dẹ
See also: Appendix:Variations of "de"
Yoruba
editEtymology 1
editPronunciation
editVerb
editdẹ̀
- to be soft or tender in texture
- ọsàn yìí ti dẹ̀ ― This orange has become soft
- (idiomatic, by extension) to be stupid or foolish; (literally) to have a soft head (indicating that one has no brain)
- ọmọ́ dẹ́ ― The child is foolish
- to become reduced or weakened in degree or intensity
- ibà mi ti dẹ̀ ― My fever has reduced in intensity
- to become comfortable or relaxed
Usage notes
edit- dẹ when preceding a direct object
Derived terms
editEtymology 2
editPronunciation
editConjunction
editdẹ̀
Usage notes
edit- Used in the auxiliary position
Etymology 3
editProposed to have been derived from Proto-Yoruboid *dɛ. Cognate with Igala dẹ (“to hunt”)
Pronunciation
editVerb
editdẹ
- (transitive, intransitive) to hunt; to set a trap
- Mo dẹ ìgèrè láti pẹja ― I set a metal fish trap to kill fish
- (intransitive) to become a skillful hunter