This is the 375th most frequent French word.
devait
"Devait" is the third-person singular imperfect form of "devoir," meaning "had to" or "was supposed to."
Imparfait of devoir indicating obligation in the past.
Il devait partir tôt pour ne pas rater son vol.
He had to leave early so as not to miss his flight.
Imparfait of devoir expressing an expectation or presumption in the past.
Elle devait être chez elle, mais la lumière était éteinte.
She was supposed to be at home, but the light was off.
Imparfait of devoir indicating a repeated action or habit in the past.