Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
avoir beau. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
avoir beau, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
avoir beau in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
avoir beau you have here. The definition of the word
avoir beau will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
avoir beau, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
French
Pronunciation
Verb
avoir beau
- may well, well might (+ infinitive); whatever, no matter what (even though) someone does/says, etc.
- on a beau faire ― whatever you do; no matter what one does
- on a beau protester ― however much you protest
- il a eu beau essayer ― try as he might
On a beau rappeler, personne ne répond.- You can call back as much as you like/However much you call back/Even if you call back, nobody answers.
- On a beau dire, il n’est pas bête. ― Say what you like, he's not stupid.
1921, Marcel Proust, Le Côté Guermantes, section II:« Cette pierre vivante a beau être mon cousin, elle me fair peur […] »- This living stone may well be my cousin, but it frightens me.
1961, “Le Prochain Amour”, in Jacques Brel (lyrics), Marieke:On a beau faire on a beau dire / Ça fait du bien d’être amoureux / Je sais je sais que ce prochain amour / Sera pour moi la prochaine défaite- Do whatever you like, say however much you want / that it feels good to be in love; / I know, I know that this next love / will be my next defeat.
Usage notes
Followed by an infinitive expressing the verb "do", "say", etc.