noun

le atout

asset · strength

Definition & meaning

In its literal sense, specifically in card games, an atout is a trump card. It refers to a suit that is ranked above all others for the duration of a hand or a game. When a player uses an atout, it wins the trick regardless of the value of the cards played from other suits.

In a figurative and more everyday sense, an atout refers to a major advantage, a key asset, or a strength that gives someone a better chance of succeeding. It is a resource or quality that provides a competitive edge in a particular situation, such as a job interview, a negotiation, or a personal challenge. For instance, having professional experience in multiple countries is considered a significant atout in the international business world.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: The word is a masculine noun (un atout). Its plural form is "atouts".

Word origin: The term originates from the French phrase "à tout," which literally translates to "to all" or "at all." In the 16th century, in the context of card games, it was used to describe a move where a player would "play for everything" or use a card that could beat all others. Eventually, the preposition and the pronoun merged into a single noun to designate the superior suit itself.