concours d'elegance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequencyFormal / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “concours d'elegance” mean?
A competition in which antique or classic cars (or other vehicles like horses, boats) are judged on the beauty and elegance of their appearance, rather than their speed or performance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A competition in which antique or classic cars (or other vehicles like horses, boats) are judged on the beauty and elegance of their appearance, rather than their speed or performance.
Any judged competitive event where elegance, style, condition, and historical authenticity are the primary criteria for victory. May also be used metaphorically for any situation where appearance is judged as the main factor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use the French term equally.
Connotations
Associated with high-society events, classic car enthusiasts, and a niche, affluent hobbyist culture in both regions.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language but standard within the specific hobbyist communities in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “concours d'elegance” in a Sentence
enter a concours d'elegancejudge a concours d'elegancewin a concours d'elegancecompete in the concours d'eleganceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “concours d'elegance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We plan to concours the Bentley.
- He spends years concoursing his Alvis.
American English
- He's concoursed that Ferrari to perfection.
- They concours their cars for the annual event.
adverb
British English
- The engine was restored concours.
American English
- The interior is finished concours-correct.
adjective
British English
- The car is in concours condition.
- It's a concours-level restoration.
American English
- This is a concours-quality paint job.
- She maintains a concours-ready motorcycle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing for luxury brands or classic car dealerships to evoke exclusivity and heritage.
Academic
Rare, might appear in papers on material culture, design history, or the sociology of collecting.
Everyday
Almost never used in everyday conversation outside of specific enthusiast circles.
Technical
Standard term within the classic and vintage automobile restoration and collecting community.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “concours d'elegance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “concours d'elegance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concours d'elegance”
- Spelling errors: 'concour d'elegance' (missing 's'), 'concours d'elegence' (missing 'a'), 'concours d'elegant' (wrong part of speech).
- Using it to refer to any car show, not just judged elegance competitions.
- Pronouncing it as if it were an English phrase (e.g., /ˈkɒŋkɔːz dɪ ˈɛlɪɡəns/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a French phrase that has been borrowed into English as a fixed, specialized term, primarily used untranslated.
Yes, while most common for cars, the concept exists for horses (horse shows), bicycles, and even yachts, where presentation and elegance are judged.
Approximate carefully: British: /kɒ̃ˌkʊə deɪˈleɪɡɑ̃ːns/ (with nasal vowels), American: /kɑnˌkʊrs ˌdeɪləˈɡɑns/ (with a more Anglicized 'r' in 'concours').
A general car show is for display and casual viewing. A concours d'elegance is a formal, judged competition with strict classes and criteria focused on perfection and authenticity.
A competition in which antique or classic cars (or other vehicles like horses, boats) are judged on the beauty and elegance of their appearance, rather than their speed or performance.
Concours d'elegance is usually formal / specialized in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not a race; it's a concours d'elegance.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CONtest where COURS (sounds like 'course') isn't about speed, but about 'elegance.' It's a course in being elegant.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BEAUTY CONTEST IS A COMPETITION FOR OBJECTS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a concours d'elegance?