destiné à la grandeur
The English phrase "destined for greatness" is expressed in French as destiné à la grandeur.
This phrase is used to describe someone who is certain to achieve great success or fame in the future.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of destiné (destined), à (to/for) and la grandeur (the greatness).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes depending on whom you are describing. Use destinée à la grandeur if the person is female, destinés à la grandeur for a group of men or a mixed group and destinées à la grandeur if you are describing a group consisting only of women.
Did you know?
- In French, la grandeur can refer to physical size or magnitude, meaning someone destiné à la grandeur could be jokingly interpreted as someone destined to grow very tall.
- While grandeur means 'greatness' in this phrase, it is also the specific term used in French history to describe the 'grandeur' of the state, a political concept famously championed by Charles de Gaulle.
- The preposition à used in this phrase evolved from a merger of the Latin prepositions 'ad' and 'ab', two words that originally meant different things.
Examples in context
- Je suis prédestiné(e) à la grandeur.I am destined for greatness.
- Je suis prédestiné(e) à un avenir brillant.I am destined for a brilliant future.
- Il est destiné à la grandeur.He is destined for greatness.
- Ce jeune prodige est destiné à la grandeur.This young prodigy is destined for greatness.
- On dirait qu'il est destiné à la grandeur.It seems like he is destined for greatness.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing a talented student's future.
- LéaRegarde Hugo, ce garçon joue vraiment avec passion.Look Hugo, this boy really plays with passion.
- HugoC'est vrai, il semble destiné à la grandeur.It's true, he seems destined for greatness.
- LéaIl pourrait devenir un jour un grand maître.He could one day become a great master.
- HugoJe suis tout à fait d'accord avec toi.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grandeur, la, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
