When expressing the concept of “unanimously” in French, there are various terms and phrases to choose from. Whether you need a formal or informal way to convey unanimity, this guide provides you with comprehensive insights, tips, and examples to help you navigate the nuances of the French language.
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Formal Ways to Say “Unanimously” in French
In formal contexts where unanimity is emphasized, the following phrases are commonly used:
- À l’unanimité
When a decision or opinion has been reached unanimously, “à l’unanimité” is the go-to expression. It emphasizes complete agreement among all parties involved. For instance:
Le conseil a voté à l’unanimité en faveur de la proposition. (The council voted unanimously in favor of the proposal.)
De manière unanime
“De manière unanime” is another formal phrase that denotes unanimity. It is often used to describe how something was done unanimously. Here’s an example:
Ils ont accepté le projet de manière unanime. (They unanimously accepted the project.)
Tous d’accord
While not strictly synonymous with “unanimously,” the phrase “tous d’accord” is frequently employed in formal situations to convey general agreement. Although it does not explicitly mean every single person is in agreement, it implies a high level of consensus. Here’s an example:
Les participants étaient tous d’accord sur la nécessité d’une réforme. (The participants were all in agreement on the necessity of reform.)
Informal Ways to Say “Unanimously” in French
In more informal or casual contexts, you can use the following expressions to convey unanimity:
- Tous ensemble
“Tous ensemble” is a popular phrase that informally signifies unanimous agreement. It is often used among friends and in informal settings. Here’s an example:
Les amis étaient tous ensemble pour la décision. (The friends were all together in the decision.)
Tout le monde est d’accord
Another informal way to express unanimity is by saying “tout le monde est d’accord.” It is a simple and commonly used phrase that means everyone is in agreement. For instance:
Tout le monde est d’accord pour passer à l’étape suivante. (Everyone agrees to move on to the next stage.)
À l’unanimité
Although “à l’unanimité” was already mentioned as a formal expression, it can also be used informally. In less official contexts, it retains its meaning, but it sounds less formal. Here’s an example:
Nos voisins ont approuvé à l’unanimité notre projet de jardin communautaire. (Our neighbors unanimously approved our community garden project.)
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions, and sometimes regional variations emerge in vocabulary and expressions. However, when it comes to expressing “unanimously,” the formal and informal phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood throughout the French-speaking world. Therefore, regional variations for this particular concept are not significant.
Keep in mind that while these phrases convey unanimity, the specific context in which they are used can influence their exact meaning. Always pay attention to the overall context and adjust your choice of expression accordingly.
Now that you have learned several ways to express unanimity in French, feel free to use these phrases confidently in your conversations, whether they are casual or formal!