Arrêter de and cesser de - both correct

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Arrêter de and cesser de - both correct

Cesser de fumer gets the red line. 

On the other hand, « déborder » is suggested as an alternative to « occuper » for 'busy' - « déborder » seems a bit strong for just 'busy'.  

Asked 3 years ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Maarten,

I think this is another example of context.  Cesser may bring a meaning of temporarily

whereas arrêter finality?  Synonyme for arrêter is faire cesser (make cease) / stop.

Interestingly there doesn't appear to be strong synonymy either way that is  cesser -> arrêter nor arrêter -> cesser.

Don't know if this helps, but it's my take for what it is worth.

Alan

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Maarten,

I'm not happy with my last input so have a look here:-

https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/cesser-arr%c3%aater.2202648/

Maybe this will take the issue forward for you?

Regards,

Alan (Jim)

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

From the use of the phrases showing in google searches, cesser seems to appear more in Canadian smoking cessation materials, and arrêter in French materials. So I guess I will stick with arrêter in future. 

Maarten K. asked:

Arrêter de and cesser de - both correct

Cesser de fumer gets the red line. 

On the other hand, « déborder » is suggested as an alternative to « occuper » for 'busy' - « déborder » seems a bit strong for just 'busy'.  

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