Why does "de" = "with" in the sentence "seule la pleine lune éclairait DE sa lumière" - I've never understood this and I never find it explained?

James W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Asked 3 years ago

CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi James,

It is a very poetic sentence but if you include the following one I think it makes more sense

seule la pleine lune éclairait (de sa lumière pâle) le cimetière ...

If you place

de sa lumière pâle

after the word 'cimetière'

Only the full moon was shining upon the cemetery with its pale light

Hope this helps!

Like13 years ago

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi James,

Sa lumière will be refering to la lune. So the text is expressing the light "from/of" the moon.

Hope this helps.

Jim

Like13 years ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

de in the sentence has a causal connotation like "illuminated by...".

Like13 years ago

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard