/ɛs.pjɔ.ne/
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to spy on, to watch secretly
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Word origin
From espion ('spy'), from Italian spione, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning 'to look at'. English 'spy' and 'espionage' come from the same family.
- Origin
- Germanic
- Root
- spehon
- English cognates
- spy, espionage
Grammar
Conjugation
Regular -er conjugation. Pronouns: je, tu, il/elle, nous, vous, ils/elles.
Indicative
| Person | Present | Imperfect | Past historic | Future | Conditional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| je | espionne | espionnais | espionnai | espionnerai | espionnerais |
| tu | espionnes | espionnais | espionnas | espionneras | espionnerais |
| il/elle | espionne | espionnait | espionna | espionnera | espionnerait |
| nous | espionnons | espionnions | espionnâmes | espionnerons | espionnerions |
| vous | espionnez | espionniez | espionnâtes | espionnerez | espionneriez |
| ils/elles | espionnent | espionnaient | espionnèrent | espionneront | espionneraient |
Subjunctive
| Person | Present | Imperfect |
|---|---|---|
| je | espionne | espionnasse |
| tu | espionnes | espionnasses |
| il/elle | espionne | espionnât |
| nous | espionnions | espionnassions |
| vous | espionniez | espionnassiez |
| ils/elles | espionnent | espionnassent |
Imperative
| Person | Affirmative |
|---|---|
| tu | espionne |
| nous | espionnons |
| vous | espionnez |
Non-finite
- Gerund / present participle
- espionnant
- Past participle
- espionné · espionnée · espionnés · espionnées
Examples
.
She thinks she is being spied on.
.
He spied on his neighbours for months.
.
They are watching the enemy's movements.
.
It is not right to spy on people.
.
That neighbour watched the street all day long.
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French · Free printables
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Free printable study downloads for the French word "espionner" (to spy on, to watch secretly): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 32, lesson 4: espionner, mâle, hélas and 7 more words.