dépassent

Dépassent is the third-person plural present indicative form of the French verb dépasser. The verb means to go beyond, exceed, surpass, or overtake in various contexts, including quantities, standards, or physical movement.

Etymology and grammar: Dépasser derives from passer with the prefixed préfix dé-, indicating a reversal or going past. The verb forms a regular -er conjugation in the present tense: je dépasse, tu dépasses, il/elle dépasse, nous dépassons, vous dépassez, ils/elles dépassent. The past participle is dépassé and the present participle is dépassant. The noun derived from the same root is dépassement, meaning an exceedance or overtaking.

Usage: Dépassent is used with a plural subject. In quantitative contexts, it describes figures that exceed a budget, forecast, or limit (par exemple, Les coûts dépassent les prévisions). In qualitative or comparative contexts, it can mean to surpass someone or something (par exemple, Ils dépassent leurs concurrents). In transport or sports, it denotes overtaking another vehicle or competitor (par exemple, Ils dépassent la voiture devant eux) and is often paired with the noun dépassement when referring to the act itself.

Related terms: the verb dépasser, the noun dépassement, and the adjectives dépassant or dépassé used in related constructions. The sense remains consistent across domains: moving beyond a defined boundary, whether literal or figurative.