évitons

Évitons is a French verb form derived from éviter, meaning “to avoid.” It functions as the present tense form for the subject nous (nous évitons = we avoid) and is commonly used as an inclusive imperative meaning “let’s avoid.” In everyday speech and in written guidance, évitons is employed to propose or encourage a collective action to prevent something undesirable.

Etymology and meaning: The verb éviter comes from Latin evitare, meaning to shun or avoid, and entered French through Old or Middle French. The form évitons preserves the same semantic field of prevention or cautious conduct, but its pragmatic force depends on context, often carrying a collaborative or exhortatory tone.

Grammar and usage notes: Évitons is spelled with an acute accent on the initial e and ends with -ons, following regular -er verb conjugation for the nous form. It can appear in neutral statements of intention, but more often it serves as a directive in safety, health, environmental, or budgeting contexts. The distinction between the declarative nous évitons (we avoid) and the imperative évitons (let’s avoid) is determined by surrounding pronouns and the overall sentence structure.

Typical contexts: Public health campaigns (évitons les comportements à risque), environmental messages (évitons le gaspillage), workplace safety guidelines (évitons les accidents). In everyday use, it appears in advice, instructions, and collaborative appeals aimed at a group.

See also: éviter; French verb conjugation; imperative forms in French.