A greeting or expression of welcome, or the state of being welcome and accepted by a group.
French feminine form of 'bienvenu,' used as a standalone greeting. Entered English through Franco-Norman influence and hospitality culture, becoming a formal welcome expression in upscale dining and social contexts.
While English speakers often use 'bienvenue' to sound sophisticated, French actually treats it as a slightly more formal 'welcome' than everyday conversation—it's the hospitality industry's favorite word precisely because it carries an air of elegant reception.
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