touted: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, journalistic, business
Quick answer
What does “touted” mean?
To describe or advertise something in enthusiastic and extravagant terms, especially to promote it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To describe or advertise something in enthusiastic and extravagant terms, especially to promote it.
To publicize, praise, or recommend someone or something, often repeatedly or forcefully; sometimes with a nuance of excessive or insincere promotion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the word identically. In British English, 'tout' has an additional, distinct primary meaning as a noun for someone who sells tickets unofficially (e.g., a ticket tout), which is less prominent in American English (where 'scalper' is more common).
Connotations
Slightly more likely to carry a negative connotation of insincere promotion in both varieties, especially in journalistic critique.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in journalistic and business contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “touted” in a Sentence
be touted as + NOUN/PHRASE (The software is touted as a game-changer.)be touted for + NOUN (She was touted for the leadership role.)AGENT + tout + OBJECT (The company touted the new model's safety features.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “touted” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new policy was widely touted by ministers ahead of the election.
- Critics touted the independent film for several awards.
American English
- The startup is being touted as a potential unicorn by investors.
- The senator was touted for the vice-presidential slot.
adjective
British English
- The much-touted festival failed to attract large crowds.
- He is the touted favourite to win the leadership contest.
American English
- The highly touted rookie lived up to the hype.
- Despite its touted benefits, the software had many bugs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe the promotion of a new product, service, or market strategy (e.g., 'The much-touted merger finally closed.')
Academic
Used in critiques or reviews to discuss the promotion of a theory, method, or scholar (e.g., 'The model, touted in the 1990s, has since been revised.')
Everyday
Less common, but used when discussing heavily advertised films, products, or political candidates.
Technical
Rare in highly technical fields; more common in marketing, media, and policy discussions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “touted”
- Confusing 'touted' with 'taunted' (to provoke).
- Using it in a purely positive context without recognizing its potential critical nuance.
- Incorrect: 'He touted to be the best.' Correct: 'He was touted as the best.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always, but it often carries a nuance of skepticism or implies the praise may be excessive or coming from a biased source. Context determines if it's neutral or slightly critical.
Yes, but the passive voice ('is/was touted') is more common, especially in journalistic writing. Active: 'The CEO touted the company's ethical credentials.'
'Praised' is generally more sincere and can come from any source. 'Touted' specifically focuses on the act of promotion or advertisement, often by those with a vested interest, and can imply the praise is part of a sales effort.
It is a participial adjective (derived from the past participle of the verb 'to tout') modifying the noun 'product'.
To describe or advertise something in enthusiastic and extravagant terms, especially to promote it.
Touted is usually formal, journalistic, business in register.
Touted: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaʊtɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaʊtɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “touted as the next big thing”
- “the much-touted”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a town crier shouting 'TOUT! TOUT!' to advertise news – he's TOUTing it.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLICITY IS NOISE (to trumpet, to hype). VALUE IS HEIGHT (highly touted).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'touted' used MOST appropriately?