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portée

range, reach

noun por-TEH Less Common
Descriptions & Qualities Sizes & Shapes

Origin: French porter (to carry)

Also means

litter (of animals)

Usage Note

Portée has two main uses: the reach or range of something (à portée de main — 'within arm's reach') and the litter of young animals (une portée de chatons — 'a litter of kittens'). In music it also means a staff (the five lines). The phrase hors de portée means 'out of reach'.

Examples

"Cette décision est hors de ma portée."

Natural Translation

This decision is beyond my reach.

Literal Translation

This decision is outside my reach.

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