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période

period, stretch of time

noun peh-ree-OD Less Common

Origin: Latin periodus, from Greek periodos (circuit, cycle)

Usage Note

Période is the neutral, general word for a span of time — more formal than moment and broader than instant. It is used in history (une période de guerre), science (periodic table = tableau périodique), and everyday speech. The adjective périodique means 'periodic' or 'periodical'.

Examples

"C'était une période difficile pour tout le monde."

Natural Translation

It was a difficult period for everyone.

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