répandait

Répandait is the imperfect indicative form of the French verb répandre, which means to spread, scatter, or disseminate. The form is used to describe an ongoing or repeated action in the past, whether literal (spreading a substance) or figurative (spreading information, rumors, influence, or ideas). In narrative, répandait helps convey continuity of a past process.

Etymology and meaning: répandre comes from Old French repandre, which in turn derives from Latin repandere, a root meaning to spread or widen. The term covers a range of senses from physically distributing a liquid or seeds to the figurative dissemination of rumors, news, opinions, or diseases.

Conjugation and grammar: répandait is the third-person singular imperfect. The imperfect tense forms for répandre are répandais, répandais, répandait, répandions, répandiez, répandaient. The infinitive is répandre; the present-tense forms include je répands, tu répands, il répand, nous répandons, vous répandez, ils répandent. The past participle is répandu, and the present participle is répandant. As a transitive verb, répandre normally takes a direct object when used in literal senses (to spread something) and can be used with indirect or no object in figurative constructions.

Usage notes: Répandre is common in literature, journalism, and everyday language. It often appears with concrete objects, as in répandre des graines or répandre des rumeurs, and can be paired with modifiers to indicate the speed, scope, or intention of spreading. Related verbs and phrases include disséminer, disperser, and se répandre for intransitive or reflexive uses.