recoupent

Recoupent is the third-person plural present indicative form of the French verb recouper. The core sense of recouper is to cut across or to intersect; it can also mean to overlap, or, in figurative use, to cross-check or verify information by comparing it against other sources. The verb comes from the prefix re- (again, back) combined with couper (to cut), and it is used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Common contexts include geometry and drafting, where two lines or edges may recouper, meaning they intersect or cross each other. In crafts, carpentry, tailoring, or manufacturing, recouper des pièces refers to trimming or cutting pieces to fit together. In journalism, data analysis, or research, recouper des données denotes the practice of cross-checking information from multiple sources to ensure consistency or corroborate findings.

Examples of usage: "Les lignes se recoupent au centre du plan." (The lines intersect at the center of the plan.) "Les témoignages se recoupent, renforçant la thèse des enquêteurs." "L’équipe recoupe les chiffres de plusieurs organismes pour corroborer les résultats." For non-native learners, note that recoupent is a present-tense form and that other conjugations exist (e.g., je recoupe, nous recoupons), but recoupent specifically corresponds to ils/elles recoupent.

See also: recouper, récupérer.