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vieil. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
vieil, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
vieil in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
vieil you have here. The definition of the word
vieil will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
vieil, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
French
Etymology
From Old French viel, from Latin vetulus (diminutive of vetus); alternative form due to historical enchaînement of the final l. Alternatively, from the accusative form vetulum while vieux is properly from nominative vetulus as per Mildred K. Pope (From Latin to Modern French, sections 509, 808).
Pronunciation
Adjective
vieil m sg
- form of vieux used before a masculine singular noun that starts with a vowel or mute h
Nous ferions bien d’aller aider ce vieil homme.- We had better go and help that old man.
Usage notes
- Used before masculine singular nouns that start with a vowel like ours but also before nouns that start with a mute h like hôpital: un vieil hôpital (/œ̃ vjɛ.j‿ɔ.pi.tal/)
Further reading
Middle French
Adjective
vieil m (feminine singular vieille, masculine plural vieils, feminine plural vieilles)
- Alternative form of vieulx