French word

concours

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃kuʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncontest

Example

Ce week-end, il y a un concours de chant.

This weekend, there is a singing contest.

Illustration for concours (contest)

More examples

Il a décidé de passer un concours la semaine prochaine.

He decided to sit an entrance exam next week.

Core concept

An organized contest that gathers candidates and ranks them against defined standards for a limited outcome.

Common phrases

  • passer un concours

    sit an entrance exam

  • les résultats du concours

    the results of the entrance exam

Similar words

compétition: An event where participants compete for a prize or ranking.
examen: An official test that assesses knowledge or skills to determine who passes.
match: A direct sporting contest between two teams or individuals.
sélection: The process of choosing successful candidates from a group of applicants by set criteria.

Definition in French

Compétition organisée, souvent publique, visant à départager des candidats pour un poste, un diplôme ou une récompense.

Word origin

The noun concours derives from Latin concursus, a meeting or coming together, with French extending that idea to an organized contest.

Usage tips

  • Concours can refer to an artistic contest or to a formal entrance or recruitment examination, so the surrounding context determines the English translation.

Other meanings

  • entrance examnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word