concours: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Administrative, Technical
Quick answer
What does “concours” mean?
A French loanword meaning a public competition, contest, or examination, especially one for entry into a prestigious institution, a job, or a prize.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A French loanword meaning a public competition, contest, or examination, especially one for entry into a prestigious institution, a job, or a prize.
It can refer broadly to any competitive event or selection process, often implying formal, high-stakes assessment. In some contexts, it describes a competitive examination for civil service or elite educational positions. It is also used for automotive gatherings (concours d'elegance) where classic cars are judged.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, more likely to be encountered in academic/administrative contexts (e.g., for EU jobs). In American English, most common in the phrase 'concours d'elegance' (car show).
Connotations
Implies sophistication, formality, and high standards. Can sound pretentious if misapplied to a simple contest.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, but slightly higher recognition in the UK due to historical and administrative ties to French systems.
Grammar
How to Use “concours” in a Sentence
to sit/take a concours (for + institution)to pass/fail a concoursto enter/participate in a concoursa concours to select/determine/appointVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “concours” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in executive recruitment contexts in multinationals (e.g., 'a concours for the director position').
Academic
Used for describing competitive entry exams to grandes écoles in France or similar European systems.
Everyday
Virtually never used. 'Competition' or 'contest' is used instead.
Technical
Specific to certain civil service recruitment (e.g., EU institutions) and classic automobile events.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “concours”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “concours”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concours”
- Using it as a verb ('to concours').
- Using it for informal competitions ('a baking concours').
- Pronouncing the final 's'.
- Spelling it as 'concourse' (which means a large open area).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency loanword used in specific formal or technical contexts.
In British English, it's often /ˈkɒ̃.kʊə/ (similar to 'kon-koor'). In American English, it's often /kɑnˈkʊr/ (kan-KOOR). The final 's' is silent.
They are completely different. 'Concours' is a competition. 'Concourse' is a large open area inside a building (like an airport or station) where people gather.
No, it would sound unnatural and pretentious. Use it only for contexts with a formal, often administrative or specialised, French connection, or for classic car shows (concours d'elegance).
A French loanword meaning a public competition, contest, or examination, especially one for entry into a prestigious institution, a job, or a prize.
Concours is usually formal, administrative, technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “concours d'elegance (a competition for classic or luxury vehicles judged on appearance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COURSe you take to enter a CONtest. CON + COURSe = CONCOURS.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELECTION AS A RACE/TOURNAMENT (a formal, structured race for a limited prize).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'concours' MOST appropriately used?