fréquente

Fréquente is a French term that can function as both an adjective and a verb form, depending on context. As the feminine singular form of the adjective fréquent, it means “frequent” or “common” and is used to describe a noun: une visite fréquente, une maladie fréquente, une occurrence fréquente.

As the feminine singular present indicative form of the verb fréquenter, it means “she frequents” or “it frequents” (when the subject is feminine). The verb fréquenter means “to frequent,” “to attend regularly,” or “to visit often.” Examples include: Elle fréquente ce lycée depuis trois ans. Ils fréquentent souvent les cafés du quartier.

Etymology: Fréquente derives from the same Latin root as the adjective fréquent, stemming from frequent- or frequens, meaning “crowded” or “frequent.” The verb fréquenter evolved in French from this root through Old French, giving rise to the modern forms fréquent (adjective), fréquemment seldom used, and fréquenter (to frequent).

Usage notes: In everyday French, the adjective sense expresses regularity or high occurrence, as in “utilisation fréquente” (frequent use) or “une maladie fréquente.” The verb sense describes patterns of attendance or visiting habits, as in “Elle fréquente souvent les musées” (She often frequents the museums) or “Ils fréquentent le même club.” The form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies when used as an adjective, and with the subject when used as a verb.