rafraîchisse

Rafraîchisse is a form of the French verb rafraîchir, which means to refresh or to cool down. It is the third-person singular present subjunctive form: que il/elle rafraîchisse. This form appears in clauses introduced by que, especially after expressions of necessity, desire, doubt, or possibility, for example: il faut que cela rafraîchisse. In everyday speech the subjunctive is less common, and speakers often rephrase with an infinitive or other constructions; rafraîchisse is therefore more typical of formal writing or grammar references.

Etymology: rafraîchir is formed from the prefix re- meaning again or back and frais meaning fresh. The overall sense is to restore freshness or coolness to something that has warmed or become stale.

Usage notes: As a standalone lexical unit, rafraîchisse is not a noun or independent verb; it is a verb form used within a sentence. In modern usage the present subjunctive appears mainly in formal registers or literature. In the context of computing or media, the common verb is rafraîchir in the infinitive or indicative, while rafraîchisse would occur only in subordinate clauses requiring the subjunctive.

Examples: Je souhaite qu'il rafraîchisse la pièce. Il faut que cela rafraîchisse rapidement.

See also: rafraîchir, subjonctif présent.