend le linge sur le balcon."

Natural Translation

She hangs the laundry on the balcony.

Literal Translation

She spreads the laundry on the balcony.

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