convenir

Convenir is a French verb with several closely related meanings. The core sense is to be suitable, fitting, or appropriate for someone or something, and to be convenient or advisable in a given situation. A related sense is to agree or come to a mutual arrangement. The word derives from Latin convenire, meaning “to come together, to agree.”

In modern French, convenir is conjugated as a regular -ir verb. The present tense forms are je convienS, tu convienS, il convienT, nous convenons, vous convenez, ils conviennent. The past participle is convenu. The present participle is convenant, used mainly in subordinate or literary constructions. Common constructions include:

- convenir à: “Cette solution convient à l’entreprise.” (This solution suits the company.)

- convenir de: “Ils sont convenus de se rencontrer demain.” (They have agreed to meet tomorrow.)

- il convient: used impersonally to indicate what is appropriate or advisable: “Il convient de partir tôt.” (It is advisable to leave early.)

Usage notes:

- The verb agrees with the subject in person and number (il convient, elles conviennent, etc.).

- The expression convenir de is often found in formal or written contexts to indicate mutual agreement or a decided course of action, whereas the simple être d’accord with quelqu’un can be more common in everyday speech.

Synonyms and related terms include convenable, approprié, adapté, et être d’accord. Convenir remains a versatile term in both everyday and formal French, spanning practical suitability to formal agreement.