Le Present (Present Tense) Conjugation of the French Verb défléchir

Introduction to the verb défléchir

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The English translation of défléchir is to deflect. It is pronounced as “day-fleh-sheer” in its infinitive form.

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Défléchir comes from the French word “fléchir” which means to bend or to flex. The prefix “dé” adds the meaning of “off” or “away,” giving défléchir the meaning of deflecting something away.

In everyday French, défléchir is often used in the context of physical objects being deflected or redirected from their original path. It can also be used in a figurative sense to describe changing the direction of a conversation or thought.

Examples:

L’obstacle a défléchi le projectile. (The obstacle deflected the projectile.)
Elle a défléchi la conversation vers un sujet plus léger. (She deflected the conversation towards a lighter topic.)
Le miroir défléchit la lumière. (The mirror deflects the light.)

Défléchir – About the French Present Tense

The French present tense, also known as “le présent,” is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or for actions that are habitual, general truths, or that will occur in the near future. It’s the most basic and common tense in French.

To take a deep dive into all the French tenses then see our article on Mastering French Tense Conjugation.

Common Everyday Usage Patterns For Le Present

1. Describing Actions in the Present: The present tense is used to describe actions happening right now or at the moment of speaking. For example: “Je parle avec mon ami” (I am talking to my friend).

2. Expressing Habits and Routines: The present tense is used to talk about habitual actions or routines. For example: “Je travaille tous les jours” (I work every day).

3. Stating General Truths: The present tense is used to express general truths or facts. For example: “La Terre tourne autour du soleil” (The Earth orbits around the sun).

4. Talking about Near Future: The present tense can be used to express future actions that are very imminent or part of a planned schedule. For example: “Je pars demain matin” (I am leaving tomorrow morning).

Interactions with Other Tenses

– Present vs. Future Tense: In some cases, the French present tense can be used to express the future when the context makes it clear that the action is imminent. However, for actions further in the future or less certain, the future tense is typically used.

– Present vs. Past Tenses: To describe actions that occurred in the past, you would use the past tenses like the passé composé (compound past) or the imparfait (imperfect). The choice between these past tenses depends on the specific aspect and circumstances of the past action.

– Present vs. Conditional Tense: The conditional tense is used to express actions that are dependent on a condition. If a condition is met, the action may happen. The present tense is used for actions in the present, while the conditional is used for hypothetical or future actions based on conditions.

– Present vs. Imperative: The imperative mood is used to give commands or make requests. The present tense is used for general statements, and the imperative is used for direct orders or requests.

Understanding the French present tense and its interactions with other tenses is crucial for effective communication in French. Without it, you cannot become proficient!

Table of the Present Tense Conjugation of défléchir

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Défléchis	Je défléchis souvent mes décisions.	I often reconsider my decisions.
Tu	Défléchis	Tu défléchis avant de répondre.	You think before answering.
Il	Défléchit	Il défléchit à son avenir.	He is thinking about his future.
Elle	Défléchit	Elle défléchit toute la nuit.	She thinks all night.
On	Défléchit	On défléchit ensemble.	We think together.
Nous	Défléchissons	Nous défléchissons tous les choix possibles.	We consider all possible options.
Vous	Défléchissez	Vous défléchissez trop longtemps.	You think for too long.
Ils	Défléchissent	Ils défléchissent avant d’agir.	They think before acting.
Elles	Défléchissent	Elles défléchissent en silence.	They think silently.