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What does the French verb devoir mean in English?

"Devoir" in French can have multiple meanings in English, depending on the context. Here are the most common ones:

1. To have to, must, need to: This is the most common meaning of "devoir" and is used when referring to an obligation or necessity.

* Example: "Je dois aller au travail." (I have to go to work.)

2. To owe: This meaning is used when talking about something that is owed to someone else.

* Example: "Je te dois 10 euros." (I owe you 10 euros.)

3. To be supposed to: This meaning is used when referring to a plan or expectation.

* Example: "Le train devait arriver à 10h." (The train was supposed to arrive at 10 am.)

4. To be due to: This meaning is used to express the cause or reason for something.

* Example: "Sa réussite est due à son travail acharné." (Her success is due to her hard work.)

5. To be destined to: This meaning is more literary and refers to a predetermined fate.

* Example: "Il est destiné à devenir grand." (He is destined to become great.)

It's important to consider the context in which "devoir" is used to determine the appropriate English translation.

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