devant

devant — adverb

1. at or toward the front of the body or stage in ballet and formal dance, or place

1.副詞C1
釋義

at or toward the front of the body or stage in ballet and formal dance, or placed in front of an object in heraldic description

例句

The ballet student stepped devant and raised both arms above her head.

step + devant for direction of movement

In the Montague coat of arms, a golden lion stands devant a field of deep blue.

同義詞
  • in front

    everyday English equivalent for a static position; not restricted to formal contexts

  • forward

    everyday English equivalent for movement; widely used in all registers

反義詞
  • derrière

    ballet term meaning 'behind'; the opposite position in dance

用法筆記

Used almost exclusively in ballet and heraldry. In ballet, it describes a position or movement toward the front of the body or stage — the opposite of 'derrière' (behind). Not used in everyday speech; use 'in front' or 'forward' instead.

常見錯誤

❌The car is parked devant the house.
✅The car is parked in front of the house.
💡'devant' is only used in ballet and heraldry; everyday English uses 'in front of'.