The verb "être" is a fundamental French verb that means "to be." It is used to describe identity, state, or characteristics of a subject. For example, one might say "Je suis étudiant" (I am a student) to indicate their role or profession. "Être" is also used in various tenses and forms, making it essential for constructing sentences in French. In addition to its basic meaning, "être" serves as an auxiliary verb in compound tenses, such as the passé composé. For instance, in the sentence "Elle est allée" (She went), "être" helps form the past tense. Understanding "être" is crucial for mastering French grammar and communication.