devant

/də.vɑ̃/

preposition

in front of (spatial)

before; faced with (figurative — e.g. confronted by a person, situation or issue)

Je t'attends devant le bar.

I'm waiting for you in front of the bar.

Synonyms:en face de, face à

adverb

in front; ahead (position, without an expressed object)

Place-toi devant pour que tout le monde te voie.

Stand in front so that everyone can see you.

Synonyms:en avant, à l'avant

nounmasculine

front; the front part of something (clothing, object)

Il y a une grosse tache sur le devant de son t-shirt.

There is a big stain on the front of his T‑shirt.

Synonyms:avant, face, partie avant

Notes

GENERAL INFO

Devant means "in front of" or "ahead of." It can function as a preposition (followed by a noun) or an adverb (standing alone).

As a preposition: *Le livre est devant moi.* (The book is in front of me.)

As an adverb: *Il est passé devant.* (He walked past in front.)

Do not confuse devant (location) with *avant* (time).

Example: *Devant la maison* (in front of the house) vs. *Avant le cours* (before the class).