oublier le doute
to oublier a doute
Littéralement: To forget the doubt
Use it when you decide to stop second-guessing yourself and finally commit to a big decision.
En 15 secondes
- Letting go of hesitation to move forward.
- Choosing confidence over endless overthinking.
- A powerful way to describe making a brave choice.
Signification
It is the act of silencing your inner critic and choosing to be confident. It means pushing away hesitation so you can finally take action.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Encouraging a friend before a performance
Oublie le doute et monte sur scène !
Forget the doubt and get on stage!
A CEO making a risky business decision
Pour réussir ce projet, nous devons oublier le doute.
To succeed in this project, we must forget the doubt.
Texting a friend about a crush
J'ai enfin oublié le doute et je lui ai écrit.
I finally forgot the doubt and texted them.
Contexte culturel
In France, Cartesian doubt (from philosopher René Descartes) is a foundational intellectual concept. While questioning everything is a national pastime, 'oublier le doute' represents the moment of 'engagement' or commitment, a key value in French existentialist thought.
Use it with 'vouloir'
Saying 'Je veux oublier le doute' makes you sound very determined and self-aware.
Don't confuse with 'se douter'
The verb 'se douter' actually means 'to suspect.' If you say 'Je me doute,' you aren't forgetting doubt; you're suspecting something!
En 15 secondes
- Letting go of hesitation to move forward.
- Choosing confidence over endless overthinking.
- A powerful way to describe making a brave choice.
What It Means
This phrase is about silencing your inner critic. You stop the "what ifs" and start acting. It is about mental clarity and focus. You choose to ignore the voices of hesitation. It is a conscious decision to be brave. You are moving from "maybe" to "yes." It feels like a weight lifting off your shoulders. It is like turning off a noisy radio in your head. You finally hear your own strength. It is not about being reckless. It is about being certain of your path.
How To Use It
You use it just like any other verb phrase. Use oublier as the action. You can say j'oublie le doute. It works well with helping verbs like vouloir. Try saying je veux oublier le doute. It is simple and direct. You can also use it in the imperative. Tell a friend to oublie le doute ! It is a strong command. You can use it in the past tense too. J'ai oublié le doute sounds very triumphant. It shows you have already conquered your fear.
When To Use It
Use it before a big life event. It is perfect for job interviews or dates. Use it when you are standing on a diving board. It works well in motivational speeches. Use it when you need to encourage someone. It is great for texting a nervous friend. It adds a touch of drama and resolve. Use it when you are about to travel alone. It is perfect for starting a new business. It is a phrase for the bold and the brave.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for trivial choices. Choosing between tea or coffee is too small. It sounds too intense for minor decisions. Avoid using it in cold, scientific reports. It is a phrase of the heart and mind. Do not use it if you are actually confused. It is about confidence, not lack of information. If you do not know the answer, do not use it. It is not a substitute for facts. Using it for dinner choices might make you look dramatic.
Cultural Background
The French culture values deep thinking and skepticism. Doubt is often seen as a sign of intelligence. However, moving past it is seen as true strength. It is a classic theme in French literature. Think of it as a personal revolution. You are conquering your own mind. It is very "existentialist" in a way. The French love the idea of the "acte gratuit." This is a spontaneous, free action. Forgetting doubt is the first step to that freedom. It is a very romantic notion of self-will.
Common Variations
You might hear chasser le doute quite often. This means to "hunt" or drive away the doubt. Another one is balayer les doutes. This means to sweep them away like dust. You can also say mettre de côté ses doutes. This is like putting them on a shelf. Sans l'ombre d'un doute is also very common. It means "without a shadow of a doubt." You might also hear dissiper les doutes. This sounds like fog clearing in the morning. All these phrases focus on moving forward.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. It is slightly more evocative than simply saying 'be sure,' making it great for storytelling or giving advice.
Use it with 'vouloir'
Saying 'Je veux oublier le doute' makes you sound very determined and self-aware.
Don't confuse with 'se douter'
The verb 'se douter' actually means 'to suspect.' If you say 'Je me doute,' you aren't forgetting doubt; you're suspecting something!
The French 'Doute'
In France, admitting you have 'le doute' is seen as humble and wise, so saying you are 'forgetting' it is a very powerful statement.
Exemples
6Oublie le doute et monte sur scène !
Forget the doubt and get on stage!
A direct command to boost someone's confidence.
Pour réussir ce projet, nous devons oublier le doute.
To succeed in this project, we must forget the doubt.
Used here to inspire a team toward a unified goal.
J'ai enfin oublié le doute et je lui ai écrit.
I finally forgot the doubt and texted them.
Shows a personal victory over social anxiety.
J'oublie le doute et je prends le gâteau au chocolat.
I'm forgetting the doubt and getting the chocolate cake.
A playful way to use a serious phrase for something small.
C'est le moment d'oublier le doute et de partir.
It's time to forget the doubt and leave.
Reflects a significant, emotional turning point.
Quand j'ai oublié le doute, tout est devenu clair.
When I forgot the doubt, everything became clear.
Describes the mental clarity that follows a decision.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to tell your friend to stop worrying.
Tu dois ___ le doute pour avancer.
The verb 'oublier' (to forget) is the correct action to take regarding doubt in this context.
How would you say 'I am forgetting the doubt'?
J'___ le doute.
The first-person singular conjugation of 'oublier' is 'oublie'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Oublier le doute'
Used with friends to encourage them.
Oublie le doute, fonce !
Standard usage in conversation or writing.
Il faut oublier le doute.
Used in speeches or literature.
Oublions le doute pour bâtir l'avenir.
When to use 'Oublier le doute'
Job Interview
Walking into the office with confidence.
Extreme Sports
Before jumping out of a plane.
Romance
Confessing your feelings to someone.
Creative Work
Starting a new painting or book.
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNot really. It is a metaphorical 'forgetting' where you choose to ignore or move past a feeling of uncertainty.
Yes, especially if you are talking about a project's direction. For example: Il est temps d'oublier le doute et d'agir.
It is similar, but more active. It implies you had doubt before, and you are now making the choice to push it away.
Le doute refers to the general concept of uncertainty, while un doute is a specific question or suspicion.
Not exactly, but you might hear Laisse tomber tes peurs (Drop your fears), which is much more informal.
Yes! Oublier mes doutes (plural) is very common and sounds slightly more personal.
It can be. It often appears in songs and literature to describe a hero's moment of resolution.
It rhymes with the English word 'boot.' The 'e' at the end is silent.
Absolutely. You can say Elle a enfin oublié le doute to describe someone else's newfound confidence.
Very often. Commentators use it when a player starts playing better after a period of hesitation.
A little bit. It is a strong phrase, so use it for things that actually matter to you.
The opposite would be être rongé par le doute, which means to be 'gnawed at' or consumed by doubt.
Expressions liées
Chasser le doute
Franchir le pas
Sans l'ombre d'un doute
Avoir le cœur net
Se lancer
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement