Bien

/biˈɛn/ adverb

Definition

Well; in a good or satisfactory manner (used in French and some English phrases).

Etymology

From Latin 'bene' meaning 'well' or 'good.' This is the French word that entered English through phrases like 'bien sûr' (of course) and 'bien entendu' (of course/understood). The Latin root appears in English words like 'benefit' and 'benevolent.'

Kelly Says

Bien appears in English mostly in borrowed French phrases, but it's actually a Latin word that shaped English too—the same root 'bene' gave us words like 'benefit,' 'benevolent,' and even 'benediction.' Languages are linguistic cousins!

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