éprouver

Senses

1. 1.

   to feel; to experience

   to have or undergo an emotion or sensation

2. 2.

   to test; to try

   to put something to the test or verify its quality

3. 3.

   to suffer; to endure

   to undergo hardship or difficulty

Examples

• "J'éprouve une grande joie en te voyant."

  I feel great joy seeing you.

• "Il faut éprouver ce nouveau produit avant de le vendre."

  We must test this new product before selling it.

• "Le pays a éprouvé de graves difficultés économiques."

  The country has suffered severe economic difficulties.

Usage

Éprouver is a standard formal register verb. Common with emotions (éprouver de la peur, de l'affection) and with "des difficultés" (difficulties). Often slightly more formal than "ressentir" (to feel). Conjugates regularly with avoir.