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The word même is extremely common and versatile in French, with many meanings depending on its position and/or context. The best way to understand it is to see it in action.
Learn how to use 'même' in French
Même as an adjective = same / itself / very - exact / precise
C'est la même personne.It's the same person.
Ce sont les mêmes plantes.They're the same plants.
C'est la perfection même.It's perfection itself.
Au moment même où je m'endormais...At the very moment I was falling asleep...
Note that when même is used as an adjective, it agrees in number : même(s). Its meaning can vary from same / itself / very to exact / precise.
Même as an adverb = even
Même ma mère est allée ...Even my mother went ...
Il avait même cuisiné! He had even cooked!
Mes amis avaient même invité mes parents !My friends had even invited my parents!
Note that when même is used as an adverb, it never changes : même. Its meaning in this context is even.
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